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The Abridged First Letter to the Corinthians

What is the First Letter to the Corinthians?

Paul calls out the church in Corinth and teaches how to be a good person.

Summary - Top

Pt 1: Chosing Leaders

Ch 1.

Ch 2.

Ch 3.

Ch 4.

Pt 2: Sex

Ch 5.

Ch 6.

Ch 7.

Pt 3: Food

Ch 8.

Ch 9.

Ch 10.

Ch 11.

Pt 4: Spiritual Gifts

Ch 12.

Ch 13.

Ch 14.

Pt 5

Ch 15.

Ch 16.

Summary and Background

Stats

Other Names
1 Cor

Author
Authentically by Paul

Setting Range
54CE

Categories
Pauline Church Letters

Academic Composition Range
53CE-54CE

Historical Preservation
Fully Preserved

Public Domain Translations
KJVASVBBEYLTWEB

Abridged Status
Finished- 0% Remaining

Original Verse Count
437

Original Word Count
9,462

Abridged Word Count
4,202

Abridged Length
44%

History and Background of the First Letter to the Corinthians

What do scholars and theologians know about the First Letter to the Corinthians?

Sent to Corinth, a major city in Greece.
One of the seven letters that nearly all scholars agree is legitmate.

Part 1: Chosing Leaders

Chapter 1

1:1-2. To: the church in Corinth, and everyone else who it may apply,
From: Paul and Sosthenes.

1:1. Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

1:2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

1:3. I wish you kindness and peace from God and Jesus.

1:3. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:4-6. I always thank God for you. You have improved in every way, including your knowlege and public speaking. That shows God is blessing you because you’ve welcomed the Chosen.

1:4. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

1:5. That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

1:6. Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

1:7. You’re not lacking any of the spiritual gifts while we’re waiting on Jesus to return.

1:7. So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1:8. Jesus will help keep you strong until the last day.

1:8. Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:9. God, who has called you into relationship with Jesus, will keep all promises made.

1:9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1:10-11. I’ve heard rumors about arguing among you. You should agree with each other and get along with each other, and to be perfectly united in mind.

1:10. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1:11. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

1:12. It is not correct for someone to say, “I follow Paul”, or, “I follow Peter”, or, “I follow Apollos”, or even, “I follow the Chosen.”

1:12. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

1:13-16. Is Jesus split and divided?
Was I crucified for you- or were you baptized in my name? I only baptized like six people ever- so almost no one can say I baptized them.

1:13. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1:14. I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

1:15. Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

1:16. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

1:17. I was not sent to baptize, but to tell people the message. And not just with words or logic- that would take all the power and passion away from the death and sacrifice of Jesus.

1:17. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1:18. The death of Jesus is a powerful message, but it doesn't seem that way to fools.

1:18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1:19. God cannot be conquered with wisdom or intelligence.

1:19. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

1:20. Do you see any wise people around? Are they helping anything?

1:20. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1:21. In this case, wisdom won’t help because the message is so simple anyone can understand.

1:21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1:22-24. Some look for wisdom, others look for signs and power, and we don't have either.

1:22. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1:23. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1:24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1:25. However, the dumbest part of God is still smarter than the smartest of humanity, and the weakness of God is stronger than the strongest of humanity.

1:25. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1:26. Think about when you were called and converted. You did not have power or influence then.

1:26. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

1:27. But God makes the silly things outshine the smart, and the small things shame the strong.

1:27. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1:28-31. God always choses to bless the lowest. God choses- no one earns it. No one is allowed to brag.

1:29. That no flesh should glory in his presence.

1:28. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

1:30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

1:31. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Chapter 2

2:1-2. That’s how I am. When I came to you, I didn’t come with fancy words. I told you I knew nothing except Jesus and how he died.

2:1. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2:2. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

2:3-5. I was scared and nervous, and was not very persuasive, but that alone was enough to show the power of God and the Spirit.

2:3. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

2:4. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

2:5. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2:6-7. We do have some wisdom, I guess, but it’s not of this world- it revolves around the mysteries of God that have been hidden and planned since time began.

2:6. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

2:7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

2:8-10. None of our current rulers understand this. But this is understandable, because no one has, until God decides to reveal it through the Spirit.

2:8. Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

2:9. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

2:10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

2:11. The Spirit knows all things, even the thoughts of God. Who knows someone’s thoughts better than their own Spirit?

2:11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

2:12. That is what we received – the Spirit of God, so that we can understand what else God has given us.

2:12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

2:13. And this is what we share and speak – not the words taught by other humans, but words taught through the Spirit.

2:13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2:14. The person without the Spirit does not accept things that come from the Spirit of God, and considers them foolish.

2:14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

2:15-16. The person with the Spirit makes judgements about everything, but not human judgements., judgements from the mind of Christ.

2:15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

2:16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Chapter 3

3:1-4. Honestly, I can tell you guys don’t have the Spirit yet. You’re still baby Christians. I haven’t even tried giving you solid food yet, because you aren’t ready. You’re still wordly, jealous, and fight with each other, arguing over who to listen to.

3:1. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

3:2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3:3. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

3:4. For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

3:5-9. Who is Apollos? What is Paul? We’re both just servants doing what Christ has told us to. I plant seeds, and Apollos waters them, but God is the only thing that makes everything grow. We are just the workers of God.

3:5. Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

3:6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

3:7. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

3:8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

3:9. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

3:10-15. I have built my success on the foundation of Jesus Christ. If you want to be successful, be sure to use the same foundation. If you use gold, wood, or hay as your foundation, it will be apparent. Your work will be tested by God.

3:10. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

3:11. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

3:12. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

3:13. Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

3:14. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

3:15. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

3:16-17. Don’t you know that each and every human is a temple for God, and God’s Spirit lives in you? God doesn’t like it when temples are destroyed.

3:16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

3:17. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

3:18-20. Don’t fool yourself. If you think you’re wise, you should become “fools” to truly become wise. God is above normal wisdom.

3:18. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

3:19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

3:20. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

3:21. So no more promoting human leaders!

3:21. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;

3:22-23. All things are yours- whether Paul, Peter, or Apollos, whether the world or life or death, whether the past, present or future- all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

3:22. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;

3:23. And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Chapter 4

4:1. That’s how you should see us- servants of Christ, entrusted with mysteries that God has revealed.

4:1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

4:2. Those who have been trusted with such must now prove themselves.

4:2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

4:3-4. I don’t care who judges me- I don’t even judge myself. My own conscience is clear, but that doesn’t necessarily make me innocent. God will judge me.

4:3. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

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

4:5. Judge nothing until the Lord comes. He will bring light to the darkness, and expose our hearts. Then we will receive our praise from God.

4:5. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

4:6. Neither judge between me and Apollos, because, remember, “Do not go beyond what is written.” There is simply no reason to follow one or the other.

4:6. And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

4:7. Why do you think you have the right to judge who is more right? What makes you special? Did you find some secret method all your own without the help of God? No? Then why are you bragging?

4:7. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

4:8. You already have everything you want! You have money, and have begun to gain power. I wish I could reign with you!

4:8. Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

4:9. God has released us Apostles into the world, like those condemned to die in the arena. Everyone is watching us, both angels and humans.

4:9. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

4:10. You are much better off than us, richer and more educated.

4:10. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

4:11-13. We are hungry and thirsty, dressed in rags, and homeless. We work hard with our hands. We are cursed, persecuted, and slandered, but we only bless, endure, and respond kindly. We are pretty much trash.

4:11. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

4:12. And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

4:13. Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

4:14-15. I’m not writing all of this to make you feel bad, but to give you a warning. I’ve been there for you like a parent would, as Christ authorized me to.

4:14. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

4:15. For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

4:16. So, imitate me.

4:16. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

4:17. I’ve sent Timothy to you, who is like a child to me. He will help remind you and teach you things like I would.

4:17. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

4:18-20. Some of you are arrogant, as if I’d never come to visit you. I will, Lord willing, and I’ll find out who’s talking smack and what kind of power they actually have.

4:18. Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

4:19. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

4:20. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

4:21. What would you prefer? Should I come wielding a stick of discipline? Or should I come in love, with a gentle spirit?

4:21. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Part 2: Sex

Chapter 5

5:1. I’ve heard there’s at least one of you over there doing something unthinkable- sleeping with their step-mother!

5:1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

5:2. Yet you’re still proud of yourselves. Did you even kick this sick fucker out?

5:2. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

5:3. I just have to say something, seriously, Jesus has passed judgement on whoever did that.

5:3. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

5:4-5. Hand that person over to Satan, so that their flesh will be destroyed, and their spirit may still saved on the day of judgement.

5:4. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5:5. To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

5:6-8. Your bragging is not good. Don’t you know a little bit of mold spoils the whole batch of bread? Make a new batch for Jesus’ new sacrifice.

5:6. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

5:7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

5:8. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

5:9-13. I have written you before, warning you about this. Do not associate with anyone who both claims to be a Christian, but is sexually immoral, greedy, liar, drunk, or cheat. Don’t even eat with them. Do not judge those outside the church, do not to force these issues with non-believers, but someone cannot do these things and be allowed to be in your church. Like God says, “expel the evil from among you.”

5:9. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

5:10. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

5:11. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

5:12. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

5:13. But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Chapter 6

6:1-6. If there is an argument between you any two of you, take it to a Christian elder to decide- not to the courts.
We will be the ones judging everyone with Jesus at the end of time, so we can handle a few little court cases.
It's embarassing you need the help of others to decide what you do.

6:1. Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

6:2. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

6:3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

6:4. If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

6:5. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

6:6. But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

6:7. But really, the fact you're having lawsuits at all shows how much you're screwing up. If you're wronged or cheated, why not just take it like a Christian?

6:7. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

6:8. But I guess you'd rather take from others instead.

6:8. Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

6:9-10. Evil people won't go to heaven. That includes sexual predators, idolaters, cheaters, prostitutes, thieves, drunks, and liars.

6:9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

6:10. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

6:11. Some of us were like that, yes, but were made good by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

6:11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

6:12. You might be allowed to do whatever you want, but that's not always a good idea.

6:12. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

6:13. Food is just food- but God will destroy it all. The body is not meant for abuse, it's owned by God.

6:13. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

6:14. God brought Jesus back to life, and will bring us back to life at the end of time, too.

6:14. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

6:15-17. Don't you know Jesus owns your body? Do you really want to include a prostitute in that? Never!

6:15. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

6:16. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

6:17. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

6:18. All other wrongdoings hurt other people, but sexual immorality hurts yourself.

6:18. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

6:19-20. Your body is a temple. You don't own it. You're a slave who was bought by God. Honor God!

6:19. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

6:20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Chapter 7

7:1. Honestly, it would best never to marry at all.

7:1. Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

7:2-3. But since there are so many orgies and prostitutes, find yourself a good spouse to fuck instead.

7:2. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

7:3. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

7:4. Your body doesn't belong to you, it belongs to your spouse.

7:4. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

7:5. Don't tell each no, except if you both decid to take time off to to pray for a while. But be sure to fuck afterwords so you don't get any other evil thoughts.

7:5. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

7:6. This is just permission to do this, not a command to.

7:6. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

7:7. I wish everyone were as disinterested in sex as I am. I think it's gross and icky. But we all have our own strengths and weaknesses.

7:7. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

7:8. If you're unmarried or a widow, it's probably best to just stay single, like me.

7:8. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

7:9. But if you really can't contol yourself, then it's technically better to marry than to burn with passion.

7:9. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

7:10-11. God says no divorce. If you do get divorced, do not get remarried, except to the same person.

7:10. And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

7:11. But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

7:12-14. If your spouse isn't a believer like you are, that's okay- your belief is enough for the whole house.

7:12. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

7:13. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

7:14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

7:15. But if an unbeliever wants to leave- let them. God wants you to live in peace.

7:15. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

7:16. I guess you actually don't really know if you'll be enough to save your spouse.

7:16. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

7:17. The general rule is to stay how you are when you first called to God.

7:17. But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

7:18-24. Circumcision or not, slave or not, it doesn't matter- it's how you follow God's rules.

7:18. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

7:19. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

7:20. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

7:21. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

7:22. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

7:23. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

7:24. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

7:25-26. God never really said anything about virgins, but if you are, it's probably better to stay that way.

7:25. Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

7:26. I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

7:27. If you're married, don't get divorced, if you're unmarried, don't get married.

7:27. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

7:28. But if you do get married, it's technically okay, I'm just trying to you save you from all the chaos of a marriage!

7:28. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

7:29-31. What I'm trying to say is that Jesus is literally coming back any day now- so don't risk screwing it up by making a big decision- literally everything is going to be destroyed, so none of this matters.

7:29. But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

7:30. And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

7:31. And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

7:32-34. A single person is worried about how to make God happy, while a married person worries about how to make their spouse happy.

7:32. But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

7:33. But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

7:34. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

7:35. I'm just trying to give some advice.

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

7:36. If you've been with someone a while, and are worried about it, just get married.

7:36. But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

7:37. But also, if you want to be tough and strong and independent, you don't have to marry at all, either.

7:37. Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

7:38. Marrying your girlfriend is the right thing to do, but not marrying her is even smarter!

7:38. So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

7:39-40. If your spouse dies, you'll probably be happier if you don't get remarried.

7:39. The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

7:40. But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Part 3: Food

Chapter 8

8:1. We all know stuff- but knowledge inflates egos, while love fills hearts.

8:1. Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

8:2. Whoever thinks they know something, knows nothing.

8:2. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

8:3. The one who loves God, is known by God.

8:3. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

8:4. About eating food that was sacrificed to another god: We know those gods are fake, and there is only one God.

8:4. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

8:5-6. Even if they do exist, there's one God that created everything.

8:5. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

8:6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

8:7. But not everyone knows this yet. Some people still think that sacrificing to a god means it ruins the food.

8:7. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8:8. But food doesn't help us with God.

8:8. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

8:9-11. However- make sure no one sees you eating it, and gets the wrong impression.

8:9. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

8:10. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

8:11. And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

8:12. If you influence others negatively in this way, you hurt Jesus.

8:12. But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

8:13. So don't do it- it's too risky.

8:13. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

Chapter 9

9:1. I'm a free person- an apostle of Jesus- and you are proof of my work.

9:1. Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

9:2. Not everyone respects me, but you do.

9:2. If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

9:3. Here's what I say to them:

9:3. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

9:4-7. Me and Barnabas deserve to get paid just like everyone else- don't criticize us for taking donations.

9:4. Have we not power to eat and to drink?

9:5. Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

9:6. Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

9:7. Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

9:8-10. The Law backs this up, too.

9:8. Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

9:9. For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

9:10. Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

9:11-12. If we give spiritual work and support, and part of being Christian is being giving, who better to give it to?

9:11. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

9:12. If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

9:13. Note- we never played this card and demanded money. We happily accepted whatever came our way.

9:13. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

9:14. Preachers should get paid, too.

9:14. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

9:15. I haven't used these rights before, and I'm not writing to ask for anything- I'm too proud to ask for help.

9:15. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

9:16-18. If I chose to preach, I would be more accepting of payment, but because God has sent to me do it, I do it for the reward of itself.

9:16. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

9:17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

9:18. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

9:19. I am a free person- but I serve everyone.

9:19. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

9:20-22. I have become like the Jewish, the Greeks, the unreligious, and the weak- so that I knew have to save each type of person.

9:20. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

9:21. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

9:22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

9:23. Everything I do is for the sake of this message and it's blessings.

9:23. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

9:24-25. Run like you're in a race- but in this case, everyone who wins, wins forever.

9:24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

9:25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

9:26-27. So do like I do, and have purpose in your work, but also stay good, so you won't be disqualified.

9:26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

9:27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Chapter 10

10:1.

10:1. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

10:2.

10:2. And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

10:3.

10:3. And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

10:4.

10:4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

10:5.

10:5. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

10:6.

10:6. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

10:7.

10:7. 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.

10:8.

10:8. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

10:9.

10:9. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10:10.

10:10. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

10:11.

10:11. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

10:12.

10:12. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

10:13.

10:13. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

10:14.

10:14. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

10:15.

10:15. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

10:16.

10:16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

10:17.

10:17. For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

10:18.

10:18. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

10:19.

10:19. What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

10:20.

10:20. But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

10:21.

10:21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

10:22.

10:22. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

10:23.

10:23. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

10:24.

10:24. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

10:25.

10:25. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

10:26.

10:26. For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

10:27.

10:27. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

10:28.

10:28. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

10:29.

10:29. Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

10:30.

10:30. For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

10:31.

10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

10:32.

10:32. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

10:33.

10:33. Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Chapter 11

11:1. Do what I, becuase I do what Jesus does.

11:1. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

11:2. I'm glad you remember what I taught you and hold on to those teachings.

11:2. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

11:3-5. Men need to pray without a hat, women need to pray with a hat.

11:3. 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.

11:4. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

11:5. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

11:6. If she doesn't listen, cut her hair off so she'll learn to cover her bald head.

11:6. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

11:7-12. Men are better than women so they don't have to cover their head.

11:7. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

11:8. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.

11:9. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

11:10. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

11:11. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

11:12. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

11:13-16. Men have short hair and women have long hair- it's nature, get over it.
It's how all the churches do things.

11:13. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

11:14. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

11:15. But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

11:16. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

11:17. I have some criticism for you: you're doing more evil than good.

11:17. Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

11:18-19. When you gather as a church, there are divisions among you. It might show which of you are better, but it's unproductive.

11:18. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

11:19. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

11:20-21. It's a disgrace to call what you're doing a Lord's Supper; some eat too much and others leave others hungry, some even get drunk. This isn't right.

11:20. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

11:21. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

11:22. Have your meals at home if you want to act like that; don't disrespect the church and humiliate those who have nothing.

11:22. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

11:23-26. I taught you how to do communion like Jesus did on the night he was betrayed- you break the bread, then share the wine.

11:23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

11:24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

11:25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

11:26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

11:27. Anyone who does this in a disrespectful way is an asshole.

11:27. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

11:28-30. Be self aware before doing this, or else you'll end up weak, sick, or worse.

11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

11:29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

11:30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

11:31-32. But if you judge yourself correctly, you won't have to worry about God judging you.

11:31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

11:32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

11:33. So, when you gather, wait for everyone to get there before you eat.

11:33. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

11:34. If you're hungry, eat at home before gathering.

11:34. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Part 4: Spiritual Gifts

Chapter 12

12:1. I want you all to know about spiritual gifts.

12:1. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

12:2. You know we've been led astray from God before.

12:2. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

12:3. No can say "fuck Jesus" with the Holy Spirit, and "Jesus is ruler" without it.

12:3. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

12:4-6. There are different kinds of gifts, services, and work- but it's the same Spirit, Jesus, and God.

12:4. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

12:5. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

12:6. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

12:7. The Holy Spirit is given to everyone.

12:7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

12:8-10. But some might get the spirit of Wisdom, or Knowledge, or Faith, Healing, Prophecy, Spiritual Senses, Tongues, or other powers.

12:8. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

12:9. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

12:10. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

12:11. All of these come from the same Spirit, from God.

12:11. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12:12-14. Your body is one thing, yet has many different parts. So is the church- the body of Jesus.

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

12:13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

12:14. For the body is not one member, but many.

12:15-16. Your foot isn't a hand, but it still belongs to the body.

12:15. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

12:16. And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

12:17. If your whole body was an eye, how how you hear or smell?

12:17. If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

12:18. But different parts have different purposes, like God made it to be.

12:18. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

12:19-21.

12:19. And if they were all one member, where were the body?

12:20. But now are they many members, yet but one body.

12:21. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

12:22-25. All parts of the body are important, some require different treatment, but they all take care of each other.

12:22. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

12:23. And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

12:24. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

12:25. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

12:26. If one part suffers, all parts suffers, if one part feels good, they all feel good.

12:26. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

12:27. You are now part of the body of the Chosen.

12:27. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

12:28. In the church, God has appointed: Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracle Workers, Healers, Charity Workers, Administration, and Tongue-Speakers.

12:28. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

12:29-31. No one person is all of the things, but seek the gifts you're meant to have. I will now show you how.

12:29. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

12:30. Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

12:31. But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Chapter 13

13:1. If you speak in tongues, but don't have love, you're just annoying noise.

13:1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

13:2. If you have the gift of prophecy and faith that can mountains, but no love- you're nothing.

13:2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

13:3. If you give everything away and burn your body, but have no love- you gain nothing.

13:3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

13:4. Love is patient and kind- it's doesn't brag, and isn't proud.

13:4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

13:5. It's not rude or selfish, and isn't easily angered. It doesn't keep track of wrongs.

13:5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

13:6. Love doesn't like evil, but is joyed with truth.

13:6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

13:7. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and comes through in the end.

13:7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

13:8. Love will never be useless- but prophecies will pass, and languages and knowledge will be forgotten.

13:8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

13:9-10. Knowledge and prophesy is only half complete, and will disappear in the end when not needed.

13:9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

13:10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

13:11. I used to be a kid, and I talked and acted like a kid. But now I'm an adult, so I act like one.

13:11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

13:12. Right now we can only see parts of God, but in the end, we'll see God face to face, and know God, just like God knows us.

13:12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13:13. Only trust, hope, and love will still be around- and the best of those three is love.

13:13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Chapter 14

14:1. If you desire spiritual gifts, including prophecy, follow the ways of love.

14:1. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

14:2. Speaking in tongues is language for God, no human can understand.

14:2. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

14:3. Speaking prophecies is for the sake of human understanding, to strengthen, encourage, and comfort.

14:3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

14:4. Speaking in tongues is good for one's self, but prophecing is good for the whole community.

14:4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

14:5. It's cool to speak in tongues, but better to prophesy.

14:5. I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

14:6. Speaking in tongues is worthless, unless it comes with knowledge or instruction.

14:6. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

14:7. Even music has different notes.

14:7. And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

14:8. If noise of the trumpet didn't have any meaning, no one would get ready for battle.

14:8. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

14:9. Unless you make sense you're just making nosie.

14:9. So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

14:10. There are many languages to chose from, and they all have meaning.

14:10. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

14:11. It's no use if you can't understand what someone is saying.

14:11. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

14:12. Look for spiritual gifts that build up the church.

14:12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

14:13. If you speak in tongues, pray you'll be able to interpret what you say.

14:13. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14:14. Praying in tongues is good for the spirit, but useless for the mind.

14:14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

14:15. Pray and sing with your spirit and mind.

14:15. 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.

14:16. No one will be able to agree with you if they don't understand you.

14:16. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

14:17. You might be giving thanks, but no one knows it or benefits from it.

14:17. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

14:18. And I say all this speaking in tongues more than any of you.

14:18. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

14:19. It's better to speak five wise words than ten thousands words in tongues.

14:19. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

14:20. Stop thinking like children- start thinking like adults.

14:20. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

14:21. In the Law it says, "People will speak in different languages, but they still won't listen."

14:21. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

14:22. Tongues are good signs for people who don't already believe, but prophecy is for good for people who do.

14:22. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

14:23. If someone sees you speaking in tongues without any explanation, it looks crazy.

14:23. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

14:24-25. If someone sees you prophesying without any explanation, they will be convinced by you.

14:24. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

14:25. And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

14:26. When you come together- one person bring a song, another some wisdom another a vision, and one a tongue for interpretation. Bring your gifts together and strengthen your church.

14:26. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

14:27. If you're speaking in tongues, only let one or two people go at a time, and someone else interpret.

14:27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

14:28. If there is no interpreter, keep it to yourself and God.

14:28. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

14:29. Two or three prophets should speak, and people should listen.

14:29. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

14:30. If a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the current speaker should stop.

14:30. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

14:31. That way you can take turns and support each other.

14:31. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

14:32. Prophets are able to control it.

14:32. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

14:33. God is a God of peace, not chaos.

14:33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

14:34. Women should be quiet.

14:34. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

14:35. If they have a question, they should ask at home.

14:35. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

14:36. Did the message come from you? Or are you just passing it on?

14:36. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

14:37. If someone thinks they're a prophet, they should agree with what I'm saying.

14:37. If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

14:38. If they ignore this, they'll be ignored.

14:38. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

14:39. Be excited to prophesy, and don't forbid speaking in tongues.

14:39. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

14:40. But do it in an ordered manner.

14:40. Let all things be done decently and in order.

Part 5

Chapter 15

15:1-2. This is the story- if you believe it, you're saved:

15:1. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

15:2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

15:3-4. Jesus died for our mistakes, and was buried, and then brought back to life on the third day.

15:3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

15:4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

15:5-6. He appeared to Peter and the apostles, and to a group of 500 at the same time.

15:5. And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

15:6. After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

15:7-8. Finally, he appeared to James, then to me.

15:7. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

15:8. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

15:9. I am the least of all the apostles, and hardly even deserve to be called one since I used to hunt Christians.

15:9. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

15:10. But God motivated me to work super hard.

15:10. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

15:11. Whether I taught you or the apostles did, it's the same.

15:11. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

15:12. If the Chosen was raised from the dead, that means we're all going to be at the end of time.

15:12. Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

15:13. If we're not all going to be, why would God just bring Jesus back?

15:13. But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

15:14. If we're not going to be brought back to life at the end of time, all of this is a huge waste.

15:14. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

15:15-16. And that also would make us liars.

15:15. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

15:16. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:

15:17. And that would mean none of were ever saved from doing wrong.

15:17. And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

15:18. And everyone who died since is gone forever and never coming back.

15:18. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

15:19. If the Chosen only helps while we're alive, that's kind of useless.

15:19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

15:20. But Jesus was indeed brought back from the dead, the first one as the sign to the others.

15:20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

15:21-22. Adam brought death and wrongdoing to every human, and Jesus brings life.

15:21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

15:22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

15:23. Everyone will have their turn. Jesus was first, then when he comes back, we'll all be brought back to life.

15:23. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

15:24-27. The end will come when Jesus conquers everything, including death, wraps it up, and gives it to God.

15:24. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

15:25. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

15:26. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

15:27. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

15:28. Then Jesus will bow to God.

15:28. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

15:29. Why are people baptizing the dead?

15:29. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

15:30. Why do we risk our lives?

15:30. And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

15:31. I face death every day.

15:31. I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

15:32. If I'm out here fighting animals for other reasons, that would suck.

15:32. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

15:33. Don't be influenced.

15:33. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

15:34. Snap out of it, stop doing wrong, there are still people to teach.

15:34. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

15:35. Someone may say, "How will it work? What body will they have?"

15:35. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

15:36-38. Honestly, that's kind of stupid. That's like asking a seed where it keeps the rest of the plant.

15:36. Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

15:37. And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

15:38. But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

15:39-41. There are different kinds of animals, and the sun is different from the moon, and the other other stars.

15:39. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

15:40. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

15:41. 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.

15:42-44. The physical body is like a weak little seed for the spiritual body that's a big strong tree.

15:42. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

15:43. It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

15:44. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

15:45. Think about Adam- it says, "God breathed life into Adam's body."

15:45. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

15:46-47. The body comes first, then the soul.

15:46. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

15:47. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.

15:48. Material people are from the earth, spiritual people are from heaven.

15:48. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

15:49. Just like we've all been born into a body like Adam, we'll also be made into spiritual beings like Jesus.

15:49. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

15:50. It just makes sense- a physical body cannot last forever or go to heaven.

15:50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

15:51-52. This will happen while some of us are alive- a trumpet will blast, the dead will come back to life, and everyone will be changed.

15:51. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

15:52. 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.

15:53. Everything physical will be replaced with something eternal.

15:53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

15:54-55. Then, death will finally be defeated.

15:54. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

15:55. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

15:56. Death is only scary because of failure, and failure is only possible if there's rules.

15:56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

15:57. Give thanks to God! God will lead us to victory.

15:57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

15:58. Stand strong, and let nothing discourage you. Work hard, it's all going to mean someone one day.

15:58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Chapter 16

16:1. About donations: Do what I told the churches in Galatia to do.

16:1. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

16:2. On the first day of the week, set aside some of your income and save it up, but don't give it to anyone yet.

16:2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

16:3. Then, when I get there, I'll bless the messengers you choose to deliver it to Jerusalem.

16:3. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

16:4. I'll go with them if I have to.

16:4. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

16:5. I'm coming to you after going through Macedonia.

16:5. Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

16:6. I might stay the winter if that's okay.

16:6. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

16:7. I want to be able to spend some time there.

16:7. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

16:8-9. I'm going to be at Ephesus until the Pentecost, because there's a lot of people here to argue with.

16:9. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

16:8. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

16:10-11. If Timothy comes to you, treat him well.

16:10. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

16:11. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

16:12. I'm also sending Apollos to you. He was hesitant at first, but is excited now.

16:12. As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

16:13. Watch out, stand strong, be brave.

16:13. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

16:14. Do everything with love.

16:14. Let all your things be done with charity.

16:15-16. The Stephanas family were the first converts in Achaia, and have devoted themselves to the saints. Take up good works like this.

16:15. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16:16. That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

16:17. Stephanas was able to give me what you weren't.

16:17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

16:18. They give me joy, and deserve recognition.

16:18. For they have refreshed my spirit and your's: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

16:19. The churches in Asia, and Aquila and Priscila say hi.

16:19. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

16:20. Eveyrone here says hi. Kisses!

16:20. All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

16:21. Sincerely: Paul.

16:21. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

16:22. P.S. If anyone doesn't love God- fuck them!

16:22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

16:23. Grace of Jesus be with you.

16:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

16:24. Love to all of you, Amen.

16:24. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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