Paul’s 1st Epistle to the Corinthians

¶ PAUL, called to be an apostle of ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩ through the will of ⟨God⟩, and Sos′-‍the-‍nes our brother,

Unto the church of ⟨God⟩, which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in ⟨Christ⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩ our ⟨Lord⟩, both their’s and our’s:

Grace be unto you, and peace, from ⟨God⟩ our Father, and from the ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩.

I thank my ⟨God⟩ always on your behalf, for the grace of ⟨God⟩ which is given you by ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩;

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

Even as the testimony of ⟨Christ⟩ was confirmed in you:

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩:

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩.

⟨God⟩ is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩ our ⟨Lord⟩.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chlo′-‍e, that there are contentions among you.

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of A-‍pol′-‍los; and I of Ce′-‍phas; and I of ⟨Christ⟩.

Is ⟨Christ⟩ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

I thank ⟨God⟩ that I baptized none of you, but Cris′-‍pus and Ga′-‍ius;

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

And I baptized also the household of Steph′-‍a-‍nas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

For ⟨Christ⟩ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with ‘wisdom’ of words, lest the cross of ⟨Christ⟩ should be made of none effect.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of ⟨God⟩.

For it is written, I will destroy the ‘wisdom’ of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not ⟨God⟩ made foolish the ‘wisdom’ of this world?

For after that in the wisdom of ⟨God⟩ the world by ‘wisdom’ knew not ⟨God⟩, it pleased ⟨God⟩ by the ‘foolishness’ of preaching to save them that believe.

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after ‘wisdom’:

But we preach ⟨Christ⟩ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, ⟨Christ⟩ the power of ⟨God⟩, and the wisdom of ⟨God⟩.

Because the foolishness of ⟨God⟩ is wiser than men; and the weakness of ⟨God⟩ is stronger than men.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many ‘wise’ men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

But ⟨God⟩ hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the ‘wise’; and ⟨God⟩ hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath ⟨God⟩ chosen, yea, and •things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:•

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

But of him are ye in ⟨Christ⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩, who of ⟨God⟩ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the ⟨Lord⟩.

Chapter Two

¶ AND I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of ‘wisdom’, declaring unto you the testimony of ⟨God⟩.

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩, and him crucified.

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s ‘wisdom’, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

That your faith should not stand in the ‘wisdom’ of men, but in the power of ⟨God⟩.

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the ‘wisdom’ of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

But we speak the wisdom of ⟨God⟩ in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which ⟨God⟩ ordained before the world unto our glory:

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the ⟨Lord⟩ of glory.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which ⟨God⟩ hath prepared for them that love him.

But ⟨God⟩ hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of ⟨God⟩.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of (the) man which is in him? even so the things of ⟨God⟩ knoweth no man, but the Spirit of ⟨God⟩.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of ⟨God⟩; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of ⟨God⟩.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s ‘wisdom’ teacheth, but which the Holy ⟨Ghost⟩ teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of ⟨God⟩: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

For Who hath known the mind of the ⟨Lord⟩, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of ⟨Christ⟩.

Chapter Three

¶ AND I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in ⟨Christ⟩.

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of A-pol′-los; are ye not carnal?

Who then is Paul, and who is A-pol′-los, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the ⟨Lord⟩ gave to every man?

I have planted, A-pol′-los watered; but ⟨God⟩ gave the increase.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but ⟨God⟩ that giveth the increase.

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

For we are labourers together with ⟨God⟩: ye are ⟨God’s⟩ husbandry, ye are (of) ⟨God’s⟩ building.

According to the grace of ⟨God⟩ which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth, thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

For other foundation can no man lay than that (which) is laid, which is ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩.

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of ⟨God⟩, and that the Spirit of ⟨God⟩ dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of ⟨God⟩, him shall ⟨God⟩ destroy; for the temple of ⟨God⟩ is holy, which temple ye are.

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

For the ‘wisdom’ of this world is foolishness with ⟨God⟩, for it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

And again, The ⟨Lord⟩ knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;

Whether Paul, or A-pol′-los, or Ce′-‍phas, (or) the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;

And ye are ⟨Christ’s⟩; and ⟨Christ⟩ is ⟨God’s⟩.

Chapter Four

¶ LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of ⟨Christ⟩, and stewards of the mysteries of ⟨God⟩.

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the ⟨Lord⟩.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the ⟨Lord⟩ come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of ⟨God⟩.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to A-pol′-los for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to ⟨God⟩ ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

For I think that ⟨God⟩ hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

We are fools for ⟨Christ’s⟩ sake, but ye are wise in ⟨Christ⟩; we are weak, but ye are strong, ye are honourable, but we are despised.

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

For though ye have ten thousand instructers in ⟨Christ⟩, yet have ye not many fathers: for in ⟨Christ⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ I have begotten you through the gospel.

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

For this cause have I sent unto you Ti-‍mo′-‍the-‍us, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the ⟨Lord⟩, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in ⟨Christ⟩, as I teach every where in every church.

Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

But I will come to you shortly, if the ⟨Lord⟩ will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

For the kingdom of ⟨God⟩ is not in word, but in power.

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Chapter Five

¶ IT is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as (ever) named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed.

In the name of our ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩,

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩.

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even ⟨Christ⟩ our passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolators; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

But them that are without ⟨God⟩ judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Chapter Six

¶ DARE any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of ⟨God⟩? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of ⟨God⟩.

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩, and by the Spirit of our ⟨God⟩.

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but ⟨God⟩ shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the ⟨Lord⟩; and the ⟨Lord⟩ for the body.

And ⟨God⟩ hath both raised up the ⟨Lord⟩, and will also raise up us by his own power.

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of ⟨Christ⟩? shall I then take the members of ⟨Christ⟩, and make them the members of an harlot? ⟨God⟩ forbid.

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

But he that is joined unto the ⟨Lord⟩ is one spirit.

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy ⟨Ghost⟩ which is in you, which ye have of ⟨God⟩, and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify ⟨God⟩ in your body, and in your spirit, which are ⟨God’s⟩.

Chapter Seven

¶ NOW concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband; and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of ⟨God⟩, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the ⟨Lord⟩, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

But to the rest speak I, not the ⟨Lord⟩: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now they are holy.

But •if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage (of marriage law) in such cases:• but ⟨God⟩ hath called us to peace.

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

But as ⟨God⟩ hath distributed to every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of ⟨God⟩.

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

For he that is called in ⟨Lord⟩, being a servant, is the ⟨Lord’s⟩ freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is ⟨Christ’s⟩ servant.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with ⟨God⟩.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the ⟨Lord⟩: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the ⟨Lord⟩ to be faithful.

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the ⟨Lord⟩, how he may please the ⟨Lord⟩:

But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the ⟨Lord⟩, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the ⟨Lord⟩ without distraction.

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; (but) only (if he is) in the ⟨Lord⟩.

But she is happier if she so abide (alone), after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of ⟨God⟩.

Chapter Eight

¶ NOW as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

But if any man love ⟨God⟩, the same is known of him.

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other ⟨God⟩ but one.

For though there be (those things) that are (only) called gods, whether (supposedly) in heaven or in earth, (as there be (false) gods many, and (false) lords many,)

But to us there is but one ⟨God⟩, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩, by whom are all things, and we (also were created) by him.

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

But meat commendeth us not to ⟨God⟩: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your’s become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols:

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom ⟨Christ⟩ died?

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against ⟨Christ⟩.

Wherefore, if (my eating of) meat (offered to idols) make(s) my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh (offered to idols) while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Chapter Nine

¶ AM I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩ our ⟨Lord⟩?

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the ⟨Lord⟩.

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

Have we not power to eat and to drink?

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the ⟨Lord⟩, and Ce′-‍phas?

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth ⟨God⟩ take care for oxen?

Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shalll reap your carnal things?

If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather (privileged more so)? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of ⟨Christ⟩.

Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

Even so hath the ⟨Lord⟩ ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of ⟨Christ⟩ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to ⟨God⟩, but under the law to ⟨Christ⟩,) that I might gain them that are without law.

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but (only) one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [⇒]

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Chapter Ten

¶ MOREOVER, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

And did all drink of the same spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was ⟨Christ⟩.

But with many of them ⟨God⟩ was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Neither let us tempt ⟨Christ⟩, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but ⟨God⟩ is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

I speak as to wise men; judgeth ye what I say.

The 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⟩?

For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils.

Ye cannot drink the cup of the ⟨Lord⟩, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the ⟨Lord’s⟩ table, and of the table of devils.

Do we provoke the ⟨Lord⟩ to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

For The earth is the ⟨Lord’s⟩, and the fulness thereof.

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: For the earth is the ⟨Lord’s⟩, and the fulness thereof:

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of ⟨God⟩.

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of ⟨God⟩:

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Chapter Eleven

¶ BE ye followers of me, even as I am of ⟨Christ⟩.

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is ⟨Christ⟩; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of ⟨Christ⟩ is ⟨God⟩.

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of ⟨God⟩: but the woman is the glory of the man.

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the ⟨Lord⟩.

For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman: but all things of ⟨God⟩.

Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto ⟨God⟩ uncovered?

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of ⟨God⟩.

Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you: and I partly believe it.

For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the ⟨Lord’s⟩ supper.

For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of ⟨God⟩, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

For I have received of the ⟨Lord⟩ that which also I delivered unto you, That the ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the ⟨Lord’s⟩ death till he come.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the ⟨Lord⟩, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the ⟨Lord⟩.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the ⟨Lord’s⟩ body.

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the ⟨Lord⟩, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Wherefore my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Chapter Twelve

¶ NOW concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of ⟨God⟩ calleth ⟨Jesus⟩ accursed: and that no man can say that ⟨Jesus⟩ is the ⟨Lord⟩, but by the Holy ⟨Ghost⟩.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

And there are differences of administrations, but the same ⟨Lord⟩.

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same ⟨God⟩ which worketh all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to evert man to profit withal.

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of widom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit:

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

To another the wok of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is ⟨Christ⟩.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For the body is not one member, but many.

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

But now hath ⟨God⟩ set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

And if they were all one member, where were the body?

But now are they many members, yet but one body.

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

For our comely parts have no need: but ⟨God⟩ hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Now ye are the body of ⟨Christ⟩, and members in particular.

And ⟨God⟩ hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

Have all the gifts of healings? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Chapter Thirteen

¶THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Chapter Fourteen

¶ FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto ⟨God⟩: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh (of/about) mysteries.

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give distinction in the sounds, now shall it be known what is piped or harped?

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say A-men′ at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

I thank my ⟨God⟩, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the ⟨Lord⟩.

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship ⟨God⟩, and report that ⟨God⟩ is in you of a truth.

How is it then, brethren? when ye come 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 unto edifying.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to ⟨God⟩.

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

For ⟨God⟩ is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for a woman to speak in the church.

What? came the word of ⟨God⟩ out from you? or came it unto you only?

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the ⟨Lord⟩.

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Let all things be done decently and in order.

Chapter Fifteen

¶ MOREOVER, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that ⟨Christ⟩ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And he was seen of Ce′-‍phas, then of the twelve:

After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleepare fallen asleep.

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called and apostle, because I persecuted the church of ⟨God⟩.

But by the grace of ⟨God⟩ I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon 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.

Threfore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

Now if ⟨Christ⟩ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is ⟨Christ⟩ not risen:

And if ⟨Christ⟩ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of ⟨God⟩; because we have testified of ⟨God⟩ that he raised up ⟨Christ⟩: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

For if the dead rise not, then is not ⟨Christ⟩ raised:

And if ⟨Christ⟩ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Then they also which are fallen asleep in ⟨Christ⟩ are perished.

If in this life only we have hope in ⟨Christ⟩, we are of all men most miserable.

But now is ⟨Christ⟩ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in ⟨Christ⟩ shall all be made alive.

But every man in his own order: ⟨Christ⟩ the firstfruits; afterward they that are ⟨Christ’s⟩ at his coming.

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to ⟨God⟩, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that ⟨God⟩ may be all in all.

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

I protest by your rejoicing which I have in ⟨Christ⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ our ⟨Lord⟩, I die daily.

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Eph′-‍e-‍sus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of ⟨God⟩: I speak this to your shame.

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

But ⟨God⟩ giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

Howebeit that was •not first• which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and •afterward• that which is spiritual.

The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the ⟨Lord⟩ from heaven.

As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of ⟨God⟩; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.

In 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.

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

•O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?•

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to ⟨God⟩, which giveth us the victory through our ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the ⟨Lord⟩, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the ⟨Lord⟩.

Chapter Sixteen

¶ NOW concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Ga-‍la′-‍ti-‍a, even so do ye.

•Upon the first day of the week let• every one of you lay by him in store as ⟨God⟩ hath prospered him, (and) that •there be no gatherings• when I come.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Mac-‍e-‍do′-‍ni-‍a: for I do pass through Mac-‍e-‍do′-‍ni-‍a.

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the ⟨Lord⟩ permit.

But I will tarry at Eph′-‍e-‍sus until Pentecost.

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Now if Ti-‍mo′-‍the-‍us come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the ⟨Lord⟩, as I also do.

Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

As touching our brother A-‍pol′-‍los, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Let all your things be done with charity.

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Steph′-‍a-‍nas, that it is the firstfruits of A-‍cha′-‍ia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.)

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

I am glad of the coming of Steph′-‍a-‍nas and For-‍tu-‍na′-‍tus and A-‍cha′-‍i-‍cus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

For they have refreshed my spirit and your’s: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

The churches of Asia salute you. Aq′-‍ui-‍la and Priscilla salute you much in the ⟨Lord⟩, with the church that is in their house.

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

If any man love not the ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩, let him be An-‍ath′-‍e-‍ma Mar′-‍an-‍a′-‍tha.

The grace of our ⟨Lord⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩ ⟨Christ⟩ be with you.

My love be with you all in ⟨Christ⟩ ⟨Jesus⟩. A-‍men′.

“Line upon line, precept upon precept”…
for knowledge shall cease and wisdom fail,
but understanding remains (if gained from the former).