The Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians

Introductory Note

IN the eighteenth chapter of “The Acts of the Apostles” an account is given of the founding by Paul of the Church of Corinth. At that time Corinth was a great seaport, with a cosmopolitan population and an apparently well-deserved reputation for immorality. Not long after Paul’s departure, it appears that some members of the Church fell back into the evil ways of the place, and their brethren wrote to Paul for advice. Paul’s reply, now lost, seems to have been misunderstood; and their answer, along with oral reports which had reached the apostle, called forth the first of the two extant epistles. This was written at Ephesus, probably in 54 A. D., though some scholars date it three or four years later.

Our second epistle was sent from Macedonia, after Paul had been forced to flee from Ephesus, a few months after the date of the first. Like the first, it deals with scandals and divisions in the Corinthian Church, but rejoices over some matters on which its founder could offer congratulations. The more painful part of the letter, chapters X to XIII, is supposed by some to be part of an epistle coming between the first and the second.

The two letters give a very vivid picture of the perils through which the infant church struggled in the midst of a vicious pagan society, before its fundamental principles were firmly grasped, and while opportunities abounded to be led astray by rival teachers. Paul addresses himself to the unpleasant task of discipline with straightforwardness and courage, yet with much tenderness; and in holding up to his converts the gospel as he conceived it, he rises to a pitch of sublime eloquence.

The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

I

[1] PAUL, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our 1 brother,

[2] unto the church of God which is at Corinth, even them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, their Lord and ours:

[3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[4] I thank my 2 God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

[5] that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance 3 and all knowledge;

[6] even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

[7] so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;

 [8] who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[9] God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions 4 among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

[11] For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them that are of the household of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

[12] Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

[13] Is 5 Christ divided— was Paul crucified for you— or were ye baptized into the name of Paul—

[14] I 6 thank God that I baptized none of you, save Crispus and Gaius;

[15] lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my 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 7 the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.

[18] For the world of the cross is to them that perish 8 foolishness; but unto us who are 9 saved it is the power of God.

[19] For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to naught.

[20] Where is the wise— where is the scribe— where is the disputer of this world— 10 hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world—

[21] For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching 11 to save them that believe.

[22] Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:

[23] but we preach Christ 12 crucified, unto Jews a stumbling-block, and unto Gentiles foolishness;

[24] but unto them 13 that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

[26] For behold 14 your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

[27] but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

[28] and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and 15 the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:

[29] that no flesh should glory before God.

[30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and 16 righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

[31] that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Note 1. Gr. the brother.

Note 2. Some ancient authorities omit my.

Note 3. Gr. word.

Note 4. Gr. schisms.

Note 5. Or, Christ is divided! Was Paul crucified for you—

Note 6. Some ancient authorities read I give thanks that.

Note 7. Gr. bring good tidings. Comp. Mt. II. 5.

Note 8. Or, are perishing.

Note 9. Or, are being saved.

Note 10. Or, age.

Note 11. Gr. thing preached.

Note 12. Or, a Messiah.

Note 13. Gr. they called themselves.

Note 14. Or, ye behold.

Note 15. Many ancient authorities omit and.

Note 16. Or, both righteousness and sanctification and redemption.

II

[1] AND I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech 1 or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony 2 of God.

[2] For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

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

[4] And my speech 3and my preaching 4 were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

[5] that your faith should not stand 5 in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

[6] We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, 6 nor of the rulers of this world, 7 who are coming to nought:

[7] but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds 8 unto our glory:

[8] which none of the rulers of this world 9 hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:

[9] but as it is written,

Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not,

And which entered not into the heart of man,

Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.

[10] But 10 unto us God revealed them 11 through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

[11] For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him— even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God.

[12] But we received, not the spirit of the world, 12 but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.

[13] Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining 13 spiritual things with spiritual words.

[14] Now the natural 14 man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged. 15

[15] But he that is spiritual judgeth 16 all things, and he himself is judged 17 of no man.

[16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him— But we have the mind of Christ.

Note 1. Or, word.

Note 2. Many ancient authorities read mystery.

Note 3. Or, word.

Note 4. Gr. thing preached.

Note 5. Gr. be.

Note 6. Or, age: and so in ver. 7, 8; but not in ver. 12.

Note 7. Or, age: and so in ver. 7, 8; but not in ver. 12.

Note 8. Or, age: and so in ver. 7, 8; but not in ver. 12.

Note 9. Or, age: and so in ver. 7, 8; but not in ver. 12.

Note 10. Some ancient authorities read For.

Note 11. Or, it.

Note 12. See ver. 6.

Note 13. Or, interpreting spiritual things to spiritual men.

Note 14. Or, unspiritual. Gr. psychical.

Note 15. Or, examined.

Note 16. Or, examineth.

Note 17. Or, examined.

III

[1] AND I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.

[2] I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able;

[3] for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men—

[4] For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men—

[5] What then is Apollos— and what is Paul— Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him.

[6] I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

[7] So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

[8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.

[9] For we are God’s fellowworkers: ye are God’s husbandry, 1 God’s building.

[10] According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon.

[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

[12] But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble;

[13] each man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and 2 the fire itself shall prove each man’s work of what sort it is.

[14] If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, 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 through fire.

[16] Know ye not that ye are a temple 3 of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you—

[17] If any man destroyeth the temple 4 of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple 5 of God is holy, and 6 such are ye.

[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, 7 let him become a fool, that he may become wise.

[19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness:

[20] and again, The Lord knoweth the reasonings of the wise, that they are vain.

[21] Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things are yours;

[22] whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

[23] and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

Note 1. Gr. tilled land.

Note 2. Or, and each man’s work, of what sort it is, the fire shall prove it

Note 3. Or, sanctuary,

Note 4. Or, sanctuary,

Note 5. Or, sanctuary,

Note 6. Or, which temple ye are.

Note 7. Or, age.

IV

[1] LET a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

[2] Here, 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 1 of you, or of man’s judgment: 2 yea, I judge 3 not mine own self.

[4] For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth 4 me is the Lord.

[5] Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.

[6] Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.

[7] For who maketh thee to differ— and what hast thou that thou didst not receive— but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it—

[8] Already are ye filled, already ye are become rich, ye have come to reign without us: yea and I would that ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

[9] For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both 5 to angels and men.

[10] We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.

[11] Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;

[12] and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted we endure;

[13] being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth 6 of the world, the off-scouring of all things, even until now.

[14] I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

[15] For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. 7

[16] I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.

[17] For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church.

[18] Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

[19] But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

[20] For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

[21] What will ye— shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness—

Note 1. Or, examined.

Note 2. Gr. day. See ch. 3. 13.

Note 3. Or, examine.

Note 4. Or, examineth.

Note 5. Or, and to angels, and to men.

Note 6. Or, refuse.

Note 7. Gr. good tidings. See marginal note on Mt. 4. 23.

V

[1] IT is actually reported that there is fornication among you and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that one of you hath his father’s wife.

[2] And ye 1 are puffed up, and did 2 not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.

[3] For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

[4] in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

[5] to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 3

[6] Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump—

[7] Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened. For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ:

[8] wherefore let us keep 4 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 in my epistle to have no company with fornicators;

[10] not 5 at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world:

[11] but as 6 it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.

[12] For what have I to do with judging them that are without— Do not ye judge them that are within—

[13] But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.

Note 1. Or, are ye puffed up—

Note 2. Or, did ye not rather mourn,… you—

Note 3. Some ancient authorities omit Jesus.

Note 4. Gr. keep festival.

Note 5. Or, not altogether with the fornicators &c.

Note 6. Or, now I write.

VI

[1] DARE any of you, having a matter against his 1 neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints—

[2] Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world— and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to 2 judge the smallest matters—

[3] Know ye not that we shall judge angels— how much more, things that pertain to this life—

[4] If then ye have to 3 judge things pertaining to this life, do 4 ye set them to judge who are of no account in the church—

[5] I say this to move you to shame. What, 5 cannot there be found among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren,

[6] but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers—

[7] Nay, already it is altogether a 6 defect in you, that ye have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather take wrong— why not rather be defrauded—

[8] Nay, but ye yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

[9] Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God— Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,

[10] nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

[11] And such were some of you: but ye were 7 washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

[12] All things are lawful for me; but not all things are 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 bring to nought both it and them. But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body:

[14] and God both raised the Lord, and will raise up us through his power.

[15] Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ— shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot— God forbid.

[16] Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body— for, The twain, saith he, shall become 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] Or know ye not that your body is a temple 8 of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God— and ye are not your own;

[20] for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body.

Note 1. Gr. the other. See Rom. 13. 8.

Note 2. Gr. of the smallest tribunals.

Note 3. Gr. tribunals pertaining to.

Note 4. Or, set them… church.

Note 5. Or, Is it so, that there cannot &c.

Note 6. Or, a loss to you.

Note 7. Gr. washed yourselves.

Note 8. Or, sanctuary.

VII

[1] NOW concerning the things whereof ye wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

[2] But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

[3] Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

[4] The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.

[5] Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.

[6] But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

[7] Yet 1 I would that all men were even as I myself. Howbeit each man hath his own gift from God, one after this manner, and another after that.

[8] But I say to the unmarried and to widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

[9] But if they have not continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

[10] But unto the married I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord, That the wife depart not from her husband

[11] (but should she depart, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband); and that the husband leave not his wife.

[12] But to the rest say I, not the Lord: If any brother hath an unbelieving wife, and she is content to dwell with him, let him not leave her.

[13] And the woman that hath an unbelieving husband, and he is content to dwell with her, let her not leave her husband.

[14] For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

[15] Yet if the unbelieving departeth, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us 2 in peace.

[16] For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband— or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife—

[17] Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

[18] Was any man called being circumcised— let him not become uncircumcised. Hath any been 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 each man abide in that calling wherein he was called.

[21] Wast thou called being a bondservant— care not for it: nay, 3 even if thou canst become free, use it rather.

[22] For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord’s freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ’s bondservant.

[23] Ye were bought with a price; become not bondservants of men.

[24] Brethren, let each man, wherein he was called, therein abide with God.

[25] Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

[26] I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to 4 be as he is.

[27] Art thou bound unto a wife— seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife— seek not a wife.

[28] But shouldest thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Yet such shall have tribulation in the flesh: and I would spare you.

[29] But this I say, brethren, the time is 5 shortened, that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none;

[30] and those that weep, as though they wept not; and those that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those that buy, as though they possessed not;

[31] and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

[32] But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

[33] but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife, 6

[34] and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

[35] And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare 7 upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

[36] But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward his virgin 8 daughter, if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so requireth, let him do what he will; he sinneth not; let them marry.

[37] But he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power as touching his own will, and hath determined this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin 9 daughter, shall do well.

[38] So then both he that giveth his own virgin 10 daughter in marriage doeth well; and he that giveth her not in marriage shall do better.

[39] A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, 11 she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

[40] But she is happier if she abide as she is, after my judgment: and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Note 1. Many ancient authorities read For.

Note 2. Many ancient authorities read you.

Note 3. Or, but if.

Note 4. Gr. so to be.

Note 5. Or, is shortened henceforth, that both those &c.

Note 6. Some ancient authorities read wife. And there is a difference also between the wife and the virgin. She that is unmarried is careful &c.

Note 7. Or, constraint. Gr. noose.

Note 8. Or, virgin (omitting daughter).

Note 9. Or, virgin (omitting daughter).

Note 10. Or, virgin (omitting daughter).

Note 11. Gr. fallen asleep. See Acts 7. 60.

VIII

[1] NOW concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth. 1

[2] If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know;

[3] but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.

[4] Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.

[5] For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;

[6] yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.

[7] Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

[8] But food will not commend 2 us to God: neither, if we eat not, are 3 we the worse; nor, if we eat, are 4 we the better.

[9] But take heed lest by any means this liberty 5 of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.

[10] For is a man see thee who hast knowledge sitting at meat in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be 6 emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols—

[11] For through 7 thy knowledge he that is weak perisheth, the brother for whose sake Christ died.

[12] And thus, sinning against the brethren, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, ye sin against Christ.

[13] Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

Note 1. Gr. buildeth up.

Note 2. Gr. present.

Note 3. Gr. do we lack.

Note 4. Gr. do we abound.

Note 5. Or, power.

Note 6. Gr. be builded up.

Note 7. Gr. in.

IX

[1] AM I not free— am I not an apostle— have I not seen Jesus our Lord— are not ye my work in the Lord—

[2] If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

[3] My defence to them that examine me is this.

[4] Have we no right to eat and to drink—

[5] Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, 1 even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas—

[6] Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working—

[7] What soldier ever serveth 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] Do I speak these things after the manner of men— or saith not the law also the same—

[9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth,

[10] or saith he it assuredly 2 for our sake— Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking.

[11] If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things—

[12] If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more— Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel 3 of Christ.

[13] Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat of the things of the temple, and they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar—

[14] Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel 4 should live of the gospel. 5

[15] But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

[16] For if I preach 6 the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach 7 not the gospel.

[17] For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.

[18] What then is my reward— That, when I preach 8 the gospel, I may make the gospel 9 without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel. 10

[19] For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

[20] And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

[21] to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law.

[22] To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.

[23] And I do all things for the gospel’s 11 sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof.

[24] Know ye not that they that run in a race 12 run all, but one receiveth the prize— Even so run; that ye may attain.

[25] And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

[26] I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight 13 I, as not beating the air:

[27] but I buffet 14 my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have 15 preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

Note 1. Gr. sister.

Note 2. Or, altogether,

Note 3. See marginal note on ch. 4 15.

Note 4. See marginal note on ch. 4 15.

Note 5. See marginal note on ch. 4 15.

Note 6. See marginal note on ch. 1. 17.

Note 7. See marginal note on ch. 1. 17.

Note 8. See marginal note on ch. 1. 17.

Note 9. See marginal note on ch. 4 15.

Note 10. See marginal note on ch. 4 15.

Note 11. See marginal note on ch. 4 15.

Note 12. Gr. race course.

Note 13. Gr. box.

Note 14. Gr. bruise. Lk. 18. 5.

Note 15. Or, have been a herald.

X

[1] FOR I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

[2] and were all baptized unto 1 Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

[3] and did all eat the same spiritual food;

[4] and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ. 2

[5] Howbeit with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

[6] Now these 3 things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

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

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

[9] Neither let us make trial of the Lord, 4 as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents.

[10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer.

[11] Now these things happened unto them by 5 way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.

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

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.

[14] Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

[15] I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion 6 of the blood of Christ— The bread 7 which we break, is it not a communion 8 of the body of Christ—

[17] seeing 9 that we, who are many, are one bread, 10 one body: for we all partake of 11 the one bread. 12

[18] Behold Israel after the flesh: have not they that eat the sacrifices communion with the altar—

[19] What say I then— that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything—

[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons.

[21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons.

[22] Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy— are we stronger than he—

[23] All things are lawful; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful; but not all things edify. 13

[24] Let no man seek his own, but each his 14 neighbor’s good.

[25] Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake;

[26] for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

[27] If one of them that believe not biddeth you to a feast, and ye are disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience’ sake.

[28] But if any man say unto you, This hath been offered in sacrifice, eat not, for his sake that showed it, and for conscience’ sake:

[29] conscience, I say, not thine own, but the other’s; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience—

[30] If 15 I partake with thankfulness, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks—

[31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

[32] Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

[33] even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

Note 1. Gr. into.

Note 2. Or, the Christ. Comp. Heb. 11. 26.

Note 3. Or, in these things they became figures of us.

Note 4. Some ancient authorities read Christ.

Note 5. Gr. by way of figure.

Note 6. Or, participation in.

Note 7. Or, loaf.

Note 8. Or, participation in.

Note 9. Or, seeing that there is one bread, we, who are many, are one body.

Note 10. Or, loaf.

Note 11. Gr. from.

Note 12. Or, loaf.

Note 13. Gr. build up.

Note 14. Gr. the other’s. See Rom. 13. 8.

Note 15. Or, If I by grace partake.

XI

[1] BE ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

[2] Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.

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

[4] Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head.

[5] But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head; for it is one and the same thing as if she were shaven.

[6] For if a woman is not veiled, let her also be shorn: but if it is a shame to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be veiled.

[7] For a man indeed ought not to have his head veiled, 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] for neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man:

[10] for this cause ought the woman to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.

[11] Nevertheless, neither is the woman without the man, nor the man without the woman, in the Lord.

[12] For as the woman is of the man, so is the man also by the woman; but all things are of God.

[13] Judge ye in 1 yourselves: is it seemly that a woman pray unto God unveiled—

[14] Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a dishonor to 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 seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

[17] But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better but for the worse.

[18] For first of all, when ye come together in 2 the church, I hear that divisions 3 exist among you; and I partly believe it.

[19] For there must be also factions 4 among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you.

[20] When therefore ye assemble yourselves together, it is not possible to eat the Lord’s supper:

[21] for in your eating each one taketh before other his own supper; and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

[22] What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in— or despise ye the church 5 of God, and put them to shame that have 6 not— What shall I say to you— shall 7 I praise you— In this I praise you not.

[23] For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed 8 took bread;

[24] and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is 9 for you: this do in remembrance of me.

[25] In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

[26] For as ofter as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come.

[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

[28] But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.

[29] For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern 10 not the body.

[30] For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep.

[31] But if we discerned 11 ourselves, we should not be judged.

[32] But when 12 we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

[33] Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another.

[34] If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come.

Note 1. Or, among.

Note 2. Or, in congregation.

Note 3. Gr. schisms.

Note 4. Gr. heresies.

Note 5. Or, congregation.

Note 6. Or, have nothing.

Note 7. Or, shall I praise you in this— I praise you not.

Note 8. Or, delivered up.

Note 9. Many ancient authorities read is broken for you.

Note 10. Gr. discriminate.

Note 11. Gr. discriminated.

Note 12. Or, when we are judged of the Lord, we are chastened.

XII

[1] NOW concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

[2] Ye know that when ye were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led.

[3] Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.

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

[5] And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord.

[6] And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all.

[7] But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.

[8] For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:

[9] to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit;

[10] and to another workings of miracles; 1 and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:

[11] but all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will.

[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.

[13] For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of 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; it is not therefore not of the body.

[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not 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 each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him.

[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body—

[20] But now they are many members, but one body.

[21] And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

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

[23] and those parts of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow 2 more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness;

[24] whereas our comely parts have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor 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 suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, 3 all the members rejoice with it.

[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally 4 members thereof.

[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, 5 then gifts of healings, helps, governments, 6 divers kinds of tongues.

[29] Are all apostles— are all prophets— are all teachers— are all workers of miracles— 7

[30] have all gifts of healings— do all speak with tongues— do all interpret—

[31] But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you.

Note 1. Gr. powers.

Note 2. Or, put on.

Note 3. Or, glorified.

Note 4. Or, members each in his part.

Note 5. Gr. powers.

Note 6. Or, wise counsels.

Note 7. Gr. powers.

XIII

[1] IF I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

[2] And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

[3] And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to 1 be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

[4] Love suffereth long, and is king; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

[5] doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

[6] rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;

[7] beareth 2 all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

[8] Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away.

[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;

[10] but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things.

[12] For now we see in a mirror, darkly; 3 but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.

[13] But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest 4 of these is love.

Note 1. Many ancient authorities read that I may glory,

Note 2. Or, covereth Comp. 1 Pet. 4. 8.

Note 3. Gr. in a riddle.

Note 4. Gr. greater Comp. Mt. 18. 1, 4; 23. 11.

XIV

[1] FOLLOW after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

[2] For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; 1 but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, 2 and consolation.

[4] He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth 3 himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth 4 the church.

[5] Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

[6] But now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching—

[7] Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped—

[8] For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war—

[9] So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken— for ye will be speaking into the air.

[10] There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no 5 kind is without signification.

[11] If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto 6 me.

[12] So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual 7 gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.

[13] Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

[14] For if I pray in a 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 if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the 8 unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest—

[17] For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 9

[18] I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all:

[19] Howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

[20] Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men. 10

[21] In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord.

[22] Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe.

[23] If therefore the whole church be assembled together and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad—

[24] But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved 11 by all, he is judged by all;

[25] the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among 12 you indeed.

[26] What is it then, brethren— When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

[27] If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; 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] And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern. 13

[30] But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence.

[31] For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted; 14

[32] and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets;

[33] for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints,

[34] let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.

[35] And if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church.

[36] What— was it from you that the word of God went forth— or came it unto you alone—

[37] If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.

[38] But 15 if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

[39] Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

[40] But let all things be done decently and in order.

Note 1. Gr. heareth.

Note 2. Or, comfort.

Note 3. Gr. buildeth up.

Note 4. Gr. buildeth up.

Note 5. Or, nothing is without voice.

Note 6. Or, in my case.

Note 7. Gr. spirits.

Note 8. Or, him that is without gifts: and so in ver. 23, 24.

Note 9. Gr. builded up.

Note 10. Gr. of full age, Comp. ch. 2. 6.

Note 11. Or, convicted.

Note 12. Or, in.

Note 13. Gr. discriminate.

Note 14. Or, comforted.

Note 15. Many ancient authorities read But if any man knoweth not, he is not known, Comp. ch. 8. 3.

XV

[1] NOW I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel 1 which I preached 2 unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand,

[2] by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the 3 word which I preached 4 unto you, except ye believed in 5 vain.

[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

[4] and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures;

[5] and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;

[6] then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep;

[7] then he appeared to James; 6 then to all the apostles;

[8] and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.

[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 found vain; 7 but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me:

[11] Whether then it be I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

[12] Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead—

[13] But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been raised:

[14] and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, 8 your 9 faith also is vain. 10

[15] Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: 11 whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised.

[16] For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised:

[17] and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

[18] Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

[19] If 12 we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.

[20] But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of them that are asleep.

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

[22] For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ 13 shall all be made alive.

[23] But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming. 14

[24] Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, 15 even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.

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

[26] The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.

[27] For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But 16 when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him.

[28] And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.

[29] Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead— If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them—

[30] why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour—

[31] I protest by that 17 glorying in you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

[32] If after the manner of men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what 18 doth it profit me— If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.

[33] Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.

[34] Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not; for some have no knowledge of God: I speak this to move you to shame.

[35] But some one will say, How are the dead raised— and with what manner of body do they come—

[36] Thou foolish one, that which thou thyself sowest is not quickened except it die:

[37] and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not the body that shall be, but a bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other kind;

[38] but God giveth it a body even as it pleased him, and to each seed a body of its own.

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

[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 dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

[44] it is sown a natural 19 body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural 20 body, there is also a spiritual body.

[45] So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

[46] Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; 21 then that which is spiritual.

[47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of 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 22 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 tell you a mystery: We 23 all shall not 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] But when this 24 corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in 25 victory.

[55] O death, where is thy victory— O death, where is thy sting—

[56] The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law:

[57] but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

[58] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain 26 in the Lord.

Note 1. See marginal note on ch. 4. 15.

Note 2. See marginal note on ch. 1. 17.

Note 3. Gr. with what word.

Note 4. See marginal note on ch. 1. 17.

Note 5. Or, without cause.

Note 6. Or, Jacob.

Note 7. Or, void.

Note 8. Or, void.

Note 9. Some ancient authorities read our.

Note 10. Or, void.

Note 11. Gr. the Christ.

Note 12. Or, If in this life only we have hoped in Christ &c.

Note 13. Gr. the Christ.

Note 14. Gr. presence.

Note 15. Gr. the God and Father.

Note 16. Or, But when he shall have said, All things are put in subjection (evidently excepting him that did subject all things unto him), when, I say, all things &c.

Note 17. Or, your glorying.

Note 18. Or, what doth it profit me, if the dead are not raised— Let us eat &c.

Note 19. Gr. psychical.

Note 20. Gr. psychical.

Note 21. Gr. psychical.

Note 22. Many ancient authorities read let us also bear.

Note 23. Or, We shall not all &c.

Note 24. Many ancient authorities omit this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and.

Note 25. Or, victoriously.

Note 26. Or, void.

XVI

[1] NOW concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galaria, so also do ye.

[2] Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

[3] And when I arrive, whomsoever 1 ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:

[4] and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.

[5] But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

[6] but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.

[7] For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, 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 Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:

[11] let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.

[12] But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his 2 will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.

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

[14] Let all that ye do be done in love.

[15] Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),

[16] that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.

[17] And I rejoice at the coming 3 of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.

[18] For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.

[19] The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

[20] All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.

[21] The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

[22] If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha. 4

[23] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

[24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Note 1. Or, whomsoever ye shall approve by letters, them will I send &c.

Note 2. Or, God’s will that he should come now. Comp. Rom. 2. 18 marg.

Note 3. Gr. presence. 2 Cor. 10. 10.

Note 4. That is O (or Our) Lord, come!

The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

I

[1] PAUL, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our 1 brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints that are in the whole of Achaia:

[2] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[3] Blessed be the 2 God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;

[4] who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ.

[6] But whether we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or whether we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which worketh in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer:

[7] and our hope for you is stedfast; knowing that, as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also are ye of the comfort.

[8] For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

[9] yea, 3 we ourselves have had the sentence 4 of death within ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead:

[10] who delivered us out of so great a death, and will deliver: on whom we have set 5 our hope that he will also still deliver us;

[11] ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf.

[12] For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

[13] For we write no other things unto you, than what ye read or even acknowledge, and I hope ye will acknowledge unto the end:

[14] as also ye did acknowledge us in part, that we are your glorying, even as ye also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.

[15] And in this confidence I was minded to come first unto you, that ye might have a second benefit; 6

[16] and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and of you to be set forward on my journey unto Judæa.

[17] When I therefore was thus minded, did I show fickleness— or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the yea yea and the nay nay—

[18] But as God is faithful, our word toward you is not yea and nay.

[19] For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by 7 us, even by 8 me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yea and nay, but in him is yea.

[20] For how many soever be the promises of God, in him is the yea: wherefore also through him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us.

[21] Now he that establisheth us with you in 9 Christ, and anointed us, is God;

[22] who 10 also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

[23] But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.

[24] Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for in faith 11 ye stand fast.

Note 1. Gr. the brother.

Note 2. Or, God and the Father. See Rom. 15. 6 marg.

Note 3. Or, but we ourselves.

Note 4. Gr. answer.

Note 5. Some ancient authorities read set our hope; and still will he deliver us.

Note 6. Or, grace. Some ancient authorities read joy.

Note 7. Gr. through.

Note 8. Gr. through.

Note 9. Gr. into.

Note 10. Or, seeing that he both sealed us.

Note 11. Or, your faith.

II

[1] BUT 1 I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow.

[2] For if I make you sorry, who then is he that maketh me glad but he that is made sorry by me—

[3] And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

[4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

[5] But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all.

[6] Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the 2 many;

[7] so that contrariwise ye should rather 3 forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow.

[8] Wherefore I beseech you to confirm your love toward him.

[9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether 4 ye are obedient in all things.

[10] But to whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes have I forgiven it in the presence 5 of Christ;

[11] that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

[12] Now when I came to Troas for the gospel 6 of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

[13] I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.

[14] But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.

[15] For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are 7 saved, and in them that perish; 8

[16] to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things—

[17] For we are not as the many, corrupting 9 the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.

Note 1. Some ancient authorities read For.

Note 2. Gr. the more.

Note 3. Some ancient authorities omit rather.

Note 4. Some ancient authorities read whereby.

Note 5. Or, person.

Note 6. Gr. good tidings: see marginal note on Mt. 4. 23.

Note 7. Or, are being saved.

Note 8. Or, are perishing.

Note 9. Or, making merchandise of the word of God. Comp. 2 Pet. 2. 3.

III

[1] ARE we beginning again to commend ourselves— or need we, as do some, epistles of commendation to you or from you—

[2] Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men;

[3] being made manifest that ye are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in tables that are hearts of flesh.

[4] And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward:

[5] not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God;

[6] who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

[7] But if the ministration of death, written, 1 and engraven on stones, came with 2 glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon the face of Moses for the glory of his face; which glory was 3 passing away:

[8] how shall not rather the ministration of the spirit be with glory—

[9] For 4 if the ministration of condemnation hath glory, much rather doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

[10] For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

[11] For if that which passeth 5 away was with 6 glory, much more that which remaineth is in glory.

[12] Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

[13] and are not as Moses, who put a veil upon his face, that the children of Isreal should not look stedfastly on 7 the end of that which was 8 passing away:

[14] but their minds 9 were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, 10 it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.

[15] But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart.

[16] But whensoever it 11 shall turn to the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

[18] But we all, with unveiled face beholding 12 as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.

Note 1. Gr. in letters.

Note 2. Gr. in.

Note 3. Or, was being done away. Comp. 1 Cor. 13. 8, 10.

Note 4. Many ancient authorities read, For if the ministration of condemnation is glory.

Note 5. Or, is being done away. See ver. 7 marg.

Note 6. Gr. through.

Note 7. Or, unto.

Note 8. Or, was being done away. See ver. 7 marg.

Note 9. Gr. thoughts. Ch. 4. 4; 11. 3.

Note 10. Or, remaineth unlifted; which veil is done away.

Note 11. Or, a man shall turn.

Note 12. Or, reflecting as a mirror.

IV

[1] THEREFORE seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we faint not:

[2] but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

[3] And even if four gospel 1 is veiled in them that perish: 2

[4] in whom the god of this world 3 hath blinded the minds 4 of the unbelieving, that 5 the light 6 of the gospel 7 of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.

[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants 8 for 9 Jesus’ sake.

[6] Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light 10 of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;

[8] we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;

[9] pursued, yet not forsaken; 11 smitten down, yet not destroyed;

[10] always bearing about in the body the dying 12 of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.

[11] For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

[13] But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, and therefore did I speak; we also believe, and therefore also we speak;

[14] knowing that he that raised up the 13 Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.

[15] For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the 14 many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God.

[16] Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

[17] For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

[18] while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Note 1. See marginal note on ch. 2. 12.

Note 2. Or, are perishing.

Note 3. Or, age.

Note 4. Gr. thoughts. Ch. 4. 4; 11. 3.

Note 5. Or, that they should not see the light… image of God.

Note 6. Gr. illumination.

Note 7. See marginal note on ch. 2. 12.

Note 8. Gr. bondservants. Comp. 1. Cor. 9. 19.

Note 9. Some ancient authorities read through Jesus.

Note 10. Gr. illumination.

Note 11. Or, left behind.

Note 12. Gr. putting to death.

Note 13. Some ancient authorities omit the Lord.

Note 14. Gr. the more.

V

[1] FOR we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle 1 be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.

[2] For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven:

[3] if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

[4] For indeed we that are in this tabernacle 2 do groan, being 3 burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

[5] Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

[6] Being therefore always of good courage, and knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord

[7] (for we walk by faith, not by sight); 4

[8] we are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

[9] Wherefore also we make 5 it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in 6 the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

[11] Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

[12] We are not again commending ourselves unto you, but speak as giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have wherewith to answer them that glory in appearance, and not in heart.

[13] For whether we are 7 beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you.

[14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;

[15] and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.

[16] Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more.

[17] Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is 8 a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

[18] But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation;

[19] to wit, that God was in Chirst reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed 9 unto us the word of reconciliation.

[20] We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.

[21] Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

Note 1. Or, bodily frame. Comp. Wisd. 9. 15.

Note 2. Or, bodily frame.

Note 3. Or, being burdened, in that we would not be unclothed, but would be clothed upon.

Note 4. Gr. appearance.

Note 5. Gr. are ambitious. See Rom. 15. 20 marg.

Note 6. Gr. through.

Note 7. Or, were.

Note 8. Or, there is a new creation.

Note 9. Or, placed in us.

VI

[1] AND working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain

[2] (for he saith,

At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee,

And in a day of salvation did I succor thee:

behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation):

[3] giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

[4] but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, 1 in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

[5] in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;

[6] in pureness, in knowledge, in long suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned,

[7] in the word of truth, in the power of God; by 2 the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

[8] by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

[9] as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

[10] as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

[11] Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged.

[12] Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections.

[13] Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged.

[14] Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity— or what communion hath light with darkness—

[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial— 3 or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever—

[16] And what agreement hath a temple 4 of God with idols— for we are a temple 5 of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

[17] Wherefore

Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

And touch no unclean thing;

And I will receive you,

[18] And will be to you a Father,

And ye shall be to me sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.

Note 1. Or, stedfastness.

Note 2. Gr. through.

Note 3. Gr. Beliar.

Note 4. Or, sanctuary.

Note 5. Or, sanctuary.

VII

[1] HAVING therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

[2] Open 1 your hearts to us: we wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we took advantage of no man.

[3] I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.

[4] Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying on your behalf: I am filled with comfort, I overflow with joy in all our affliction.

[5] For even when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

[6] Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming 2 of Titus;

[7] and not by his coming 3 only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more.

[8] For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: I did regret it (for 4 I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season),

[9] I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.

[10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto 5 salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

[11] For behold, this selfsame thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea what fear, yea what longing, yea what zeal, yea what avenging! In everything ye approved yourselves to be pure in the matter.

[12] So although I wrote unto you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be made manifest unto you in the sight of God.

[13] Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.

[14] For if in anything I have gloried to him on your behalf, I was not put to shame; but as we spake all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.

[15] And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

[16] I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.

Note 1. Gr. Make room for us.

Note 2. Gr. Presence. Comp. 2. Thess. 2. 9.

Note 3. Gr. through.

Note 4. Some ancient authorities omit for.

Note 5. Or, unto a salvation which bringeth no regret.

VIII

[1] MOREOVER, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

[2] how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 1

[3] For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

[4] beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

[5] and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

[6] Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

[7] But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your 2 love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

[8] I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

[10] And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.

[11] But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.

[12] For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

[13] For I say not this that others may be eased and ye distressed;

[14] but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality:

[5] as it is written, He that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack.

[16] But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

[17] For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.

[18] And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel 3 is spread through all the churches;

[19] and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show our readiness:

[20] avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministeredby us:

[21] for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

[22] And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you.

[23] Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to youward; or our brethren, they are the messengers 4 of the churches, they are the glory of Christ.

[24] Show 5 ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.

Note 1. Gr. singleness. See Rom. 12. 8.

Note 2. Some ancient authorities read our love to you.

Note 3. See marginal note on ch. 2. 12.

Note 4. Gr. apostles.

Note 5. Or, Show ye therefore in the face… on your behalf unto them.

IX

[1] FOR as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

[2] for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your 1 zeal hath stirred up very 2 many of them.

[3] But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:

[4] lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.

[5] I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, 3 that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion. 4

[6] But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully 5 shall reap also bountifully. 6

[7] Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, 7 or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

[8] And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:

[9] as it is written,

He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor;

His righteousness abideth for ever.

[10] And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:

[11] ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, 8 which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.

[12] For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

[13] seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel 9 of Christ, and for the liberality 10 of your contribution unto them and unto all;

[14] while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

[15] Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Note 1. Or, emulation of you.

Note 2. Gr. the more part.

Note 3. Gr. blessing.

Note 4. Or, covetousness.

Note 5. Gr, with blessings. Comp. ver. 5.

Note 6. Gr, with blessings. Comp. ver. 5.

Note 7. Gr. of sorrow.

Note 8. Gr. singleness. Comp. ch. 8. 2.

Note 9. Gr. good tidings. See marginal note on ch. 2. 12.

Note 10. Gr. singleness. Comp. ch. 8. 2.

X

[1] NOW I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

[2] yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh

[4] (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);

[5] casting down imaginations, 1 and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

[6] and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

[7] Ye 2 look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also are we.

[8] For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:

[9] that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.

[10] For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.

[11] Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

[12] For we are not bold to 3 number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

[13] But we will not glory beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province 4 which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.

[14] For we stretch not ourselves overmuch, as though we reached not unto you: for we came 5 even as far as unto you in the gospel 6 of Christ:

[15] not glorying beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors; but having hope that, as your faith groweth, we shall be magnified in you according to our province 7 unto further abundance,

[16] so as to preach 8 the gospel even unto the parts beyond you, and not to glory in another’s province 9 in regard of things ready to our hand.

[17] But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

[18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Note 1. Or, reasonings. Rom. 2. 15.

Note 2. Or, Do ye look… face—

Note 3. Gr. to judge ourselves among, or to judge ourselves with.

Note 4. Or, limit. Gr. measuring-rod.

Note 5. Or, were the first to come.

Note 6. Gr. good tidings. See marginal note on ch. 2. 12.

Note 7. Or, limit. Gr. measuring-rod.

Note 8. Gr. bring good tidings. Comp. Mt. 11. 5.

Note 9. Or, limit. Gr. measuring-rod.

XI

[1] WOULD that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: but 1 indeed ye do bear with me.

[2] For I am jealous over you with a 2 godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds 3 should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.

[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different gospel, 4 which ye did not accept, ye do well to bear with him.

[5] For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the 5 very chiefest apostles.

[6] But though I be rude in speech, yet am I not in knowledge; nay, 6 in every way have we made this manifest unto you in all things.

[7] Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I preached 7 to you the gospel of God for nought—

[8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you;

[9] and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

[10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this glorying in the regions of Achaia.

[11] Wherefore— because I love you not— God knoweth.

[12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion 8 from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

[13] For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

[14] And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.

[15] It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

[16] I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but if ye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.

[17] That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.

[18] Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

[19] For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves.

[20] For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.

[21] I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.

[22] Are they Hebrews— so am I. Are they Israelites— so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham— so am I.

[23] Are they ministers of Christ— (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.

[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep;

[26] in journeyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, 9 in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

[27] in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

[28] Besides 10 those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.

[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak— who is caused to stumble, and I burn not—

[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.

[31] The 11 God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for 12 evermore knoweth that I lie not.

[32] In Damascus the governor 13 under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to take me:

[33] and through a window was I let down in a basket by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Note 1. Or, May indeed bear with me.

Note 2. Gr. a jealousy of God.

Note 3. Gr. thoughts. See ch. 3. 14.

Note 4. Gr. good tidings. Comp. ch. 2. 12.

Note 5. Or, those pre-eminent apostles.

Note 6. Or, nay, in everything we have made it manifest among all men to you-ward.

Note 7. See marginal note on ch. 10. 16.

Note 8. Gr, the occasion of them.

Note 9. Gr. race. Comp. Acts 7. 19.

Note 10. Or, Besides the things which I omit. Or, Besides the things that come out of course.

Note 11. Or, God and the Father. See Rom. 15. 6.

Note 12. Gr. unto the ages.

Note 13. Gr. ethnarch.

XII

[1] I 1 MUST needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

[2] I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.

[3] And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),

[4] how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

[5] On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.

[6] For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

[7] And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, 2 that I should not to be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn 3 in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.

[8] Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

[9] And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest 4 upon me.

[10] Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

[11] I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the 5 very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.

[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, 6 by signs and wonders and mighty 7 works.

[13] For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you— forgive me this wrong.

[14] Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

[15] And I will most gladly spend and be spent 8 for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less—

[16] But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

[17] Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you—

[18] I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you— walked we not in 9 the same spirit— walked we not in the same steps—

[19] Ye 10 think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

[20] For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults; 11

[21] lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed.

Note 1. Some ancient authorities read Now to glory is not expedient, but I will come &c.

Note 2. Some ancient authorities read revelations—wherefore, that &c.

Note 3. Or, stake.

Note 4. Or, cover me. Gr. spread a tabernacle over me. See Rev. 7. 15.

Note 5. Or, those pre-eminent apostles.

Note 6. Or, stedfastness.

Note 7. Gr. powers.

Note 8. Gr. spent out.

Note 9. Or, by the same spirit.

Note 10. Or, Think ye… you—

Note 11. Or, disorders.

XIII

[1] THIS is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.

[2] I have said beforehand, 1 and I do say beforehand 2 as 3 when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

[3] seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:

[4] for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in 4 him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.

[5] Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you— unless indeed ye be reprobate.

[6] But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.

[7] Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though 5 we be as reprobate.

[8] For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

[9] For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting.

[10] For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

[11] Finally, brethren, farewell. 6 Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

[12] Salute one another with a holy kiss.

[13] All the saints salute you.

[14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Note 1. Or, plainly. Comp. 1 Thess. 3. 4.

Note 2. Or, plainly. Comp. 1 Thess. 3. 4.

Note 3. Or, as if I were present the second time, even though I am now absent.

Note 4. Many ancient authorities read with.

Note 5. Gr. and that.

Note 6. Or, rejoice: be perfected.

Hymns of the Christian Church

Hymns Based on Psalms

Psalm XIX

Joseph Addison (1672—1719)

THE SPACIOUS firmament on high,

With all the blue ethereal sky,

And spangled heavens, a shining frame,

Their great Original proclaim.

The unwearied sun from day to day

Does his Creator’s power display,

And publishes to every land

The work of an almighty hand.

Soon as the evening shades prevail

The moon takes up the wondrous tale,

And nightly to the listening earth

Repeats the story of her birth;

Whilst all the stars that round her burn,

And all the planets in their turn,

Confirm the tidings as they roll,

And spread the truth from pole to pole.

What though in solemn silence all

Move round the dark terrestrial ball—

What though no real voice nor sound

Amid their radiant orbs be found—

In reason’s ear they all rejoice

And utter forth a glorious voice,

Forever singing as they shine,

“The hand that made us is divine.”

Psalm XXIII

Henry Williams Baker (1821—1877)

THE KING of love my shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never:

I nothing lack if I am his,

And he is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow

My ransomed soul he leadeth,

And where the verdant pastures grow

With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,

But yet in love he sought me

And on his shoulder gently laid

And home rejoicing brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill

With thee, dear Lord, beside me,

Thy rod and staff my comfort still,

Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight,

Thy unction grace bestoweth,

And O! what transport of delight

From thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days

Thy goodness faileth never;

Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise

Within thy house forever.

Psalm LXXII

Isaac Watts (1674—1748)

JESUS shall reign where’er the sun

Does his successive journeys run,

His kingdom stretch from shore to shore

Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

Behold the islands with their kings,

And Europe her best tribute brings;

From north and south the princes meet

To pay their homage at his feet.

There Persia, glorious to behold,

There India shines in eastern gold,

And barb’rous nations at his word

Submit and bow, and own their Lord.

For him shall endless prayer be made,

And praises throng to crown his head;

His name, like sweet perfume, shall rise

With every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue

Dwell on his love with sweetest song,

And infant voices shall proclaim

Their early blessings on his name.

Blessings abound where’er he reigns;

The prisoner leaps to loose his chains,

The weary find eternal rest,

And all the sons of want are blest.

Where he displays his healing power,

Death and the curse are known no more.

In him the tribes of Adam boast

More blessings than their father lost.

Let every creature rise, and bring

Peculiar honors to our King,

Angels descend with songs again,

And earth repeat the loud Amen!

Psalm XC

Isaac Watts (1674—1748)

OUR God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home,

Under the shadow of thy throne