Or, “from a human point of view.”

 This appears to be a figurative reference to Paul’s experience with ferocious adversaries at Ephesus (cf. Acts 19:23-41). A Roman citizen could not be punished by being forced to fight with wild beasts. He asks, in substance, the question: “What was gained by exposing myself to perils comparable to fighting with wild beasts, if the message of resurrection to life eternal through Jesus Christ is not true? Why should I have undergone such risks in order to announce false teaching? This does not make sense. I might as well have left the people to their fate and said nothing at all.” To what experiences at Ephesus Paul refers, we do not know. In their insensate fury the heathen worshipers of the goddess Diana (or Artemis) were more like wild beasts than human beings. But Paul could not have referred to that particular incident here, for it occurred after the sending of this epistle (cf. 1 Cor. 16:8, 9).

 A citation from the LXX of Isa. 22:13. It would be foolish for Paul, or anyone else, to endure privation, hardship, and persecution in order to preach the gospel of salvation from sin and of future, immortal happiness, if the dead will not be raised. He might as well make the most of this life, enjoying its pleasures to the limit, knowing that death will be the ultimate end. Such indeed seems to be the Epicurean philosophy of many, especially as the second advent of Christ draws near (see Matt. 24:38, 39; 2 Tim. 3:1-4).