Gr. eknēphō, “to wake up from a deep sleep [or “stupor”].” The word was often applied to those who awoke sober after intoxication. Here it conveys the idea of shaking off mental bewilderment, and turning from the confusion and folly of doubting the truth of the resurrection. It is a call to turn back from error to right thinking, a warning against the danger of self-complacent apathy. Christians need to be constantly on the alert against insidious infiltrations of false teaching.

Or “stop sinning,” “do not keep on sinning.” Be on guard against error; do not accept a teaching that not only is in error but tends to lead into sin. Rejection of belief in the resurrection could lead to a total disregard of all restraint and to unbridled self-indulgence. Paul considered denial of the doctrine of the resurrection as leading to dangerous consequences in regard to the conduct and manner of life of the Christian.

There were those among the Corinthians who did not know God as the living and Omnipotent One; their belief in Him was mere theory. Such a condition resulted in their ready acceptance of the idea that there is no resurrection. The presence of such persons was a disgrace to the whole church and was not to be tolerated.