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Adventistische Schriften über: "1 Cor 15:32: Which fight and which animals are mentioned here in the context of the resurrection?"
Answer
In 1 Corinthians 15:32 Paul mentions the fight with wild animals in Ephesus (“having fought with wild animals in a human way”) as an example of the extreme dangers and sufferings to which he exposed his life. The present writings make clear that Paul regarded this fight and the danger of death as completely futile if there were no resurrection of the dead, since he placed his entire hope on the future reward at the resurrection.
Paul’s Fight in Ephesus and the Hope of the Resurrection
»Paul says: “If I have fought with wild animals in Ephesus in a human way (risking my life), what does it profit me, IF THE DEAD DO NOT RESURRECT?” His language here clearly shows that he had no hope other than a resurrection of the dead. And if there were no resurrection, he would adopt the Epicurean mindset: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are dead.”«
The Significance of the Fight with Animals Regarding the Reward
»Do you have any proof that Paul did not expect to be with Christ at the resurrection? Judge for yourself in the light of the following words: “If I have fought with wild animals in Ephesus in a human way, what does it profit me, IF THE DEAD DO NOT RESURRECT? Let us eat and drink, for TOMORROW WE ARE DEAD.” [...] He clearly indicates that there would be no reward if there were no resurrection; a decisive proof that he knew nothing of an entrance into the heavenly city through the gate of death.«
The Futility of Dangers Without the Resurrection
»The second point the Apostle makes in this context is found in 1 Corinthians 15:32: “If I have fought with wild animals in Ephesus in a human way, what does it profit me, if the dead do not rise? Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we are dead.” [...] What the Apostle says here is a logical and justified conclusion from the doctrine that there is no resurrection; for if there is no resurrection, then there can be no judgment – no future state of rewards and punishments; why then should we bear crosses and keep ourselves under constant discipline?«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
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