1 Corinthians 15:32

Translations

Modern

If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Traditional

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Literal

If according to man I fought wild beasts in Ephesus, what is the gain to me? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and let us drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Latin

Si secundum hominem ad bestias pugnavi Ephesi, quid mihi prodest, si mortui non resurgunt? Manducemus, et bibamus, cras enim moriemur.

Original

Greek

English

If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Notes

1 Corinthians 15:32

If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus: Paul uses this phrase to describe his struggles with opponents in Ephesus (see 16:8; Acts 19:23–41; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 4:8–12; 11:23–28). Watching condemned prisoners fight wild beasts and get mauled to death was common entertainment in the Roman world.

1 Corinthians 15:30–32

The apostles risked their lives because they believed in life after death. Without resurrection, their suffering would be meaningless.

1 Corinthians 15:12–34

Paul argues for a future resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:1–58

Some church members doubted a future resurrection of the dead. Paul reassures them and addresses their skeptical questions by discussing the nature of a resurrection body.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Resurrection in the Old Testament The Coming of God’s Kingdom The Resurrection of Jesus The Resurrection of the Dead

Related verses

Isaiah 22:13
But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”
Luke 12:19
Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
Isaiah 56:12
“Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”
2 Corinthians 1:8–10
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
2 Peter 2:12
These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.
Acts 18:19
When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.
Jude 1:10
These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.
Romans 6:19
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.
Galatians 3:15
Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.
Luke 9:25
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?
Malachi 3:14–15
You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?
Acts 19:1
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples

Places

Ephesus: Major city in Asia Minor; important center for early Christianity

Glossary

Baptism for the Dead Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Body of Christ Death First Letter to the Corinthians Glorification Intermediate State Letter to Philemon Letter to the Colossians New Creation, New Creature Parousia Paul the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Place of the Dead Second Adam Sleep

Topics

Animals: Paul Contends With Beasts: Persecutors Body: Resurrection of Epicureans: To Paul Games: Fighting Wild |Beasts|, of Spiritual Conflict Games: Gladiatorial Gladiator: Paul Contended with Wild |Beasts| Gluttony: General Scriptures Concerning Gluttony: Leads to Carnal Security Immortality: General Scriptures Concerning Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under Punishments: Capital Kinds of Exposing to Wild Beasts Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Resurrection: General Scriptures Concerning Sensuality: General Scriptures Concerning The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Gladiatorial Fights Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning

1 Corinthians 15:32

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