Category: 1 Corinthians

1 Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ.

2 Now I praise you, brothers, because you are mindful of me in everything, in such a way as to hold to my precepts as I have handed them down to you.

3 So I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ. But the head of woman is man. Yet truly, the head of Christ is God.

4 Every man praying or prophesying with his head covered disgraces his head.

5 But every woman praying or prophesying with her head not covered disgraces her head. For it is the same as if her head were shaven.

6 So if a woman is not veiled, let her hair be cut off. Truly then, if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off, or to have her head shaven, then she should cover her head.

7 Certainly, a man ought not to cover his head, for he is the image and glory of God. But woman is the glory of man.

8 For man is not of woman, but woman is of man.

9 And indeed, man was not created for woman, but woman was created for man.

10 Therefore, a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the Angels.

11 Yet truly, man would not exist without woman, nor would woman exist without man, in the Lord.

12 For just as woman came into existence from man, so also does man exist through woman. But all things are from God.

13 Judge for yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God unveiled?

14 Does not even nature herself teach you that, indeed, if a man grows his hair long, it is a disgrace for him?

15 Yet truly, if a woman grows her hair long, it is a glory for her, because her hair has been given to her as a covering.

16 But if anyone has a mind to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor does the Church of God.

17 Now I caution you, without praising, about this: that you assemble together, and not for better, but for worse.

18 First of all, indeed, I hear that when you assemble together in the church, there are schisms among you. And I believe this, in part.

19 For there must also be heresies, so that those who have been tested may be made manifest among you.

20 And so, when you assemble together as one, it is no longer in order to eat the Lord’s supper.

21 For each one first takes his own supper to eat. And as a result, one person is hungry, while another is inebriated.

22 Do you not have houses, in which to eat and drink? Or do you have such contempt for the Church of God that you would confound those who do not have such contempt? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I am not praising you in this.

23 For I have received from the Lord what I have also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the same night that he was handed over, took bread,

24 and giving thanks, he broke it, and said: “Take and eat. This is my body, which shall be given up for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

25 Similarly also, the cup, after he had eaten supper, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he returns.

27 And so, whoever eats this bread, or drinks from the cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be liable of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and, in this way, let him eat from that bread, and drink from that cup.

29 For whoever eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks a sentence against himself, not discerning it to be the body of the Lord.

30 As a result, many are weak and sick among you, and many have fallen asleep.

31 But if we ourselves were discerning, then certainly we would not be judged.

32 Yet when we are judged, we are being corrected by the Lord, so that we might not be condemned along with this world.

33 And so, my brothers, when you assemble together to eat, be attentive to one another.

34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you may not assemble together unto judgment. As for the rest, I will set it in order when I arrive.

1 Now concerning spiritual things, I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers.

2 You know that when you were Gentiles, you approached mute idols, doing what you were led to do.

3 Because of this, I would have you know that no one speaking in the Spirit of God utters a curse against Jesus. And no one is able to say that Jesus is Lord, except in the Holy Spirit.

4 Truly, there are diverse graces, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are diverse ministries, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diverse works, but the same God, who works everything in everyone.

7 However, the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one toward what is beneficial.

8 Certainly, to one, through the Spirit, is given words of wisdom; but to another, according to the same Spirit, words of knowledge;

9 to another, in the same Spirit, faith; to another, in the one Spirit, the gift of healing;

10 to another, miraculous works; to another, prophecy; to another, the discernment of spirits; to another, different kinds of languages; to another, the interpretation of words.

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one according to his will.

12 For just as the body is one, and yet has many parts, so all the parts of the body, though they are many, are only one body. So also is Christ.

13 And indeed, in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether servant or free. And we all drank in the one Spirit.

14 For the body, too, is not one part, but many.

15 If the foot were to say, “Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,” would it then not be of the body?

16 And if the ear were to say, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,” would it then not be of the body?

17 If the whole body were the eye, how would it hear? If the whole were hearing, how would it smell?

18 But instead, God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body, just as it has pleased him.

19 So if they were all one part, how would it be a body?

20 But instead, there are many parts, indeed, yet one body.

21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need for your works.” And again, the head cannot say to the feet, “You are of no use to me.”

22 In fact, so much more necessary are those parts of the body which seem to be weaker.

23 And though we consider certain parts of the body to be less noble, we surround these with more abundant dignity, and so, those parts which are less presentable end up with more abundant respect.

24 However, our presentable parts have no such need, since God has tempered the body together, distributing the more abundant honor to that which has the need,

25 so that there might be no schism in the body, but instead the parts themselves might take care of one another.

26 And so, if one part suffers anything, all the parts suffer with it. Or, if one part finds glory, all the parts rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and parts like any part.

28 And indeed, God has established a certain order in the Church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, next miracle-workers, and then the grace of healing, of helping others, of governing, of different kinds of languages, and of the interpretation of words.

29 Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers?

30 Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the grace of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But be zealous for the better charisms. And I reveal to you a yet more excellent way.

1 If I were to speak in the language of men, or of Angels, yet not have charity, I would be like a clanging bell or a crashing cymbal.

2 And if I have prophecy, and learn every mystery, and obtain all knowledge, and possess all faith, so that I could move mountains, yet not have charity, then I am nothing.

3 And if I distribute all my goods in order to feed the poor, and if I hand over my body to be burned, yet not have charity, it offers me nothing.

4 Charity is patient, is kind. Charity does not envy, does not act wrongly, is not inflated.

5 Charity is not ambitious, does not seek for itself, is not provoked to anger, devises no evil.

6 Charity does not rejoice over iniquity, but rejoices in truth.

7 Charity suffers all, believes all, hopes all, endures all.

8 Charity is never torn away, even if prophecies pass away, or languages cease, or knowledge is destroyed.

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

10 But when the perfect arrives, the imperfect passes away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I understood like a child, I thought like a child. But when I became a man, I put aside the things of a child.

12 Now we see through a glass darkly. But then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, even as I am known.

13 But for now, these three continue: faith, hope, and charity. And the greatest of these is charity.

1 Pursue charity. Be zealous for spiritual things, but only so that you may prophesy.

2 For whoever speaks in tongues, speaks not to men, but to God. For no one understands. Yet by the Spirit, he speaks mysteries.

3 But whoever prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

4 Whoever speaks in tongues edifies himself. But whoever prophesies edifies the Church.

5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but more so to prophesy. For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless perhaps he interprets, so that the Church may receive edification.

6 But now, brothers, if I were to come to you speaking in tongues, how would it benefit you, unless instead I speak to you in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in doctrine?

7 Even those things that are without a soul can make sounds, whether it is a wind or a stringed instrument. But unless they present a distinction within the sounds, how will it be known which is from the pipe and which is from the string?

8 For example, if the trumpet made an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for battle?

9 So it is with you also, for unless you utter with the tongue in plain speech, how will it be known what is said? For then you would be speaking into the air.

10 Consider that there are so many different kinds of languages in this world, and yet none is without a voice.

11 Therefore, if I do not understand the nature of the voice, then I shall be like a foreigner to the one with whom I am speaking; and he who is speaking will be like a foreigner to me.

12 So it is with you also. And since you are zealous for what is spiritual, seek the edification of the Church, so that you may abound.

13 For this reason, too, whoever speaks in tongues, let him pray for the interpretation.

14 So, if I pray in tongues, my spirit prays, but my mind is without fruit.

15 What is next? I should pray with the spirit, and also pray with the mind. I should sing psalms with the spirit, and also recite psalms with the mind.

16 Otherwise, if you have blessed only with the spirit, how can someone, in a state of ignorance, add an “Amen” to your blessing? For he does not know what you are saying.

17 In this case, certainly, you give thanks well, but the other person is not edified.

18 I thank my God that I speak in tongues for all of you.

19 But in the Church, I prefer to speak five words from my mind, so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in tongues.

20 Brothers, do not choose to have the minds of children. Instead, be free of malice like infants, but be mature in your minds.

21 It is written in the law: “I will speak to this people with other tongues and other lips, and even so, they will not heed me, says the Lord.”

22 And so, tongues are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers; and prophecies are not for unbelievers, but for believers.

23 If then, the entire Church were to gather together as one, and if all were to speak in tongues, and then ignorant or unbelieving persons were to enter, would they not say that you were insane?

24 But if everyone prophesies, and one who is ignorant or unbelieving enters, he may be convinced by it all, because he understands it all.

25 The secrets of his heart are then made manifest. And so, falling to his face, he would adore God, proclaiming that God is truly among you.

26 What is next, brothers? When you gather together, each one of you may have a psalm, or a doctrine, or a revelation, or a language, or an interpretation, but let everything be done for edification.

27 If anyone is speaking in tongues, let there be only two, or at most three, and then in turn, and let someone interpret.

28 But if there is no one to interpret, he should remain silent in the church, then he may speak when he is alone with God.

29 And let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern.

30 But then, if something is revealed to another who is sitting, let the first one become silent.

31 For you are all able to prophesy one at a time, so that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

32 For the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 And God is not of dissension, but of peace, just as I also teach in all the churches of the saints.

34 Women should be silent in the churches. For it is not permitted for them to speak; but instead, they should be subordinate, as the law also says.

35 And if they want to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church.

36 So now, did the Word of God proceed from you? Or was it sent to you alone?

37 If anyone seems to be a prophet or a spiritual person, he should understand these things which I am writing to you, that these things are the commandments of the Lord.

38 If anyone does not recognize these things, he should not be recognized.

39 And so, brothers, be zealous to prophesy, and do not prohibit speaking in tongues.

40 But let everything be done respectfully and according to proper order.

1 And so I make known to you, brothers, the Gospel that I preached to you, which you also received, and on which you stand.

2 By the Gospel, too, you are being saved, if you hold to the understanding that I preached to you, lest you believe in vain.

3 For I handed on to you, first of all, what I also received: that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures;

4 and that he was buried; and that he rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures;

5 and that he was seen by Cephas, and after that by the eleven.

6 Next he was seen by more than five hundred brothers at one time, many of whom remain, even to the present time, although some have fallen asleep.

7 Next, he was seen by James, then by all the Apostles.

8 And last of all, he was seen also by me, as if I were someone born at the wrong time.

9 For I am the least of the Apostles. I am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God.

10 But, by the grace of God, I am what I am. And his grace in me has not been empty, since I have labored more abundantly than all of them. Yet it is not I, but the grace of God within me.

11 For whether it is I or they: so we preach, and so you have believed.

12 Now if Christ is preached, that he rose again from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen.

14 And if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is useless, and your faith is also useless.

15 Then, too, we would be found to be false witnesses of God, because we would have given testimony against God, saying that he had raised up Christ, when he had not raised him up, if, indeed, the dead do not rise again.

16 For if the dead do not rise again, then neither has Christ risen again.

17 But if Christ has not risen, then your faith is vain; for you would still be in your sins.

18 Then, too, those who have fallen asleep in Christ would have perished.

19 If we have hope in Christ for this life only, then we are more miserable than all men.

20 But now Christ has risen again from the dead, as the first-fruits of those who sleep.

21 For certainly, death came through a man. And so, the resurrection of the dead came through a man

22 And just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be brought to life,

23 but each one in his proper order: Christ, as the first-fruits, and next, those who are of Christ, who have believed in his advent.

24 Afterwards is the end, when he will have handed over the kingdom to God the Father, when he will have emptied all principality, and authority, and power.

25 For it is necessary for him to reign, until he has set all his enemies under his feet.

26 Lastly, the enemy called death shall be destroyed. For he has subjected all things under his feet. And although he says,

27 “All things have been subjected to him,” without doubt he does not include the One who has subjected all things to him.

28 And when all things will have been subjected to him, then even the Son himself will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to him, so that God may be all in all.

29 Otherwise, what will those who are being baptized for the dead do, if the dead do not rise again at all? Why then are they being baptized for them?

30 Why also do we endure trials every hour?

31 Daily I die, by means of your boasting, brothers: you whom I have in Christ Jesus our Lord.

32 If, according to man, I fought with the beasts at Ephesus, how would that benefit me, if the dead do not rise again? “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die.”

33 Do not be led astray. Evil communication corrupts good morals.

34 Be vigilant, you just ones, and do not be willing to sin. For certain persons have an ignorance of God. I say this to you with respect.

35 But someone may say, “How do the dead rise again?” or, “What type of body do they return with?”

36 How foolish! What you sow cannot be brought back to life, unless it first dies.

37 And what you sow is not the body that will be in the future, but a bare grain, such as of wheat, or of some other grain.

38 For God gives it a body according to his will, and according to each seed’s proper body.

39 Not all flesh is the same flesh. But one is indeed of men, another truly is of beasts, another is of birds, and another is of fish.

40 Also, there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. But while the one, certainly, has the glory of heaven, the other has the glory of earth.

41 One has the brightness of the sun, another the brightness of the moon, and another the brightness of the stars. For even star differs from star in brightness.

42 So it is also with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown in corruption shall rise to incorruption.

43 What is sown in dishonor shall rise to glory. What is sown in weakness shall rise to power.

44 What is sown with an animal body shall rise with a spiritual body. If there is an animal body, there is also a spiritual one.

45 Just as it was written that the first man, Adam, was made with a living soul, so shall the last Adam be made with a spirit brought back to life.

46 So what is, at first, not spiritual, but animal, next becomes spiritual.

47 The first man, being earthly, was of the earth; the second man, being heavenly, will be of heaven.

48 Such things as are like the earth are earthly; and such things as are like the heavens are heavenly.

49 And so, just as we have carried the image of what is earthly, let us also carry the image of what is heavenly.

50 Now I say this, brothers, because flesh and blood is not able to possess the kingdom of God; neither will what is corrupt possess what is incorrupt.

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. Certainly, we shall all rise again, but we shall not all be transformed:

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will rise up, incorruptible. And we shall be transformed.

53 Thus, it is necessary for this corruptibility to be clothed with incorruptibility, and for this mortality to be clothed with immortality.

54 And when this mortality has been clothed with immortality, then the word that was written shall occur: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

56 Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 And so, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and unmovable, abounding always in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not useless in the Lord.

1 Now concerning the collections which are made for the saints: just as I have arranged for the churches of Galatia, so should it also be done with you.

2 On the first day of the week, the Sabbath, let each one of you take from himself, setting aside what will be well-pleasing to him, so that when I arrive, the collections will not have to be made then.

3 And when I am present, whomever you shall approve through letters, these I shall send to bear your gifts to Jerusalem.

4 And if it is fitting for me to go too, they shall go with me.

5 Now I will visit you after I have passed through Macedonia. For I will pass through Macedonia.

6 And perhaps I will stay with you, and even spend the winter, so that you may lead me on my way, whenever I depart.

7 For I am not willing to see you now only in passing, since I hope that I may remain with you for some length of time, if the Lord permits.

8 But I must remain at Ephesus, even until Pentecost.

9 For a door, great and unavoidable, has opened to me, as well as many adversaries.

10 Now if Timothy arrives, see to it that he may be among you without fear. For he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I also do.

11 Therefore, let no one despise him. Instead, lead him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me. For I am awaiting him with the brothers.

12 But concerning our brother, Apollo, I am letting you know that I pleaded with him greatly to go to you with the brothers, and clearly it was not his will to go at this time. But he will arrive when there is a space of time for him.

13 Be vigilant. Stand with faith. Act manfully and be strengthened.

14 Let all that is yours be immersed in charity.

15 And I beg you, brothers: You know the house of Stephanus, and of Fortunatus, and of Achaicus, that they are the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have dedicated themselves to the ministry of the saints.

16 So you should be subject also to persons such as this, as well as to all who are cooperating and working with them.

17 Now I rejoice in the presence of Stephanus and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because what was lacking in you, they have supplied.

18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, recognize persons such as this.

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you greatly in the Lord, with the church of their household, where I also am a guest.

20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 This is a greeting from my own hand, Paul.

22 If anyone does not love our Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema! Maran Atha.

23 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

24 My charity is with all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.