Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Corinthians 15:32 - 15:32

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Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Corinthians 15:32 - 15:32


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

32. κατὰ ἄνθρωπον. From a purely human point of view, one bounded entirely by the horizon of this world, and excluding the idea of another life. Cf. ch. 1Co 3:3, and Rom 3:5; Gal 1:11; Gal 3:15. Cf. Soph. Aj. 761 βλαστὼν ἔπειτα μὴ κατ' ἄνθρωπον φρονῇ. Also line 777.

ἐθηριομάχησα. This word and its derivatives became the technical expressions for men contending with beasts in the amphitheatre. The point of the Apostle’s allusion can hardly be missed by any one who reads Act 19:29-30. He did not ‘adventure himself; in the theatre it is true. But none the less was his experience a θηριομαχία. Ignatius, Ad Romans 5, δεδεμένος δέκα λεοπάρδοις, ὅ ἐστι στρατιωτῶν τάγμα. Also 2Ti 4:17; Psa 22:20-21; Psa 35:17.

τί μοι τὸ ὄφελος; What is the use of it? as we should say.

εἰ νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται. The best later editors, following Chrysostom, place the note of interrogation before this passage. The whole will then run thus, If after the manner of men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me? If the dead rise not, let us eat and drink &c.

φάγωμεν καὶ πίωμεν, αὔριον γὰρ ἀποθνήσκομεν. These words are quoted from Isa 22:13. They agree with the LXX. but whether they are an independent translation or not is uncertain. ‘With our hopes of immortality gone, the value of humanity ceases’ and life becomes not worth living. ‘Go, then, to the sensualist. Tell him that the pleasure of doing right is a sublimer existence than that of self-indulgence. He will answer you … “The victory is uncertain, present enjoyment is sure.” … Do you think you can arrest that with some fine sentiment about nobler and baser being? Why, you have made him out to be base yourself. He dies, you tell him, like a dog. Why should he live like an angel?… The instincts of the animal will be more than a match for all the transcendental reasonings of the philosopher.’ Robertson. Observe the present instead of the future in ἁποθνήσκομεν, implying not the future act, but the present liability.