Final answer:
Paul mentioned fighting with beasts metaphorically in 1 Corinthians 15:32, relating to challenges he faced in Ephesus, not a literal physical battle in an arena.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Apostle Paul refers to fighting with beasts in his first letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 15:32, Paul writes, "If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained?" While the phrase "fought with beasts" could be a literal reference to battling animals, many scholars interpret this metaphorically, suggesting that Paul is referring to his struggles against his fierce opponents in Ephesus. This metaphor reflects the challenges and persecutions he faced while spreading the message of Christianity. The context of this phrase does not support that Paul literally fought animals in an arena, but rather he uses vivid language to describe the opposition he encountered in his missionary work.