This article argues that Paul's mention of a fight with ‘wild animals’ during his time in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32) should be understood as a reference to the evil spirits, or ‘beasts’, at work in the demon-possessed, sorcerers, and idolaters of the city. Two major arguments are given. First, in Jewish apocalyptic circles, ğ›‰Î·Ïίον was commonly used in reference to evil spirits and supernatural monsters. This connects with the magical tendency of referring to daimones as wild animals, a practice that Paul may well have encountered in Ephesus. Secondly, the book of Acts remembers Paul's time in Ephesus as characterized by exorcisms, magical rivalries, and conflict with idolatry—an account that fits with other historical information. The early reception of the verse is also discussed, with particular attention being paid to the interpretation of Origen.
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