What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:31? I face death every day Paul is not exaggerating. He literally endures life-threatening danger as he travels, preaches, and plants churches. • 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 details beatings, shipwrecks, and constant peril, underscoring the “every day” reality. • Romans 8:36 echoes, “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” • 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 shows the purpose: “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed.” Paul’s daily brush with death authenticates his message about the physical resurrection (the theme of 1 Corinthians 15). If there is no resurrection, risking his life would be pointless (v. 32). brothers With this family term Paul draws the Corinthians close, reminding them they share the same spiritual household. • 1 Corinthians 1:10 appeals to them as “brothers” to live in unity. • Hebrews 2:11 teaches that Jesus is “not ashamed to call them brothers,” grounding their kinship in Christ. Paul’s hardships are not remote heroics; they benefit his siblings in the faith. Their mutual bond calls for empathy and support (Galatians 6:2). as surely as I boast about you Paul’s “boast” is not self-promotion but joyful confidence in what God is doing among the Corinthians. • 2 Corinthians 7:4: “I have great pride in you; I am greatly encouraged.” • 2 Thessalonians 1:4 shows a similar pattern: “We boast about you among the churches of God for your perseverance.” His willingness to face death every day is tied to this proud affection. Their existence as a living church proves his labor is not in vain, strengthening his resolve (Philippians 2:16). in Christ Jesus our Lord The entire statement rests on union with Christ. • Galatians 2:20: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” • Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • 2 Timothy 1:9 anchors purpose and grace “in Christ Jesus before time began.” Because Paul and the Corinthians are “in Christ,” both his daily dying and his confident boasting have eternal significance. The resurrection of Jesus guarantees that every sacrifice will be repaid with life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). summary 1 Corinthians 15:31 is Paul’s personal testimony: constant mortal danger, affectionate solidarity with fellow believers, joyful pride in their growth, and unwavering confidence rooted in Christ. He lives on the edge of death because the risen Lord makes that risk worthwhile and because the flourishing of his spiritual family is evidence that Christ’s life is already at work. |
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