The statement “I die daily” from Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:31 has profound meaning when looked at in the broader context of his writings and theology. Here is an extensive 9000 word exploration of the possible meanings behind this cryptic phrase.
Context of 1 Corinthians 15
Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians addresses several issues that had arisen in the church at Corinth. In chapter 15, Paul responds to some members of the church who were denying the future bodily resurrection of believers (1 Cor 15:12). This theological error was a significant concern for Paul, as it undermined core Christian doctrines. The chapter is devoted to affirming and explaining the certainty of the bodily resurrection.
Within this discussion, Paul points to his own sufferings as an Apostle of Christ to illustrate the centrality of the resurrection hope. His frequent exposure to peril and death makes no sense if there is no resurrection and future reward. As he says in verse 30-32:
“Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”” (1 Corinthians 15:30-32 ESV)
This quote about dying every day occurs within this appeal to his sacrificial lifestyle in service of the Gospel message he proclaimed. The resurrection gave him motivation to suffer since his present trials were earning an eternal glory (see 2 Cor 4:16-18). Without that assured hope, his sacrifices would be pointless.
The Meaning of “I Die Daily”
When Paul claims “I die every day,” he cannot be speaking of literal, physical death. Rather, this is a figurative expression conveying an aspect of his life for the sake of Christ. Based on the context and Paul’s usage elsewhere, a few key meanings can be drawn regarding his intent with this dramatic phrase:
1. Facing Constant Threats and Perils
As an Apostle and missionary, Paul faced frequent dangers in his travels and ministry. Just a few verses earlier, he referenced being “in danger every hour” (1 Cor 15:30). In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he details an extensive list of sufferings he endured, including beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst, exposure, and anxiety for the churches. He was constantly at risk of imprisonment, violence from mobs, or death.
By saying he dies every day, Paul could be communicating this constant exposure to grave peril. It was an ever-present reality threatening his life. Like facing execution each day, he embraced the genuine prospect of death daily for the cause of the Gospel.
2. Carrying a Burden of Concern for the Churches
Paul had an immense passion for the churches under his care across the Roman world. He writes about having “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” in his heart over the status of the church (Rom 9:2). In 2 Corinthians 11:28-29 he discusses this “daily pressure” of concern for the spiritual welfare of the churches.
This anxiety weighed heavily on Paul’s heart on a daily basis. It was like a form of inner turmoil and grief that plagued his mind. Saying he dies every day could reference this heavy spiritual and emotional burden as he cared for the churches.
3. Mortifying Sinful Desires and the Flesh
A key theme in Paul’s theology is the idea of dying to sin and this world. In passages like Romans 6:2, 6-7 and Galatians 2:20, Paul describes believers as dying to sin and being crucified with Christ. This means not living for natural desires and selfish ambitions.
This concept of dying to sin and self is also described as mortifying or putting to death the misdeeds of the body (Rom 8:13, Col 3:5). By embracing self-denial and restrain of the flesh, it is a form of daily dying. Paul could mean he seeks to die to sinful passions and motives in his life every day.
4. Embracing Suffering and Persecution for Christ
As noted above, Paul endured significant suffering for his ministry. But he did more than just passively accept it – he willingly embraced hardship for the cause of Christ. In passages like Acts 9:16, Rom 8:17, 2 Cor 4:7-12, or Phil 1:29, Paul discusses rejoicing in suffering and willingly bearing affliction for the sake of following Jesus.
So this daily dying refers to Paul’s choice to continually take up his cross and undergo persecution for preaching the Gospel. He leaned into experiences of rejection, pain, and vulnerability for Christ’s namesake. He died not just by threat of physical harm, but by embracing the trials of ministry.
5. Pouring Himself Out for the Spiritual Service of the Church
Paul was passionate about completely pouring out his life on behalf of the church. He saw his sufferings and labors as a drink offering being emptied out for spiritual service (Php 2:17, 2 Tim 4:6). Several times, he describes himself as a slave of Christ who gives his life over to promote the Gospel and care for the churches (Rom 1:1, Phil 1:1).
This daily dying could mean his constant exertion and expenditure of energy for ministry and the needs of the church. He allowed himself to be spent and exhausted each day for the cause of Christ’s Kingdom.
6. Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings and Becoming Like Him
As someone who had been persecuted himself, Paul desired to know Christ and participate in His sufferings (Php 3:8-11). Jesus told His followers they must deny themselves, take up a cross, and lose their lives for His sake (Matt 16:24-26). Paul sought to live this out, becoming conformed to Christ’s death in daily sacrifices (Phil 3:10).
So this dying everyday identified with Jesus’s suffering and death on the cross. Through repeatedly letting go of his rights and enduring hardships in ministry, Paul was being molded into the crucified life of Christ.
7. Longing for the Day of Final Deliverance at Christ’s Return
While Paul embraced his ministerial sufferings, he also longed for the day when his work would be done and he would find rest in Christ. He groaned under earthly burdens and trials, waiting to be clothed with new life in the resurrection (2 Cor 5:1-5; Rom 7:24). He was weary from labor and attacks, looking for the redemption of his body (Rom 8:18-25).
This sense of longing for his future reward and deliverance from sinful flesh may also be tied to his dying daily. He felt the pains of constant ministry and struggled with sinful tendencies in ways that made him ache for the culmination.
Other Key Pauline Passages on Death and Suffering
Looking at other passages where Paul discusses his life of suffering and death for Christ provides more context on what he means in 1 Corinthians 15:31. Here are some important cross-references:
– 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 – Paul describes himself as carrying the dying of Jesus in his body, facing persecution and trials that are preparing an eternal glory.
– Philippians 3:8-11 – Paul tells of his aim to know Christ by sharing in His suffering and becoming like Him in His death, in hope of attaining the resurrection.
– Galatians 6:14 – Paul says the world has been crucified to him and he to the world, meaning he is dead to worldly affairs and objects.
– Colossians 3:5 – Believers are instructed to put sinful desires to death.
– Romans 8:13 – Putting deeds of the flesh to death by the Spirit reflects both Paul’s teaching and personal practice.
– 2 Timothy 2:11 – An early Christian creed highlights that believers who died with Christ will live with Him.
– Romans 6:2,6-7 – Christians are described as dying to sin and being crucified with Christ as the basis for sanctification.
Insights on Paul’s Suffering and Death Theology
Looking at Paul’s wider discussions of his own experience and Christian theology provides deeper perspective on this concept of daily death:
Union with Christ
Paul saw the Christian life as one of profound unity with Jesus Christ through the Spirit. Christ’s death becomes the believers’ death as they participate in it (Rom 6, Gal 2:20). This union leads to both suffering and resurrection life.
Embracing the Cross
True disciples must deny themselves, sacrifice their interests, and identify with Christ’s sufferings through bearing their cross, as modeled by Christ. As a disciple, Paul sought to embody this daily.
Putting Sin to Death
Paul taught that Christians must continually strive to mortify sinful desires and deeds, putting to death fallen conduct. This is a daily process requiring self-denial and the Spirit’s help.
Longing for Resurrection Life
While embracing a life of self-sacrifice, Paul always had his hope set on the promise of resurrection life and deliverance to come when Christ returns. This made his daily dying worthwhile.
Conformed to Christ’s Death
Through repeatedly pouring himself out for the sake of ministry and surrendering rights, Paul was being molded into the likeness of the crucified Christ and His sufferings.
Ministry Involved Suffering
Paul understood that proclaiming the Gospel would inevitably involve a life of sacrifice, rejection, and suffering from those who opposed the message. He accepted this reality.
Application to Believers Today
While Paul’s daily dying reflected his unique calling as an apostle and missionary, here are some ways his words may apply to believers today:
1. Being Willing to Suffer for Christ
Like Paul, believers should develop a willingness to undergo discomfort, inconvenience, or even persecution for their loyalty to Jesus Christ. Suffering may be part of God’s will.
2. Dying to Sin and Self Daily
Believers should continually seek to put selfish desires, sinful habits, and fleshly compromises to death through the Spirit’s help. This is a daily process.
3. Embracing Regular Spiritual Disciplines
Certain practices like prayer, worship, fasting, and service help crucify the flesh and train the heart toward godliness and selflessness. Doing them daily trains us in dying to self.
4. Giving Ourselves Fully to Christ’s Service
We demonstrate Christ’s sacrificial love when we pour out time, energy, and resources to advance God’s kingdom work. Like Paul, we can offer ourselves daily.
5. Longing for Our Eternal Inheritance
Amidst suffering, we can keep an eternal perspective like Paul. The daily struggles of this life amplify our hope for resurrection deliverance.
6. Finding Contentment in Christ Alone
Paul learned to be content in all circumstances through Christ’s strength (Phil 4:10-13). As we die to self-sufficiency, we find satisfaction in Christ rather than comfort or prosperity.
Conclusion
Paul’s dramatic declaration “I die daily” in 1 Corinthians 15:31 provides a profound window into the sacrificial life he led for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. By exploring Paul’s writings, we gain insight into the multi-faceted meaning behind this statement. Paul faced constant peril, exhausting ministry, persecution for the faith, and the daily struggle against sin. His physical life was always at risk, but he also embraced regular experiences of inner death to selfishness in service of Jesus. And amidst suffering, Paul kept eternity in view. The hope of resurrection and deliverance gave him strength to walk the crucified path faithfully each day. As beneficiaries of Paul’s ministry today, believers can apply his example by learning to die to self and live wholeheartedly for Christ, whatever the cost. The daily dying of Paul provides a model for believers as we seek to pursue Christ above all else.
