Paul addresses the Corinthians with a rhetorical question to highlight the importance of the resurrection. He refers to his own experiences, possibly metaphorical, of facing great challenges, symbolized by 'fighting wild beasts in Ephesus.' This imagery underscores the intensity of his struggles for the sake of the Gospel. Without the hope of resurrection, such efforts would seem futile, leading to a mindset of 'eat and drink, for tomorrow we die,' a phrase that reflects a life focused solely on immediate gratification and devoid of eternal perspective.
Paul's argument is that the resurrection of the dead gives profound meaning to life and to the sacrifices made in faith. It assures believers that their labor is not in vain and that there is a future beyond this life. This hope of resurrection is central to Christian faith, encouraging believers to persevere through trials with the assurance that their lives have eternal significance. By affirming the resurrection, Paul calls the Corinthians to live with purpose, hope, and a focus on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures.