Figurative Usage in the New Testament

The term ἀπαρχή (aparchē) is used in the New Testament in reference to a wide range of subjects called “firstfruits.” The nuance of best from the Old Testament usage is seen in Jas 1:18, where Christians are called the “firstfruits” of God’s creation. The remaining uses all emphasize the shade of meaning of the “first part of a larger harvest.”

Christ being raised from the dead is the “firstfruits” of the future resurrection (1 Cor 15:20, 23). Paul calls Epaenetus and the household of Stephanas “the firstfruits of Achaia” (i.e. among the first to believe in Christ in southern Greece; Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:15 HCSB). In Romans 8:23, the Holy Spirit is the “firstfruits” of all the spiritual riches believers will have in the presence of the Lord.

The remaining two uses play off the only figurative use in the Old Testament (Jer 2:3). In Romans 11:16, the believing remnant (“firstfruits”) of Israel is said to be “holy,” echoing Jer 2:3. A few verses later, the promise is laid out: A time will come when “all Israel will be saved” and made holy (Rom 11:26–27). The 144,000, earlier said to be Israelites (Rev 7:4–8), are described as having been “redeemed from the human race (i.e. all humankind) as the firstfruits for God and the Lamb” (HCSB). This is just before the mention of “the eternal gospel” (Rev 14:6) and the harvest of salvation and judgment (Rev 14:14–20).