With commands like “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27), and “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24), and “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13), Jesus moves us forward in spiritual battle.
Apostle Paul took these commands seriously, for he told the congregation at Corinth, “I die every day – I mean that, brothers…” (31)
When Paul said he fought “wild beasts” in Ephesus, the Roman capital city of Asia, he probably actually meant wild animals. Though the act is not mentioned elsewhere, the city did contain a 25,000-seat Great Theatre and a 755ft x 130ft (230m x 40m) sports stadium that included a U-shaped track that was used nine years later during Nero’s empire-wide persecution of Christians (64 A.D).
Apostle Paul, the rest of the apostles, and many others gave up so much and endured so much for Jesus, the gospel, and the church. Why? More than one reason exists. However, the one reason that is noticed by God is for the love of God and others. These can be merely human reasons, but coupled with a hope of the resurrection of the dead through Christ, these two reasons bring on another meaning
Therefore, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3).
