And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? It is folly for us to expose ourselves to so many dangers and persecutions, in hope of the resurrection, if there is none. This is a fresh reason, or rather a fresh part of the reason joined to the preceding verse. That we all shall rise again is evident from the common belief and instinct of all the faithful, instilled into them both by grace and nature; for all long for baptism, because of this hope of the resurrection. Others again, and we especially, because of the same hope, boldly meet and even attack all dangers and sufferings. God, therefore, who by nature and grace has given us this feeling and this courage, through hope of the resurrection, plainly testifies by this very fact that we shall rise again.
See again whence he endeavors to establish the doctrine, from his own suffrage: or rather not from his only, but from that also of the other apostles. And this too is no small thing; that the teachers whom you produce were full of vehement conviction and signified the same not by words only, but also by very deeds. Therefore, you see, he does not say simply, we are persuaded, for this alone was not sufficient to persuade them, but he also furnishes the proof by facts; as if he should say, in words to confess these things haply seems to you no marvel; but if we should also produce unto you the voice which deeds send forth, what can you have to say against that? Hear ye then, how by our perils also day by day we confess these things? And he said not I, but we, taking along with him all the apostles together, and thereby at once speaking modestly and adding credibility to his discourse.
For what can you have to say? That we are deceiving you when we preach these things, and that our do...
Who would choose a life of constant danger if there was no point to it? Some people do this kind of thing in a moment of vain boasting, but that is not the same as dedicating one’s whole life to it over a number of years.
