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Volume XXX Number 11 NOVEMBER 20, 2006

UNDERSTANDING ST. PAUL'S CHURCH

A SINGLE ISSUE COMMENTARY

DEFINING THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Based Upon The Text Of

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Church of God

which is at Corinth, commonly called

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

INTRODUCTION

Through the verbal plenary inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this Epistle was dictated (and signed) by the Apostle Paul, written down by his amanuensis Sosthenes, and was spiritually directed and physically addressed (by both the intent of its special content and the destination of its specific address) "unto the church of God which is at Corinth."

Several conclusions flow quite naturally from these facts; the Epistle is:

(1) divine in origin, inerrant in content, infallible in composition, unchangeable in revelation, and eternal in truth (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 3:15-18).

(2) neither an allegory or a parable, but a very real letter written by a very real person dealing with very real problems existing in a very real church (1:1-2) and is

(3) teaching the identical doctrines, truths, practices and principles that the Apostle taught in every church (7:17; 14:33) and which were the customs in every one of the churches of God (11:16).

The Epistle declares several important facts concerning the church at Corinth; these include the following:

(1) This church at Corinth actually did exist; it was a particular church--the church of God which was at Corinth (1:2).

(2) This church was located in a certain city; it was the church at Corinth, a local church (1:2).

(3) This church was a specific church; it was the church at Corinth that Paul had started (2:6, 10; 3:15).

(4) This church was existing at a distinct time; it "lived and moved and had its being" concurrent with the lifetime of Paul (1:2).

The church of God at Corinth was not some mystical, invisible, intangible, ethereal, universal church. This church located in the city of Corinth was a visible and very real, particular, specific, definite, distinct, geographically locatable, and tangible New Testament church, the body that today is often called "a local church." With precise, clear, and unmistakable phrases, this Epistle describes the church at Corinth, and thereby helps to establish the authoritative definition for all New Testament churches (both those churches existing in the days of the New Testament and every genuine New Testament church existing anywhere at any time since).

Every professing church that does not meet the strict standards of the New Testament ought not to be recognized as a New Testament church. The organization may be a sincere religious entity holding high and noble values, but it is not a New Testament church. Genuine believers may be members, but it is not a New Testament church. The definition of a New Testament church is fixed by the New Testament and not by either sincerity or effectiveness. To the extent any individual "church" comes short of that New Testament delineation that individual "church" is that much less than a New Testament church.

The church to which the Apostle addressed this letter is described in the Epistle at some length. It was portrayed as being:

(1) a body of believers (12:27, 11:29), which

(2) had been called into existence by the Apostle Paul (2:6,10; 3:15) who had received the commission of the church at Antioch to do so (Acts 13:1-3; 15:40), and that

(3) had been named "the church of God which was at Corinth" (1:2); and which,

(4) was located in a definite city (1:2) of Achaia (the southern part of modern Greece) (16:15), the city of Corinth.

In this city of Corinth, the members of this church assembled in specific ways:

(1) as a church (11:22),

(2) whole and complete (14:23; 12:13,27),

(3) gathering together in a church building or meeting place (11:18; 14:19,28,35) which was compared to a house (11:22, see also 1 Timothy 3:15).

This church building or meeting place was identified as:

(1) The place where the members of the church regularly gathered together in one place (11:20, 22; 14:23) on the first day of the week (16:2), which was the established time of meeting when the members brought their tithes and offerings to this place and there laid those tithes and offerings in store (16:2);

(2) The place where heresies sometimes appeared (11:19; 15:12), where sin sometimes surfaced (5:1-2), and the place where the members gathered to administer discipline to these unruly members (5:1-13);

(3) The place where the members assembled to observe the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Table (11:2, 23-34); and

(4) The place where the members exercised their spiritual gifts (12:26), listened to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God (14:4,5), shared testimonies (14:16-17), sang hymns, gospel songs and the Psalms (14:15, 26, see also Colossians 3:16), prayed for each other, and the place to which the members invited the lost to attend to hear the gospel (14:23-25).

Therefore, since the Apostle wrote to this actual, certain and distinct church, the words "you," "your," "yourselves," "yours," and "ye" in this Epistle must be understood to refer to the church of God which is at Corinth. While certain general applications might be made of this usage of the pronoun in specific instances to other believers, members of other churches and even those living in other times, the underlying and undeniable fact remains and must be accepted that Paul intended, in his employment of these words, to refer to the members of this church; sometimes the words encompass collectively the membership of the church as a whole and at times the words speak to the membership in its capacity as individual members of that church. Paul also uses the words "thee," "thou," "thy," and "thine" to refer to the individual members of the church of God which is at Corinth.

Grammatically, in contemporary English usage, it is possible for the words "you" and "your" to be used as the singular pronoun or the plural depending upon the context, but the Bible reader must understand that this not the usage of the Authorized Version. In every instance, the terms “you,” "yourselves," "yours," and "ye" are, to be understood, without exception, as plural forms of the second person personal pronoun. The translators of the Authorized Version were consistent in using “thee,” “thou,” “thy,” and “thine” exclusively for the singular of the second person personal pronoun. This was a purposeful distinction intended to convey the full meaning of the original languages. Contemporary translators do not make this distinction and by that failure do not present an honest and accurate translation.

When the terms "we," "us," "our," "ours" and "ourselves" are used, Paul sometimes has in mind himself and Sosthenes; sometimes, he includes in these terms the church of God which is at Corinth, Sosthenes, and himself; sometimes he refers to the other apostles and himself collectively in the first person plural. The context of a particular use of these pronouns must be carefully examined to determine which of these three uses is intended. In the use of the first person personal plural pronoun as with the second person personal pronoun, general applications to believers in all ages may be considered and may be quite fitting and proper; even so, this application of truth does not change the original and direct purpose in the choice of the words themselves. The immediate view and intended audience of the Holy Spirit through the Apostle and this Epistle is that of the specific church at Corinth.

Any particular passage of Scripture must always be approached with an honest effort to accept, evaluate, and understand the person (who was used by the Holy Spirit) who uttered or wrote the words, the person or persons to whom the words were directed, the literal and historical definition of the individual words used, how those particular words would have been understood by the recipient of the passage, and how the passage "sits" in relation to its total Biblical context.

The full Biblical context should be understood as not only the immediate verses surrounding the text but also the chapter in which the passage is found, the book, the Testament, indeed the entire Bible as a whole combined with the historical setting of the passage. Uprooting a verse from that total context and transplanting it into another setting is not legitimate Bible study, nor can it be considered justifiable or rational; it is neither valid nor honest and it is, and must always be, completely unacceptable. Any understanding of the Epistle that does not consider these basic principles of hermeneutics will lead to false conclusions and could even provide fuel for dangerous heresies, exactly as such careless, ignorant or malicious study has so often accomplished precisely that in the past.

To provide assistance in the effort to perceive how the Apostle, writing under the direct and directive inspiration of the Holy Spirit, considered and described this "church of God which was at Corinth," I have placed the phrase [the church of God which is at Corinth] following every use of the words "you," "your," "yourselves," "yours," and "ye." While reading the Epistle with this bracketed addition may seem to be tedious, the consistency of the repetition forces the heart and mind to accept the identification as is possible in no other method. I encourage you to persevere and to endure “unto the end.”

THE EPISTLE TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH

CHAPTER 1

1 Paul, called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 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 theirs and ours: 3 Grace be unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth], and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your [the church of God which is at Corinth] behalf, for the grace of God which is given you [the church of God which is at Corinth] by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you [the church of God which is at Corinth]: 7 So that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you [the church of God which is at Corinth] unto the end, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I beseech you [the church of God which is at Corinth], brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you [the church of God which is at Corinth]; but that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you [the church of God which is at Corinth], my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you [the church of God which is at Corinth] saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you [the church of God which is at Corinth]? or were ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you [the church of God which is at Corinth], but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 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. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 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? 21 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. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] see your [the church of God which is at Corinth] calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 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; 28 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: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

CHAPTER 2

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you [the church of God which is at Corinth], came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you [the church of God which is at Corinth], save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you [the church of God which is at Corinth] in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your [the church of God which is at Corinth] faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 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: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 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. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 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. 13 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. 14 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. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

CHAPTER 3

1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you [the church of God which is at Corinth] with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] able. 3 For ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you [the church of God which is at Corinth] envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are God's husbandry, ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are God's building. 10 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. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 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. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you [the church of God which is at Corinth]? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you [the church of God which is at Corinth] seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours [the church of God which is at Corinth]; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours [the church of God which is at Corinth]; 23 And ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

CHAPTER 4

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you [the church of God which is at Corinth], or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 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. 6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your [the church of God which is at Corinth] sakes; that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you [the church of God which is at Corinth] be puffed up for one against another. 7 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? 8 Now ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are full, now ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are rich, ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] did reign, that we also might reign with you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 9 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. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are strong; ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 14 I write not these things to shame you [the church of God which is at Corinth], but as my beloved sons I warn you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 15 For though ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you [the church of God which is at Corinth] through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you [the church of God which is at Corinth], be ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you [the church of God which is at Corinth] into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 19 But I will come to you [the church of God which is at Corinth] shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21 What will Ye [the church of God which is at Corinth]? shall I come unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

CHAPTER 5

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you [the church of God which is at Corinth], and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 3 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, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 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. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may be a new lump, as ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 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. 9 I wrote unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves [the church of God which is at Corinth] that wicked person.

CHAPTER 6

1 Dare any of you [the church of God which is at Corinth], having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 2 Do ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you [the church of God which is at Corinth], are ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 4 If then ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I speak to your [the church of God which is at Corinth] shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you [the church of God which is at Corinth]? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you [the church of God which is at Corinth], because ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] go to law one with another. Why do ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not rather take wrong? why do ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not rather suffer yourselves [the church of God which is at Corinth] to be defrauded? 8 Nay, ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] do wrong, and defraud, and that your [the church of God which is at Corinth] brethren. 9 Know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] 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, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you [the church of God which is at Corinth]: but ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are washed, but ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are sanctified, but ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 12 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. 13 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. 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 15 Know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not that your [the church of God which is at Corinth] bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not that your [the church of God which is at Corinth] body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you [the church of God which is at Corinth], which ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] have of God, and ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are not your [the church of God which is at Corinth] own? 20 For ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your [the church of God which is at Corinth] body, and in your [the church of God which is at Corinth] spirit, which are God's.

CHAPTER 7

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 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. 5 Defraud ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may give yourselves [the church of God which is at Corinth] to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you [the church of God which is at Corinth] not for your [the church of God which is at Corinth] incontinency. 6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. 7 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. 8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. 9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 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. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your [the church of God which is at Corinth] children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 23 Ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are bought with a price; be not ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. 25 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. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. 27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28 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 [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 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; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 32 But I would have you [the church of God which is at Corinth] without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 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. 35 And this I speak for your [the church of God which is at Corinth] own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you [the church of God which is at Corinth], but for that which is comely, and that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 36 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. 37 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. 38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. 39 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; only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

CHAPTER 8

1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 4 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. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 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 by him. 7 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. 8 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. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours [the church of God which is at Corinth] become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 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; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

CHAPTER 9

1 Am I not an Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] my work in the Lord? 2 If I be not an Apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you [the church of God which is at Corinth]: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] in the Lord. 3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 4 Have we not power to eat and to drink? 5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 7 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? 8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 9 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? 10 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. 11 If we have sown unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your [the church of God which is at Corinth] carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of this power over you [the church of God which is at Corinth], are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] 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? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 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. 16 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! 17 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. 18 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. 19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 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; 21 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. 22 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. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 24 Know ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may obtain. 25 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. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 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 10

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye [the church of God which is at Corinth], as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 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. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you [the church of God which is at Corinth] but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you [the church of God which is at Corinth] to be tempted above that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] what I say. 16 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? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you [the church of God which is at Corinth] to a feast, and ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you [the church of God which is at Corinth], eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth], This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 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 11

1 Be ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you [the church of God which is at Corinth], brethren, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 3 But I would have you [the church of God which is at Corinth] 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. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you [the church of God which is at Corinth], that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. 17 Now in this that I declare unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] I praise you [the church of God which is at Corinth] not, that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you [the church of God which is at Corinth]; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies among you [the church of God which is at Corinth], that they which are approved may be made manifest among you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 20 When ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you [the church of God which is at Corinth]? shall I praise you [the church of God which is at Corinth] in this? I praise you [the church of God which is at Corinth] not. 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth], That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you [the church of God which is at Corinth]: this do in remembrance of me. 25 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 [the church of God which is at Corinth], as oft as ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] do show the Lord's death till he come. 27 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. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you [the church of God which is at Corinth], and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

CHAPTER 12

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you [the church of God which is at Corinth] ignorant. 2 Ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] know that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] were led. 3 Wherefore I give you [the church of God which is at Corinth] 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. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 12 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. 13 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. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 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? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 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 [This “you” refers to members of the church, but does not refer to the entire body and therefore does not refer to the church of God which is at Corinth]. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 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. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 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. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] a more excellent way.

CHAPTER 13

1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CHAPTER 14

1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may prophesy. 2 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 mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] all spake with tongues, but rather that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you [the church of God which is at Corinth], except I shall speak to you [the church of God which is at Corinth] either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye [the church of God which is at Corinth], except ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 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. 12 Even so ye [the church of God which is at Corinth], forasmuch as ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 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. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] all: 19 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. 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] children, but in understanding be men. 21 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. 22 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. 23 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 [the church of God which is at Corinth] are mad? 24 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: 25 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 [the church of God which is at Corinth] of a truth. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] come together, every one of you [the church of God which is at Corinth] hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 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. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your [the church of God which is at Corinth] 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. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What? came the word of God out from you [the church of God which is at Corinth]? or came it unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

CHAPTER 15

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] the gospel which I preached unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth], which also ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] have received, and wherein ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] stand; 2 By which also ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are saved, if ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] keep in memory what I preached unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth], unless ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 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 asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet 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 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. 11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] believed. 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you [the church of God which is at Corinth] that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your [the church of God which is at Corinth] faith is also vain. 15 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. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your [the church of God which is at Corinth] faith is vain; ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] are yet in your [the church of God which is at Corinth] sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 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. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 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. 28 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. 29 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? 30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? 31 I protest by your [the church of God which is at Corinth] rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your [the church of God which is at Corinth] shame. 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 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: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 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. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 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. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 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. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I show you [the church of God which is at Corinth] a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 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. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 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. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] know that your [the church of God which is at Corinth] labour is not in vain in the Lord.

CHAPTER 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you [the church of God which is at Corinth] lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] shall approve by your [the church of God which is at Corinth] letters, them will I send to bring your [the church of God which is at Corinth] liberality unto Jerusalem. 4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. 5 Now I will come unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth], when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. 6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you [the church of God which is at Corinth], that ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. 7 For I will not see you [the church of God which is at Corinth] now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you [the church of God which is at Corinth], if the Lord permit. 8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. 10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you [the church of God which is at Corinth] without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 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. 12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you [the church of God which is at Corinth] 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. 13 Watch ye [the church of God which is at Corinth], stand fast in the faith, quit you [the church of God which is at Corinth] like men, be strong. 14 Let all your [the church of God which is at Corinth] things be done with charity. 15 I beseech you [the church of God which is at Corinth], brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16 That ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] submit yourselves [the church of God which is at Corinth] unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your [the church of God which is at Corinth] part they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours [the church of God which is at Corinth]: therefore acknowledge ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] them that are such. 19 The churches of Asia salute you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. Aquila and Priscilla salute you [the church of God which is at Corinth] much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. Greet ye [the church of God which is at Corinth] one another with an holy kiss. 21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. 22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you [the church of God which is at Corinth]. 24 My love be with you [the church of God which is at Corinth] all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

I hope you have read the entire Book and now understand the use of the phrase “the church of God which is at Corinth” as the apostle used it as he addressed the believers in that church of God, which was at Corinth.

—Pastor Manley