CHAPTER ONE: 1 Greetings from Paul, divinely appointed as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our fellow believer Sosthenes. 2 To the assembly of God in Corinth, set apart in Christ Jesus and called to be His holy people, along with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 May grace and peace be upon you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I am ever thankful to God for you, recognizing the grace bestowed upon you through Christ Jesus. 5 In Him, you have been enriched in every way—in speech and knowledge. 6 This affirms the truth of our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Now you possess every spiritual gift as you eagerly await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will strengthen you until the end, ensuring your blamelessness on the day of His coming. 9 God is faithful; He has chosen you to share in the life of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Brothers and sisters, I appeal to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: let there be no divisions among you. Be united in your thinking and purpose. 11 Some members of Chloe’s family have reported disputes among you. 12 Let me clarify: One says, “I follow Paul,” another, “I follow Apollos,” another, “I follow Peter,” and another, “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I baptized only a few, 15 so no one can claim to be baptized in my name. 16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Good News, and not with eloquent wisdom that might dilute the power of the cross of Christ. God’s Power and Wisdom in Christ Jesus. 18 The message of the cross is foolishness to the lost, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” 20 So, what does this say about the philosopher, the expert in the law, or the skilled debater of this world? God has made the world's wisdom appear foolish. 21 God, in His wisdom, decided that the world would not find Him through its own wisdom, but through the seemingly foolish message that saves those who believe. 22 Jews seek miraculous signs, and Greeks pursue wisdom, 23 but our message to everyone is this: Christ was crucified. This message is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to others. 24 Yet to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Even the apparent foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the perceived weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26 Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: not many of you were considered wise by worldly standards, influential, or of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose what the world considers insignificant and despised—what it deems as nothing—so that He might nullify the things that are considered important. 29 God did this to eliminate any grounds for boasting in His presence. 30 Because of God, you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
CHAPTER THREE: 3 Brothers and sisters, when I spoke to you, I found it challenging to address you as spiritually mature individuals. Instead, I had to approach you as those still influenced by worldly matters, even as spiritual infants in Christ. 2 I provided you with elementary teachings, like milk rather than solid food, as you were not ready for more profound insights. You still aren't, given the lingering worldly attitudes among you—envy, strife, and divisions. Aren't these behaviours indicative of a worldly mindset, resembling mere human behaviour? 4 When some say, "I follow Paul," and others, "I follow Apollos," isn't this a worldly perspective? 5 So, who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but instruments through whom you embraced faith, each serving according to the role the Lord assigned? 6 I planted the seeds, Apollos watered them, but God caused the growth. 7 Therefore, neither the planter nor the waterer holds significance; it is God who brings about the growth. 8 The planter and waterer work in harmony, and each will receive a reward based on their labour. 9 Remember, we are God's co-workers; you are His field, and you are His construction. 10 Drawing upon the grace given to me by God, I, as a skilled master builder, laid the foundation. Others are now building upon it, and everyone must be careful how they contribute to this structure. 11 There is no foundation other than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If someone builds with durable materials like gold, silver, and precious stones, or with less enduring materials like wood, hay, or straw, 13 the nature of their work will be exposed on the Day of judgment. Fire will reveal it, and each person's work will be tested. 14 If the work endures, they will receive a reward. If it is consumed by fire, they will suffer loss, though they themselves will be saved, but only as if through flames. 16 Don't you recognize that you are God's temple, and His Spirit dwells within you? 17 If anyone damages the temple of God, God will hold them accountable, for His temple is sacred, and you collectively are that temple. 18 Let no one deceive themselves. If anyone among you thinks they are wise by worldly standards, let them become a fool in order to become truly wise. 19 The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," 20 and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." 21 Therefore, let no one boast in human leaders. All things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, the world, life, death, present or future—all belong to you. 23 And you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
CHAPTER FIVE: 5 It has come to my attention that there is immorality among you, a kind of immorality that is not even tolerated among the Gentiles: a man is having sexual intercourse with his father's wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 3 Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 hands this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case, you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. 12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you.
CHAPTER SEVEN: 7 Now, in response to your inquiries: It is commendable for a man to remain unmarried. 2 However, considering the prevalence of immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband fulfill his marital duties to his wife, and likewise, the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does, and likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, unless by mutual agreement for a limited time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7 I wish all were as I am, but each has their own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 8 To the unmarried and widows, I say it is good for them to remain as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 10 To the married, I command (not I, but the Lord) that the wife should not separate from her husband. 11 But if she does, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband, and the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest, I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases, the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. 25 Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. 26 I think that in view of the present distress, it is good for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. 29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. 32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, and how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, and how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. 36 If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37 But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38 So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. 39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
CHAPTER TEN: 10 Friends, I want to make sure you understand our history, so you don't miss the lessons from our ancestors. All of them were guided by the cloud and passed through the sea, 2 undergoing a baptism connected with Moses in both the cloud and the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and they all drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet, despite these blessings, most of them failed to please God and were defeated in the wilderness. 6 These events serve as examples for us, warning us not to crave evil things as they did. 7 Don't become idolaters, as some of them did. As the scripture says, "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to play." 8 Let's not engage in sexual immorality, as some of them did, resulting in the death of twenty-three thousand in a single day. 9 Nor should we test the Lord's patience, as some of them did and were killed by snakes. 10 Don't grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the angel of death.11 These stories were written down as warnings for us, upon whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. 13 Remember that the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 14 Therefore, my beloved friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to those who are wise; consider carefully what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all share the same bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: do not those who eat the sacrifices share in the altar? 19 Do I mean that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. I don't want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we stronger than he is? 23 You may say, "I am allowed to do anything." But not everything is helpful. "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything encourages growth. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. 27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? 31 So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
CHAPTER TWELVE: 12 Now, my friends, I want to make sure you understand the role of spiritual gifts. 2 Remember when you were Gentiles and led astray to worship mute idols? 3 So, I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus cursed, and no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work. 7 Now, to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one, through the Spirit, is given the message of wisdom; to another, the message of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing by that one Spirit; 10 to another, miraculous powers; to another, prophecy; to another, the ability to distinguish between spirits; to another, speaking in different kinds of tongues; and to still another, the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts forms one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: 14 Strive for love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 When someone speaks in tongues, they communicate directly with God, expressing mysteries through the Spirit, not comprehensible to others. 3 Conversely, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4 Speaking in tongues may build up the individual, but prophecy builds up the entire church. 5 While I encourage you all to speak in tongues, I urge you even more to prophesy. A prophet is greater than a tongue speaker unless there is an interpretation for the edification of the church. 6 Brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or teaching? 7 Even in music, if instruments produce unclear notes, the melody is lost. Similarly, if a trumpet sounds like an unclear call, soldiers won't prepare for battle. 9 Likewise, speaking in unintelligible tongues renders your words useless. You would be speaking into thin air. 10 In the world, there are countless languages, each with meaning. 11 But if you speak language others don't understand, you remain a foreigner. 12 Therefore, since you seek manifestations of the Spirit, focus on building up the church. 13 Those who speak in tongues should pray for the ability to interpret. 14 For when I pray in tongues, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive. 15 So, I will pray and sing with both my spirit and my mind. 16 If you give thanks in the spirit without understanding, others can't say "Amen," as they don't know what you're saying. 17 You may be giving thanks well, but others aren't edified. 18 I thank God I speak in tongues more than all you, 19 yet in church, I prefer to speak five clear words to instruct others than ten thousand in tongues. 20 Brothers and sisters, be mature in your thinking, not like children. Be innocent in evil but mature in thought. 21 As the Law says, God speaks to people in strange tongues, yet they won't listen. 22 Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy is for believers. 23 If the whole church speaks in tongues and outsiders enter, they may think you're mad. 24 But if all prophecy, an unbeliever entering is convicted, called to account, and the 25 secrets of their heart are laid bare. They'll worship God, acknowledging His presence among you. 26 When you gather, each has a contribution—a hymn, lesson, revelation, tongue, or interpretation—all for building up. 27 Limit tongue speakers to two or three, each in turn, with an interpreter. 28 If no interpreter is present, remain silent. 29 Allow two or three prophets to speak, with others discerning. 30 If revelation comes to another, let the first be silent. 31 All can prophesy one by one for learning and encouragement. 32 Prophets control their spirits. 33 God is a God of peace, not confusion. 34 Women should be silent in the churches, in submission, as the Law states. 35 If they desire to learn, ask at home; it's improper for a woman to speak in church. 36 Did God's word come from you, or are you its sole recipients? 37 If one claims to be spiritual, they should acknowledge my words as the Lord's command. 38 Failure to recognize this reflects a lack of recognition. 39 Brothers and sisters, earnestly desire prophecy and don't forbid tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: 16 Now, concerning the assistance for our fellow believers: As I guided the assemblies in Galatia, I instruct you to do likewise. 2 Allocate a portion of your resources each first day of the week, storing it away as your prosperity allows, so that there won't be a rush to gather funds when I visit. 3 When I arrive, I will dispatch those approved by you, as indicated in letters, to deliver your contribution to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems fitting for me to join them, they will accompany me. 5 I plan to visit you after traveling through Macedonia, with the intention of passing through Macedonia again. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, seeking your assistance on my journey wherever it takes me. 7 I don't want a brief encounter; my hope is to spend meaningful time with you if the Lord allows. 8 However, I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 as a great opportunity for effective work has opened up, albeit with numerous challenges. 10 When Timothy arrives, ensure that he feels welcomed among you, for he is committed to the Lord's work, just as I am. 11 Let no one disregard him. Assist him on his journey in tranquillity so that he can return to me, for I eagerly await his arrival with the brothers. 12 Now, concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it wasn't his current inclination to come. He will come when the opportunity arises. 13 Stay alert, stand firm in your faith, act maturely, and be resilient. 14 Let love be the guiding principle in everything you do. 15 I strongly encourage you, brothers and sisters—you're aware that the household of Stephanas was the first in Achaia to embrace the faith and has dedicated themselves to serving the saints—16 submit to such individuals and every co-worker and labourer. 17 I celebrate the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; they compensated for your absence. 18 They not only rejuvenated my spirit but yours as well. Acknowledge and honour such devoted individuals. 19 Greetings from the assemblies in Asia. Aquila and Prisca, along with the church meeting in their home, extend warm regards to the Lord. 20 All the brothers send greetings. Greet one another with a sacred embrace. 21 I, Paul, pen this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone lacks love for the Lord, let them be under a divine curse. Our Lord, come! 23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus accompany you. 24 My love extends to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.
CHAPTER TWO: 2 Beloved friends and seekers of truth, when I stood in your midst, my mission was clear—to unveil the profound mysteries of God. Yet, I chose not the path of elaborate language or the wisdom that the world values. 2 Instead, my focus was deliberate: to centre our conversations around the profound reality of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial journey to the cross. 3 Stepping into your presence with vulnerability and a sense of awe, my teachings lacked the ornamentation of persuasive words, finding their validation in the tangible power of the Holy Spirit. 5 My intent was to anchor your faith not in the wisdom of humans but in the boundless power of God. 6 To those deeply rooted in their spiritual journey, we share wisdom—a wisdom not of this world, surpassing the influence of transient rulers. 7 We reveal the concealed wisdom of God, designed for our exaltation long before the inception of the universe. 8 The rulers of this age failed to grasp this divine insight; understanding it might have prevented them from orchestrating the crucifixion of our glorious Lord on the cross. 9 As the word of God writings affirm: “No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, no mind has ever conceived what God has prepared for those devoted to Him." 10 Yet, through the revelations of the Holy Spirit, God has graciously unfolded these mysteries to us. The Spirit comprehends all things, even the profound secrets of God. 11 Just as one's thoughts remain inscrutable to others, only God's Spirit discerns His thoughts. 12 We have embraced the Spirit bestowed by God, distinct from the spirit of the world, enabling us to fathom the vast riches lavished upon us by our Creator. 13 As we articulate these truths, our expressions are not drawn from the well of human wisdom; rather, they are woven with the words imparted by the Spirit, elucidating the realities of the spiritual realm. 14 Those devoid of God's Spirit may perceive these matters as foolishness, for their understanding is incomplete without the Spirit's guiding light. 15 As bearers of the Spirit, we possess the discernment to grasp these truths, yet those without the Spirit lack the capacity to rightly evaluate our convictions. 16 As the word of God writings echo: "Who can fathom the intentions of the Lord? Who can offer Him counsel?" Yet, we have been granted the perspective and understanding reflective of Christ's mindset.
CHAPTER FOUR: 4 Regard us as devoted servants of Christ, entrusted by God to unveil His hidden truths. 2 Those assigned such a vital task must demonstrate faithfulness. 3 However, your judgment and even that of a court carry little weight with me. I don't even rely on my own assessment. 4 While I'm unaware of any wrongdoing, that doesn't make me righteous. The Lord is the ultimate judge of my actions. 5 So, reserve judgment for the time when the Lord returns. He will illuminate what's currently concealed in darkness and unveil the true motives of our hearts. Then, everyone will receive commendation from God. 6 Brothers and sisters, I've used Apollos and myself as examples for you. I did this so you could grasp the meaning of the phrase, "Adhere to what the Scriptures teach." This way, you won't boast about one person while criticizing another. 7 Who do you think you are? Everything you have has been given to you. If it's all a gift, why act as if it's due to your own prowess? 8 You believe you lack nothing, that you're rich, and even kings without us. I wish you were reigning, then we could share in the rule with you. 9 It seems, however, that God has placed us apostles in the lowest position, like prisoners condemned to die—displayed in a spectacle for the entire world, including angels, to witness. 10 We're fools for Christ, while you consider yourselves wise in Christ. We're weak, and yet you think you're strong. People honour you, but not us. 11 Even now, we lack enough to eat or drink and sufficient clothing. We face beatings, homelessness, and toil with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when mistreated, we endure. 13 Despite slander, we try to respond with kindness. Yet, we're still treated like the world's garbage—everyone's refuse. 14 I'm not seeking to shame you but offering guidance as a caring father to his beloved children. 15 You may have countless teachers in Christ, but you lack many fathers. Through the Good News, I became your father in Christ Jesus. 16 I implore you, therefore, to follow my example. 17 That's why I'm sending Timothy to you, my son in the Lord, whom I love and trust. He will remind you of the way I live in Christ Jesus—a lifestyle I teach in every church gathering wherever I am. 18 Some of you appear haughty, as if you assume I won't visit again. 19 But I will come to you very soon, the Lord willing. Then I'll see if these proud talkers possess the power to do more than talk. 20 God's kingdom isn't about mere words but true power. 21 So, what's your preference: my arrival with punishment or with love and gentleness?
CHAPTER SIX: 6 Can any of you, when you have a dispute with a fellow believer, take the matter to court before those who are not committed to righteousness, instead of resolving it within the community of saints? 2 Don't you realize that as believers, you will have a role in judging the world? If you are entrusted with such a great responsibility, why would you turn to secular authorities for the resolution of minor disputes? 3 Remember, you will even judge angels, so how much more should you handle matters that pertain to everyday life? 4 If you have matters to judge in this life, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the faith community? 5 I say this to shame you. Surely, among you, there must be at least one wise person who can arbitrate between fellow believers. 6 Why do you bring your legal disputes before unbelievers, subjecting your conflicts to their judgment? 7 It is a flaw among you that you engage in lawsuits against one another. Why not rather accept the wrong or be defrauded? 8 Instead, you yourselves do wrong and cheat your fellow believers. 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, homosexuals, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you, but you were cleansed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 All things are permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. All things are permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything. 13 Food is meant for the stomach, and the stomach for food, but God will put an end to both of them. The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 God, who raised the Lord, will also raise us by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.
CHAPTER EIGHT: 8 Now, let's talk about the issue of eating food offered to idols. We all have some understanding, but it's important to remember that knowledge can make us arrogant, while love builds up. 2 If anyone thinks they know it all, they haven't quite figured things out yet. 3 But if someone truly loves God, God recognizes them. 4 When it comes to eating food offered to idols, we recognize that idols are meaningless in the grand scheme, and there is only one God. 5 Even though people may worship so-called gods in various places, whether in heaven or on earth, for us, there is one God, the Father, the source of all things, and we exist for Him. 6 There is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist, and we exist through Him. 7 Not everyone has this knowledge, and some, due to their past association with idols, may eat the food as if it were offered to an idol. This may trouble their weak conscience. 8 But remember, the food itself doesn't bring us closer or push us away from God. Eating or not eating doesn't change our standing. 9 Be careful, though, that your freedom doesn't trip up those who are weaker. 10 If someone sees you, with your knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, won't that embolden those with a weaker conscience to eat food sacrificed to idols? 11 Your knowledge could destroy the weak believer—the very one for whom Christ died. 12 By harming the conscience of fellow believers, you are, in essence, sinning against Christ. 13 Therefore, if eating a certain food causes another believer to stumble, I'll give up eating meat to ensure I don't trip them up.
CHAPTER NINE: 9 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not encountered Jesus, our Lord? Aren't you yourselves the result of my work in the Lord? 2 Even if I am not recognized as an apostle by others, surely you, at least, are my seal of apostleship in the Lord. 3 When I am challenged by those who examine me, here is my defence. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? 8 Am I saying this from a human perspective, or does the Law not also say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about the oxen that God is concerned? 10 Surely, He says this for us, doesn't He? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Don't you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. 15 Yet, I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast. 16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel, I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights in the gospel. 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: 13 If my words resonate in the languages of humanity and even in the tongues of angels, but lack love, they are no more than a cacophony of noise, like a clanging cymbal. 2 If I possess the gift of prophecy, comprehend all mysteries, and have profound knowledge, and if my faith moves mountains but is devoid of love, I am nothing. 3 If I distribute all my possessions to the poor and surrender my body to the flames as a demonstration of faith, yet lack love, I accomplish nothing. 4 Love is patient and compassionate. Love is not envious, boastful, arrogant, or rude. 5 It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. 6 Love does not delight in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fades away. Prophecies will cease, tongues will be silent, and knowledge will fade into obscurity. 9 For our knowledge is incomplete, and our prophetic insights are partial. 10 But when the complete and perfect arrives, what is incomplete will be superseded. 11 When I was a child, I spoke, thought, and reasoned like a child. But as I grew into adulthood, I left behind my childish ways. 12 Currently, we see a blurred reflection in a mirror, but then we will see face-to-face. Currently, my knowledge is partial, but then I will know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: 15 Now, my dear brothers and sisters, I would like to remind you one great thing about the gospel that I preached to you, which you excepted and take the initiative to grow in it. 2 Through this gospel you have been saved, not through your efforts or any deed, or religious rituals, I believe if you hold firmly to what I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.3 For what I received and believed I make sure that I passed it through you as my first great important; through Scriptures, Christ died for our sins and 4 that was buried, and was raised on the third day, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve 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 to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them- yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. 12 If it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is then useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witness about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raided, the Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be mad alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he has put everything under his feet. Now when it says that everything has been put under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. 29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptised for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptised for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death everyday – yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. 33 Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character. 34 Come back to your senses as you ought and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God – I say this your shame. 35 But someone will ask, how are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come? 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. 39 Not all flesh is the same: people have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. 40 There are also heavenly bodies is another and there are earthly bodies; but the splendour of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendour of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one kind of splendour, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from start in splendour. 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is a also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: The first man Adam became a living spirit; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The Spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dusts of the earth; the second man is of heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. 50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. 55 Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefor, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.