INOW commend unto you Phœbe our sister, who is a deaconess of the church which is at Cenchrea:2that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that you assist her in every matter wherein she may have need of you: for she hath also been a succourer of many, and of me myself.
3Salute Priscilla and Aquila my fellow-labourers in Christ Jesus:4(who for my life have laid down their own neck: to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles:)5and the church which is in their house.
Salute Epinetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.6Salute Mary, who laboured in many things to serve us.7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and fellow-prisoners, who are eminent among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.8Salute Amplias my beloved in the Lord.9Salute Urban, our fellow-labourer in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.10Salute Apelles the approved in Christ. Salute those who are of the family of Aristobulus.11Salute Herodion my kinsman. Salute those which belong to the family of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have laboured hard in the Lord. Salute Persis the beloved, who laboured much in the Lord.13Salute Rufus elect in the Lord, and his mother and mine.14Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Dermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.15Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them.16Salute one another with the holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.17Now I beseech you, brethren, keep a sharp eye over those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine ye have learned, and turn away from them.18For such are not servants to our Lord Jesus Christ, but to their own belly; and by smooth speeches and flattering commendations deceive the hearts of the guileless.19For your obedience is gone forth in report to all men. I rejoice therefore on your account: but I wish you to be wise indeed unto good, but harmless respecting evil.20Now the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21There salute you Timothy, my fellow-labourer, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen.22I Tertius, who have written this epistle, salute you in the Lord.23Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.Amen.
25Now to him that is able to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, agreeable to the revelation of the mystery; which was concealed from all former ages,26but is now made manifest, and by the prophetical scriptures, according to the commandment of the eternal God, notified to all the Gentiles to bring them to the obedience of faith:27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Written to the Romans, and sent by Phœbe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchrea.
OF
PAUL THE APOSTLE
TO THE
CORINTHIANS.
PAUL, a called apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother,2to the church of God which is at Corinth, sanctified in Christ Jesus, to the called saints, with all those who invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both their’s and our’s:3grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.4I give thanks to my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which hath been given you in Christ Jesus;5that in every thing ye have been enriched by him, in all utterance, and all knowledge;6thus the testimony of Jesus hath been confirmed among you:7so that ye have not been deficient in any gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ:8who shall confirm you to the end blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.9Faithful is God, by whom ye have been called into communion with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10Now I conjure you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no schisms among you; but that ye be perfectly united together in the same mind and the same sentiment.11For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by those of the family of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.12Now this I observe, that one and another of you saith, I am indeed of Paul; but I of Apollos; but I of Cephas; but I am of Christ.13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptised into the name of Paul?
14I thank God that I baptised none of you, except Crispus and Gaius;15that no man might say, I baptised into my own name.16And I also baptised the household of Stephanus: besides these, I know not if I baptised any other person.17For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of discourse, lest the cross of Christ should be slighted.18For the discourse,the subject of which isthe cross, is indeed to those who perish, folly; but to us who are saved it is the power of God.19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the understanding of the intelligent will I make useless87.”20Where is the sophist? where is the scribe? where is the inquisitive searcher after this world’s wisdom? hath not God turned into folly the wisdom of this world?21for since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.22For the Jews demand a miracle, and the Greeks seek wisdom:23but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews indeed an offence, and to the Greeks folly;24but to those who are called, whether Jews or Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.25For this foolishness of God is wiser than men; and this weakness of God is stronger than men.26For ye see your calling, brethren, that not many fleshly wise, not many men in power, not many men of high birth, are called:27but the foolish things of this world hath God elected, that he might confound the wise; and the feeble things of the world hath God elected, that he might confound the mighty;28and the ignoble things of the world, and the despicable, hath God elected, and the things that are not, to bring to nought the things which are,29that no flesh should glory in his presence.30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who hath been made to us of God wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:31that, as it is written, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord88.”
AND I, when I came to you, brethren, came not with superior excellence of discourse or wisdom, preaching unto you the gospel of God.2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.3And in weakness, and in fear, and in much timidity, was I among you.4And my conversation and my preaching was not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but with demonstration of the Spirit, and of power:5that your faith might not stand on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.6But we speak wisdom among the perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are destroying themselves:7but we speak the wisdom of God, which had been hid in mystery, which God predestined before the worlds were, for our glory:8which none of the rulers of this world have known: for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9But, as it is written89, “The things which eye hath not seen, and ear hath not heard, and that have not entered into the heart of man, these hath God prepared for those who love him.”10But to us hath God revealed them by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth out all things, even the depths of God.11For who among men knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? so also the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.13Which things also we speak, not in discourses framed by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit of God; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are folly to him: and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually discerned.15But the spiritual man discerneth indeed all things, though himself is discernible by no man.16For who hath known the mind of the Lord? who will instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
AND I, brethren, have been unable to speak to you as unto spiritual men, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ.2And I have given you milk to drink, and not meat: for hitherto ye have not been capable of it, yea, even to the present moment ye are not capable of it.3For ye are still carnal: for since there are among you envy, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk asothermen?4For when one saith, I am indeed of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but the ministers through whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to eachof us?6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, nor he that watereth; but God who giveth the increase.8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but every one shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9For we are God’s fellowlabourers: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
10According to the grace of God given unto me, as a skilful architect, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every one take heed how he buildeth upon it.11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus the Messiah.12But if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, timbers, hay, stubble;13every man’s work shall be made manifest: for that day shall declare it, for it shall be laid open by fire; and the fire shall prove every man’s work of what sort it is.14If any man’s work which he hath built abidethe trial, he shall receive a reward.15If any man’s work be burnt up, he shall suffer loss: but himself shall be saved; yet so as through the fire.
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?17If any man prophane the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinketh himself a wise man in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.19For the wisdom of this world is folly in the sight of God. For it is written, “He entangleth the wise in their own craftiness90.”20And again91, “The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise, that they are futile.”21Wherefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;22whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all things are your’s;23and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
LET a man so account of us, as the under servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.2Moreover it is expected of stewards, that a man be found faithful.3But it is my least consideration that I should be judged by you, or by human opinion: yea I decide not respecting myself.4For though I am not conscious to myself of any unfaithfulness, yet am I not thereby justified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord.5Wherefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord come, who also will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will manifest the counsels of men’s hearts; and then shall praise be given to each from God.
6But these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself, and Apollos for your sake; that in us ye might learn not to be attached, beyond what is written, lest one being for oneminister, ye be puffed upwith prejudiceagainst another.7For who distinguisheth thee? and what hast thou which thou hast not received? But if thou also hast received it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
8Now ye are full, now ye have grown rich, ye have reigned without us: and I wish indeed that you may reign, that we also might reign together with you.9For I think that God hath exposed us his apostles the last as devoted unto death. For we have been made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.10We are counted fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are mighty; ye are honourable persons, but we despised.11For even to this present hour we undergo hunger and thirst and nakedness, and are buffeted about, and have no settled abode;12and work hard, labouring with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;13being injuriously spoken of, we entreat; we are made as the ordures of the world, as the sweepings of all things unto this day.
14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I admonish you.15For though ye may have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you.16Now I conjure you, be followers of me.17For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my son beloved and faithful in Christ, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ Jesus, as I teach every where in every church.
18Now some are puffed up, as though I would not really come to you.19But I will come shortly unto you, if the Lord please, and will know, not the prating of them that are puffed up, but the power.20For the kingdom of God is not in talk, but in power.21What is your wish? That I should come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
IT is generally reported that there is whoredom among you, and such whoredom as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.2And ye are puffed up, though ought ye not rather to be grieved? that he who hath done this deed might be plucked from the midst of you.3For I indeed, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have already, as present, passed judgment on him who hath so done this thing;4in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ye being assembled together and my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,5to deliver such a one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6Your glorying is not good: know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole mass?7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new mass, as ye are unleavened.
For our passover hath been sacrificed for us, even Christ.8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9I have written unto you in an epistle that you should not associate with fornicators.10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters: for then must ye indeed go out of the world.11But now I have written unto you not to associate with him, if any man, professing to be a brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such a one not even to eat.12For what call have I to judge those who are without? Do not ye judge those who are withinthe church?13But those who are without God judgeth. Put then away that wicked man from among yourselves.
DARE any of you, having a matter of controversy with another, sue for judgment before the unjust, and not before the saints?2Know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to be judges in the smallest matters?3Know ye not that we shall judge angels, much more things pertaining to this life?
4If then ye have disputes about the things of this life, do you seat those on the bench who are least esteemed in the church?5I speak to you to shame you. Is it so, that there is not among you a wise man? Not so much as one who is able to judge between one brother and another?6But brother goes to law with brother, and this before the unbelievers.7Now verily therefore there is altogether a fault among you, because ye have law-suits one with another. Why do ye not rather submit to the wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?8But ye do wrong and defraud, and that the brethren.
9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor sodomites,10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11Yet such were some of you: but ye have been washed, but ye have been sanctified, but ye have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God.
12All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but I will not put myself under the power of any.13Meats are for the belly, and the belly for meats; but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for whoredom, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.14And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will raise us up by his own power.
15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Taking then the members of Christ, shall I make them members of an harlot? God forbid.
16Do you not know that he that is joined to an harlot is one body with her? For they two, saith he, shall be “one flesh92.”17But he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit.
18Flee whoredom. Every other sin which a man may commit is without the body; but he who committeth whoredom sinneth against his own body.19Do ye not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have from God, and ye are not your own?20For ye have been bought with a price: glorify then God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
NOW with regard to those things concerning which ye have written unto me, it were good for a man not to touch a woman.2But because of the whoredoms, let every man have his own wife, and every wife her own husband.
3Let the husband render to the wife due benevolence, and in like manner also the wife to the husband.4The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: in like manner also the husband has not power over his own body, but the wife.5Defraud not one another, except it may be by consent occasionally, that ye may have more leisure for fasting and prayer; and come together again, lest Satan tempt you through your incontinence.6But in this I speak my opinion only, not authoritatively.7For I would that all men were even as myself: but every man hath his peculiar gift from God, one of this sort, and another of that.8I say then to the unmarried and the widows, that it is becoming them if they abide as I am.9But if they have not the gift of continence, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.10But to the married not I command, but the Lord, That the wife be not separated from the husband:11and even if she should be separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12But to the others I speak, not the Lord, If any brother hath a wife unbelieving, yet she chuseth to dwell with him, let him not put her away.13And the wife which hath a husband not a believer, and he chuses to dwell with her, let her not put him away.14For the husband that believeth not is sanctified by the wife, and the wife who believeth not is sanctified by the husband: else indeed your children were unclean, but now are they holy.15But if the unbelieving person depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in these cases, but God hath called us unto peace.
16For how knowest thou, O wife, but thou shalt save thy husband? and how knowest thou, O husband, but thou shalt save thy wife?17Nevertheless as God has bestowed the gift on every man as the Lord hath called every man, so let him walk, and so I give command in all the churches.
18Is any man called being circumcised? let him not affect uncircumcision. Is any man called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the observance of the commandments of God.
20Let every one abide in the calling in which he is called.21Art thou called being a slave? let it give thee no concern; but if thou canst also obtain thy freedom, rather make use of it.22For he that is called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lord’s freed man: in like manner also, he that is called, being a free man, is the servant of Christ.23Have you been redeemed with a price? become not the slaves of men.24Let every one, brethren, in the vocation wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
25Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord; but I offer my opinion, as having obtained mercy from the Lord to be faithful.26I think then that this is becoming, considering our present straits, that it is proper for a man to be thus.27Art thou bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.28But if thou shouldst marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned; though such will have tribulation in the flesh; but I spare you.
29Now this I say, brethren, that the time is short. The conclusion is, that even they who have wives, should be as though they had not;30and they who weep as though they wept not; and they who rejoice as though they rejoiced not; and they that purchase as though they possessed not;31and they who use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.32But I would have you to be free from anxiety. He who is unmarried is anxious for the things of the Lord, how he shall please the Lord:33but he who is married is anxious about the things of the world, how he shall please his wife.34A wife and a virgin hath different pursuits: the unmarried woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about the things of the world, how she shall please her husband.35Now I say this for your own advantage, and not that I should lay a snare in your way, but as what is seemly, and that you may wait on the Lord without distraction.36But if a person supposes it would be unseemly for a virgin of his if she should pass the flower of her agein celibacy, and that duty directs it should be so, let him do as he is inclined, he doth not sin: let such marry.37But he that is stedfast in his heart, not having any necessity, but retaineth power over his own inclination, and hath determined this in his heart that he will preserve his own virgin state, doeth well.38Wherefore though he who giveth in marriage doeth well, yet he who avoids a matrimonial connection, doeth better.
39The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth: but if her husband be dead, she is free to be married to whomsoever she will, but only in the Lord.40But she is more blessed if she abide as she is, in my opinion: and I think I have the spirit of God.
NOW concerning the things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.2But if any man conceit that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
4Now concerning eating things sacrificed unto idols: we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.5For though there are gods so called, whether celestial or terrestrial, (asof this sortthere are gods many, and lords many;)6but to us there is one God, the Father; of whom are all things, and we for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.7Howbeit there is not in all men this knowledge; but some having conscientious respect for the idol to this moment, eat the meat as sacrificed to the idol; and their conscience being weak, is defiled.8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither if we eat are we the better, or if we eat not are we the worse.9But take heed that this power of yours become not an occasion of stumbling to the weak.10For if any man see thee that hast knowledge, sitting in an idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?11And the weak brother will be destroyed by thy knowledge, for whom Christ died.12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.13Wherefore if meat give occasion of offence to my brother, I will in no wise eat meat for ever, that I give no cause of offence to my brother.
AM I not an apostle? am I not a free man? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?2If I am not an apostle unto others, doubtless I am to you: for ye are the seal of my apostolic mission in the Lord.3My apology to those who interrogate me is this,4Have we not power to eat and drink?5Have we not power to carry about with us a sister wife, as do also the other apostles, even the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?6or I alone and Barnabas, have we not power to forbear labour?7Who goeth at any time to war at his own expences? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit of it? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?8Speak I these thingsrationallyas a man, or doth not the law speak the same things?9for in the law of Moses it is written, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox which treadeth out the corn93.” Doth God take care for oxen?10or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes doubtless it was written; because he who ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he who soweth in hope should be partaker of his hope.11If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we should reap your corporal things?12if others partake of this power over you, ought not we much more? But we have not used this power, and we suffer all things, that we might not put any obstruction in the way of the gospel of Christ.
13Know ye not that they who are employed about the holy things, are fed from the temple? and they who serve at the altar, partake with the altar?14So also the Lord hath commanded to those who preach the gospel, that they should live by the gospel.15But I have used nothing of these things, nor have I written indeed these things, that it should be so done respecting me; for it would become me to die rather than that any man should make my glorying void.16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me, yea verily woe is to me if I preach not the gospel.17For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with the dispensationof it.18What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may put the gospel of Christ to no expence, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19For though I be free from all men, I have made myself the servant of all, that I might gain the more.20And I became to the Jews as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to those under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law;21to those who are without law, as without law (not as being without law to God, but under the law to Christ), that I might gain those who were without law.22I became to the weak as weak, that I might gain the weak; I became all things to all men, that by every means I might save some.23And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be a partaker of it with you.
24Know ye not that they who run on the course, all run indeed, yet but one obtaineth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25And every one who contendethin the gamesis temperate in all things: they indeed therefore do it that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.26I therefore so run not as uncertainly; so do I exercise with my fists, not as striking the air:27but I beat down my body, and bring it into subjection, that I may not by any means, after having preached to others, myself become reprobate.
BUT I would not that you should be ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;2and were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;3and did all eat the same spiritual meat;4and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual rock which followed them; but that rock was Christ.5Nevertheless with the most of them God was not well pleased, for they were destroyed in the wilderness.
6Now these things were examples for us, that we might not be coveters of evil things, as they also coveted.7Neither be ye idolaters as some of them; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to sport themselves94.”8Neither let us commit whoredom, as some of them also committed, and in one day fell twenty-three thousand95.9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted96, and were destroyed by serpents.10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and perished by the destroyer97.11Now all these things happened unto them as examples, but they are written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages are come.12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
13No temptation hath overtaken you, but what is common to men. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted beyond what ye are able to bear; but will with the temptation make also a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear up under it.
14Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.15I speak as unto wise men: judge ye what I say.16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17For we, though many, are one loaf, one body; for we all partake of that one loaf.
18Behold Israel after the flesh. Are not they who eat of the sacrifices partakers with the altar?19What do I say then? that an idol is any thing, or that which is sacrificed to an idol is any thing?20But that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to dæmons, and not to God: and I would not have you in communion with dæmons.21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of dæmons: ye cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and the table of dæmons.22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not profitable; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.24Let no man seek his own gratification, but every one another’s good.
25Every thing which is sold in the shambles eat, asking no question for conscience sake;26“for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof98.”27And if any one of those, who do not believe, invite you, and ye incline to go, eat every thing set before you, asking no question for conscience sake.28But if any person say unto you, This is an idol’s sacrifice, eat not of it, for his sake who pointed it out, and for conscience sake. For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.29Conscience indeed I say, not merely thine own, but that of the other person.
30For why is my liberty abridged by another’s conscience? If I truly with thanksgiving am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all things to the glory of God.32Give no occasion of stumbling either to the Jews or the Gentiles, or the church of God:33even as I please all men, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved.
BE ye imitators of me, as I am of Christ.2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the injunctions as I delivered them unto you.3But I desire you to take notice that the head of every man is Christ; but the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.4Every man praying or prophesying, holdinga veilover his head, dishonoureth his head;5but every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled, dishonoureth her head; for it is one and the same thing, as if she were shaven.6For if the woman be not veiled, let her hair be clipped: but if it would be scandalous for a woman to appear clipped or shaved, let her be veiled.7For a man indeed ought not to veil his head, being the image and the glory of God; but the woman is the glory of the man.8For the man is not from the woman, but the woman from the man.9Also the man was not created for the woman, but the woman for the man.10Therefore ought the woman to retain upon her headthis badge of authority, because of the angelsof the churches.11Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, nor the woman without the man in the Lord.12For as the woman was taken out of the man, so also is the man by the woman: but all things are of God.13Judge among yourselves, is it decent for a woman to be praying to God without a covering?14Does not even nature itself teach you, that if a man wear long flowing hair it is a dishonour to him?15But if a woman let her hair flow, it is an ornament to her; for the hair was given her for a covering,16But if any man mean to be contentious about it, we have no such custom, nor the churches of God.
17But in the matter I am going to denounce, I do not commend you, that ye meet together not for the better, but for the worse.18For in the first place, when ye assemble in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it.19For there must be heresies among you, that they who are the tried ones, may be made manifest among you.
20When therefore ye assemble in the same place, it is not to eat the Lord’s supper.21For one in the eating it taketh before another his own supper: and one is hungry, and another drinks to excess.22What! have ye not houses to eat in and to drink? or despise ye the church of God, and make those ashamed who have none? What shall I say unto you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.23For I received of the Lord what also I delivered to you, That the Lord Jesus, in the night in which he was betrayed, took a loaf:24and when he had blessed it, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: do this in remembrance of me.25In like manner also he took the cup, after they had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew forth the death of the Lord till he come.27Wherefore, whosoever eateth of this bread, or drinketh the cup of the Lord unworthily, he is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh condemnation to himself, not distinguishing the Lord’s body.30For this cause many are diseased and infirm among you, and some asleepin death.31For if we thoroughly judged ourselves, we should not be judged of the Lord.32But being judged, we are corrected by the Lord, that we might not be condemned with the world.33Wherefore, when ye meet together to eat the Lord’s supper, wait for one another.34And if any man be hungry, let him eat at home; that ye meet not together for condemnation. And the other matters I will regulate when I come.
NOW concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, drawn away after the idols that are dumb, even as ye have been led.3Wherefore I advertise you, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God, call Jesus anathema: and no man can say, Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.4But there are diversities of gifts, though the same Spirit.5And there are diversities of services, but the same Lord.6And there are diversities of mighty operations, but it is the same God who worketh all in all.
7Now to every one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for usefulness.8For to one man by the Spirit is given wise discourse; but to another speechcommunicativeof knowledge by the same Spirit;9to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healingdiseasesby the same Spirit;10to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another discernments of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11but all these things worketh that one and the same Spirit, distributing peculiar gifts to every one even as he wills.12For as the body is one, and hath many members, but all the members of that one body, though many, are one body: so also is Christ.13For by one Spirit we all have been baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free men; and we have all been made to drink into one Spirit.14For the body is not one member, but many.15If the foot should say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it, on this account, not of the body?16And if the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it not therefore of the body?17If the whole body were eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?18But now hath God placed the members, every one of them in the body, as he hath chosen.19But if the whole were one member, where were the body?20But now the members indeed are many, but the body one.21Nor can the eye say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.22Yea, much more the members of the body, which appear to be more feeble, are necessary:23and those parts which we esteem as the more dishonourable of the body, on them we bestow more abundant honour, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered together the body, giving more abundant honour to that part which lacked:25that there might be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.26And if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; and if one member be exalted, all the members rejoice with it.27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.28And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues.29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?30have all gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31But zealously seek the gifts that are the best: and yet I shew unto you a more transcendently excellent way.
THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become as sounding brass, and tinkling cymbal.2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries, and all manner of science; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.3And if I deal out all my goods in alms, and deliver up my body that I should be burned, but have not love, I am nothing advantaged by it.4Love is long-suffering, is kind; love envieth not; love is no vain boaster, is not inflatedwith pride,5doth not act unseemly, seeketh not her own advantage, is not passionate, thinketh no evil;6rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth in the truth;7beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8Love never faileth: but if there be prophetic gifts, they shall be no more; if tongues, they shall cease; if science, it shall vanish away.9For we know partially, and prophesy partially.10But when that which is perfect cometh, then that which is in part shall be done away.11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child: but when I grew a man, I put away childish things.12For now we see by reflected light, indistinctly; but then face to face: now I know partially; but then shall I know even as I am known.13But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greater of these is love.
FOLLOW earnestly after love, and zealously seek spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue, speaketh not to men, but to God: for no man understandeth him; although in spirit he speaketh mysterious truths.3But he that prophesieth, addresseth men for edification, and exhortation, and consolation.4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue, edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth, edifieth the church.5Now I could wish that you all spake with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: for greater is he that prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret also, that the church may receive edification.6Now I, brethren, if I should come unto you, speaking in unknown languages, what should I profit you, unless I should speak to youintelligiblyby revelation, or by science, or by prophecy, or by doctrine?7In like manner things inanimate, giving sound, whether the pipe, or the harp, unless they express a distinction in their tones, how shall it be known what is piped, or what is harped?8For if the trumpet also give an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for the battle?9So also ye, unless with the tongue you speak an intelligible discourse, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will speak to the air.10For though there are so many different kinds of languages in the world, yet is not one of them without its meaning.11If therefore I know not the force of the expression, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.12So also ye, if ye zealously affect spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound in them for the edification of the church.13Therefore let him who speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray that he may interpret also.14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my mind produces no fruit.15What then is my object? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing psalms with the spirit, and I will sing psalms with the understanding also.16Else, though thou bless God in spirit, how shall he who filleth the place of an illiterate man, say Amen after thy thanksgiving, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?17For thou indeed givest thanks to God well, but another man is not edified by it.18I thank my God, that I speak with different tongues more than you all:19but in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20Brethren, be not children in your minds: though in naughtiness be ye children, but in your minds be men complete.21In the law it is written, “That with other tongues, and with other lips, will I speak to this people: and even thus will they not attend to me, saith the Lord99.”22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to those that believe, but to those who do not believe: but the gift of prophecy is not for those who are infidels, but for believers.23If then the whole church assemble together in the same place, and all speak different tongues, and there come in illiterate persons, or infidels, will they not say ye are mad?24But if all prophesy, and any infidel or illiterate person come in, he receives conviction from all, he is judged of all:25and thus the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, declaring that God verily is among you.
26How comes it then, brethren, that when ye assemble together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? Let all things be done to edification.27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and one after another; and let one interpret.28But if there be not an interpreter, let him be silent in the church; but let him speak to himself and to God.29Let the prophets two or three speak, and let the others judge.30But if any thing should be revealed to one sitting by, let the first be silent.31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all be comforted.32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of his saints.
34Let your women be silent in the churches: for it is not permitted to them to speak: but to be in subjection, as also the law saith100.35But if they will learn any thing, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.36Went the word of God from you? or came it unto you only?37If any man thinketh that he is a prophet, or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that the things which I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.39Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.40Let all things be done with propriety, and orderly.
NOW I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I have preached unto you, and which ye have received, in which also ye have stood fast;2by which also ye are saved; if ye cleave to that word I have preached to you, except haply ye have believed in vain.3For I delivered to you among the first things that which I also had received, that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures;4and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:5and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:6afterwards he appeared before five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater number remain alive unto this hour, but some also are gone to rest.7Afterwards he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.8And last of all he was seen also by me, who am but as an abortion.9For I am the least of the apostles, who am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was given to me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.11Therefore whether I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12But if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you, that there is no resurrection of the dead?13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither is Christ risen:14and if Christ be not risen, vain indeed is our preaching, and vain also your faith.15Yea, and we also are found false witnesses for God; because we have testified on the behalf of God, that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if indeed the dead are not raised.16For if the dead are not raised, neither is Christ risen:17and if Christ be not risen, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.18Then also they who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are more miserable than all other men.
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruit of those who have fallen asleep.21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.22For as in Adam all are dead, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.23But every one in his own rank: Christ the first-fruit; afterwards those that are Christ’s at his appearing.24Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, and the Father; when he shall have destroyed every dominion and every authority and power.25For he must reign, until he hath put all enemies under his feet.26The last enemy shall be destroyed, death.27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, that all things are put under him, it is evident that there is an exception of him, who subjected all things to him.28But when he shall have put all things under him, then also the Son himself shall be subjected to him who put all things under him, that God may be all in all.29Else what will they do who are baptised? for the dead, if wholly dead they rise no more. Why are they then baptised for the dead?30and why do we also expose ourselves to danger every hour?31I solemnly declare by all the joy over you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.32If after the manner of men I have fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, of what advantage would it be to me, if the dead did not rise again? shall we eat and drink; because to-morrow we die?33Be not deceived: evil conversations corrupt good manners.34Awake as the righteous, and sin not; for some have an ignorance of God: I speak this to your shame.
35But will any man say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?36Thou fool! what thou sowest is not quickened except it die:37and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not the body which shall be afterwards, but the bare grain, perhaps of wheat, or of some of the other seeds:38but God giveth it a body as he pleaseth, and to each of the seeds its peculiar body.
39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, and another flesh of cattle, and another of fishes, and another of birds.40Also there are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and that of the terrestrial another.
41There is one glory of the sun; and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for star differeth from star in glory.42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:43it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:44it is sown an animal body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body.45And so it is written, There was a first man Adam a living soul; a last Adam a quickening spirit.46But that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is animal; and afterward that which is spiritual.47The first man was of the earth, earthly; the second man was the Lord from heaven.48As is the earthly, so are they also that are earthly: and as is the heavenly, such also are they that are heavenly.49And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50But this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God: neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.51Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not indeed all sleep, but we shall all be changed,52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.53For that which is corruptible must put on incorruption, and that which is mortal must put on immortality.54So when that which is corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and that which is mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying which is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
NOW concerning the collection which is for the saints, as I have given an order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.2On the first day of the week let every one of you set apart with himself, treasuring it up, whatsoever he may please to give, that when I come there may be then no gatherings.3But when I come, whosoever you shall approve by letters, those will I send to carry your charity to Jerusalem.4But if it be of importance that I should go also, they shall go with me.5Now I will come unto you when I have passed through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia);6and perhaps I shall abide with you, yea and winter with you, that you may send me forward whithersoever I go.7For I will not see you now in passing, but I hope to remain some considerable time with you if the Lord permit.8But I shall abide at Ephesus until the Pentecost:9for there is opened to me a great door, and effectual, and there are many adversaries.
10But if Timothy come, see that he may be among you without fear: for he worketh the Lord’s work, as I also do.11Let no man therefore treat him with disrespect; but forward him on his way in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
12As concerning brother Apollos, I besought him much that he would come to you with the brethren; but it was not at all his wish to come at this time: but he will come when he can find a good opportunity.
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be manful, be strong.14Let all your concerns be transacted in love.
15Now I exhort you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints:)16wherefore submit yourselves to such, and to every one that worketh with us and laboureth.
17I rejoice in the arrival of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus; because what was lacking from you, they have supplied.18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours; respect therefore such men.
19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church which is in their house.20All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.
21The salutation of Paul with mine own hand.22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha.
23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timothy.