Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Sunday, August 21, 2022
I have fought with wild animals in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32).
The apostle Paul may have been referring to wrestling real animals in that city's circus (2 Cor. 1:8; 4:10; 11:23). Or perhaps he was referring to opposition from the Jews and other enemies who were like “wild animals” (Acts 19:26-34; 1 Cor. 16:9). In any case, Paul always faced dangers with optimism (1 Cor. 15:30, 31; 2 Cor. 4:16-18). We too live in dangerous times. Some of our brothers have been victims of crimes. Others live in areas where there is a lot of insecurity due to wars. And in some places, preaching is restricted or even prohibited, and our brothers serve Jehovah at the risk of their freedom or his life. Still, all those Christians continue to worship Jehovah and set an example for us. They are not afraid because they know that even if they die, Jehovah promises to give them something much better. w20.12 9 paras. 3. 4
What would happen during the presence of Jesus?
Both Jesus and Paul spoke prophetically of the presence of Christ, a very important period characterized by wars, earthquakes, epidemics and other world events. This prophecy, which we have been seeing fulfilled since 1914, has another important part. Jesus said that the good news of the Kingdom would be preached “in all the inhabited earth for a testimony to all nations,” and then the end would come (Matt. 24:3, 7-14). Paul indicated that during “the presence of the Lord” anointed Christians who had “fallen asleep in death” would be resurrected in heaven (1 Thess. 4:14-16; 1 Cor. 15:23).
What happens to the anointed who die during the presence of Christ?
Today, anointed Christians who complete their lives on earth are immediately resurrected in heaven. How do we know? From Paul's words at 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52: “We will not all fall asleep in death, but we will all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, during the last trumpet blast.” These words are now being fulfilled. Once they are resurrected, these brothers of Christ will have complete happiness; they will always be “with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17).
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