How did Paul survive his fight with wild beasts in Ephesus? 1 Corinthians 15:32
32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”
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Asked May 03 2019
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
I take it figuratively. Paul, as a Roman citizen, would not have been set to fight with beasts in the arena; and such an incident would not have been likely to be passed over by Luke in the Acts. Compare similar metaphors in 1 Corinthians 4:9, 2 Timothy 4:17; Titus 1:12; Psalm 22:12, Psalm 22:13, Psalm 22:20, Psalm 22:21.
For proof of the figurative or metaphorical use of "fought with the wild beasts" I cite the line quoted by St. Paul in Titus 1:12, speaking of the Cretans as "evil wild beasts."
So Epimenides called the Cretians (Tit 1:12).
("Epimenides, in the line quoted by St. Paul in Titus 1:12, spoke of the Cretans as 'evil wild beasts,' and the pseudo-Heraclitus gives this same uncomplimentary title to these very Ephesians". -- biblehub (Pulpit Commentary))
David often compares his enemies to wild beasts (Psalm 22:21, etc.-- see above). Psalms 22:21
Why Have You Forsaken Me? (chapter title)
Ps 22:21 Save me from the mouth of the lion!
You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!