Note 4 at 1 Cor. 15:32: It is unclear whether Paul meant this literally or figuratively. There is no account in Acts of him fighting with physical beasts, so many presume this to be a figurative statement Paul applied to the men of Ephesus. The Phillips's translation and the Living Bible paraphrase interpret it that way (see ref. h, this verse).

However, it was a Roman practice to throw prisoners to animals as sport, so there is a possibility that this literally happened. In any case, this is similar to the mention of baptizing for the dead mentioned in verse 29. This is the only mention of this in scripture, and no doctrine can be established on the basis of one scripture (see note 1 at v. 29, p. 960).

The point that Paul is making is clear. He believes there is a heaven and hell which people will be resurrected to, and therefore, he had endured many hardships to preach the gospel to every creature.

Note 5 at 1 Cor. 15:32: This philosophy, which Paul is ridiculing here, is the current philosophy which many people hold today. They are "partying" today, oblivious of any future consequences. Paul said that this would be the correct way of thinking if there were no resurrection. Since there is a resurrection, this is not the correct way of thinking.

This does illustrate why most people have this attitude. They don't believe in, or have forgotten about, the resurrection. They are totally focused on the temporary present. A consciousness of eternity will sober a person and cause him to act in self-sacrificing ways.