1 Corinthians 7:17 - 2 Corinthians 11:14

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Various Situations of Life

¹⁷ However, each one must live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called^(A) him.^[a] This is what I command in all the churches. ¹⁸ Was anyone already circumcised when he was called? He should not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised. ¹⁹ Circumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter, but keeping God’s commands does. ²⁰ Each person should remain in the life situation^[b] in which he was called. ²¹ Were you called while a slave? It should not be a concern to you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity.^{[c] 22} For he who is called by the Lord as a slave^(B) is the Lord’s freedman.^[d] Likewise he who is called as a free man^[e] is Christ’s slave. ²³ You were bought^(C) at a price; do not become slaves of men. ²⁴ Brothers, each person should remain with God in whatever situation he was called.

About the Unmarried and Widows

²⁵ About virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I do give an opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy^(D) is trustworthy.^{(E) 26} Therefore I consider this to be good because of the present distress: It is fine for a man to remain as he is. ²⁷ Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. ²⁸ However, if you do get married,^(F) you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life,^[f] and I am trying to spare you. ²⁹ And I say this, brothers: The time is limited,^(G) so from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none, ³⁰ those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice^(H) as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, ³¹ and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away.^(I)

³² I want you to be without concerns. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord—how he may please^(J) the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the things of the world—how he may please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord,^(K) so that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. ³⁵ Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but because of what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction.

³⁶ But if any man thinks he is acting improperly toward his virgin,^[g] if she is past marriageable age,^[h] and so it must be, he can do what he wants. He is not sinning; they can get married. ³⁷ But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will^(L)) and has decided in his heart to keep his own virgin, will do well. ³⁸ So then he who marries^[i] his virgin does well, but he who does not marry^[j] will do better.

³⁹ A wife is bound^[k] as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants—only in the Lord.^{[l] 40} But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.

Food Offered to Idols

8 About food offered to idols:^(M) We know that “we all have knowledge.”^[m] Knowledge inflates with pride,^(N) but love^(O) builds up. ² If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it.^{(P) 3} But if anyone loves God,^(Q) he is known^(R) by Him.

⁴ About eating food offered to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.”^{(S) 5} For even if there are so-called gods,^(T) whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”—

⁷ However, not everyone has this knowledge. In fact, some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food offered to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. ⁸ Food will not make us acceptable to God. We are not inferior if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat.^{(X) 9} But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block^(Y) to the weak. ¹⁰ For if someone sees you, the one who has this knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? ¹¹ Then the weak person, the brother for whom Christ died,^(Z) is ruined^[n](AA) by your knowledge.^{(AB) 12} Now when you sin like this against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. ¹³ Therefore, if food causes my brother to fall, I will never again eat meat,^(AC) so that I won’t cause my brother to fall.

Paul’s Example as an Apostle

9 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? ² If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, for you are the seal^(AD) of my apostleship in the Lord. ³ My defense to those who examine me is this: ⁴ Don’t we have the right to eat and drink?^{(AE) 5} Don’t we have the right to be accompanied by a Christian wife^[o] like the other apostles,^(AF) the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas?^{(AG) 6} Or do Barnabas^(AH) and I alone have no right to refrain from working? ⁷ Who ever goes to war at his own expense?^(AI) Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and does not drink the milk from the flock? ⁸ Am I saying this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the law also say the same thing? ⁹ For it is written in the law of Moses, Do not muzzle an ox^(AJ) while it treads out grain.^(AK)[p] Is God really concerned with oxen? ¹⁰ Or isn’t He really saying it for us? Yes, this is written for us,^(AL) because he who plows ought to plow in hope,^(AM) and he who threshes should do so in hope of sharing the crop.^{(AN) 11} If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you? ¹² If others have this right to receive benefits from you, don’t we even more?

However, we have not made use of this right; instead we endure everything^(AO) so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ. ¹³ Don’t you know that those who perform the temple services eat the food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar^(AP) share in the offerings of the altar? ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should earn their living by the gospel.^(AQ)

¹⁵ But I have used none of these rights, and I have not written this to make it happen that way for me. For it would be better for me to die than for anyone to deprive me of my boast! ¹⁶ For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because an obligation is placed on me. And woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted^(AR) with a stewardship. ¹⁸ What then is my reward? To preach the gospel and offer it free of charge and not make full use of my authority in the gospel.^(AS)

¹⁹ Although I am a free man and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win^(AT) more people. ²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law^[q]—to win those under the law.^{(AU) 21} To those who are without that law,^(AV) like one without the law—not being without God’s law but within Christ’s law—to win those without the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.^{(AW) 23} Now I do all this because of the gospel, so I may become a partner in its benefits.^[r]

²⁴ Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race,^(AX) but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.^{(AY) 25} Now everyone who competes exercises self-control^(AZ) in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown^(BA) that will fade away,^(BB) but we a crown that will never fade away. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. ²⁷ Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.^(BC)

Warnings from Israel’s Past

10 Now I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers^(BD) were all under the cloud,^(BE) all passed through the sea,^{(BF) 2} and all were baptized^(BG) into Moses^(BH) in the cloud and in the sea. ³ They all ate the same spiritual food,^{(BI) 4} and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from a spiritual rock^(BJ) that followed them, and that rock was Christ.^{(BK) 5} But God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness.^(BL)

⁶ Now these things became examples for us, so that we will not desire^(BM) evil things as they did.^{[s](BN) 7} Don’t become idolaters^(BO) as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to play.^{[t](BP)[u] 8} Let us not commit sexual immorality^(BQ) as some of them did,^[v] and in a single day 23,000 people fell dead.^{(BR) 9} Let us not test Christ as some of them did^[w] and were destroyed by snakes.^{(BS) 10} Nor should we complain^(BT) as some of them did,^[x](BU) and were killed by the destroyer.^{[y](BV) 11} Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us,^(BW) on whom the ends of the ages^(BX) have come.^{(BY) 12} So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.^{(BZ) 13} No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful,^(CA) and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape^(CB) so that you are able to bear it.

Warning against Idolatry

¹⁴ Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵ I am speaking as to wise people. Judge for yourselves what I say. ¹⁶ The cup^(CC) of blessing^(CD) that we give thanks for, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread^(CE) that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? ¹⁷ Because there is one bread, we who are many are one^(CF) body, for all of us share that one bread. ¹⁸ Look at the people of Israel.^[z] Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in what is offered on the altar?^{(CG) 19} What am I saying then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? ²⁰ No, but I do say that what they^[aa] sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to participate with demons! ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s table and the table of demons. ²² Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?^(CH)

Christian Liberty

²³ “Everything is permissible,”^[ab][ac] but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible,”^[ad] but not everything builds up. ²⁴ No one should seek his own good, but the good of the other person.^(CI)

²⁵ Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake, ²⁶ for the earth is the Lord’s,^(CJ) and all that is in it.^{(CK)[ae] 27} If one of the unbelievers invites you over and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, without raising questions of conscience. ²⁸ But if someone says to you, “This is food offered to an idol,” do not eat it,^(CL) out of consideration for the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake.^{[af] 29} I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged^(CM) by another person’s conscience? ³⁰ If I partake with thanks,^(CN) why am I slandered because of something I give thanks for?

³¹ Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.^{(CO) 32} Give no offense^(CP) to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, ³³ just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many,^(CQ) so that they may be saved. 11 ¹ Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.^(CR)

Instructions about Head Coverings

² Now I praise you^[ag] because you always remember me and keep the traditions^(CS) just as I delivered^(CT) them to you. ³ But I want you to know that Christ is the head^(CU) of every man, and the man is the head of the woman,^[ah](CV) and God is the head of Christ.^{(CW) 4} Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head dishonors^(CX) his head. ⁵ But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since that is one and the same as having her head shaved.^{(CY) 6} So if a woman’s head^[ai] is not covered, her hair should be cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, she should be covered.

⁷ A man, in fact, should not cover his head, because he is God’s image^(CZ) and glory,^(DA) but woman is man’s glory. ⁸ For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man.^{(DB) 9} And man was not created for woman, but woman for man. ¹⁰ This is why a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. ¹¹ In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, and man is not independent of woman. ¹² For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman, and all things come from God.^(DC)

¹³ Judge^(DD) for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? ¹⁴ Does not even nature itself teach^(DE) you that if a man has long hair it is a disgrace^(DF) to him, ¹⁵ but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory?^(DG) For her hair is given to her^[aj] as a covering. ¹⁶ But if anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other^[ak] custom, nor do the churches of God.

The Lord’s Supper

¹⁷ Now in giving the following instruction I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. ¹⁸ For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. ¹⁹ There must, indeed, be factions^(DH) among you, so that those who are approved may be recognized among you. ²⁰ Therefore, when you come together, it is not really to eat the Lord’s Supper.^{(DI) 21} For at the meal, each one eats his own supper ahead of others. So one person is hungry while another gets drunk! ²² Don’t you have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you look down on the church of God and embarrass those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I do not praise you for this!

²³ For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you:^(DJ) On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, ²⁴ gave thanks, broke it, and said,^[al] “This is My body, which is^[am] for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”^(DK)

²⁵ In the same way, after supper He also took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant^(DL) established by My blood.^(DM) Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” ²⁶ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death^(DN) until He comes.^(DO)

Self-Examination

²⁷ Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy way will be guilty of sin against the body^[an] and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ So a man should examine himself; in this way he should eat the bread and drink from the cup. ²⁹ For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body,^[ao] eats and drinks judgment^(DP) on himself. ³⁰ This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep.^{(DQ) 31} If we were properly evaluating ourselves, we would not be judged, ³² but when we are judged,^(DR) we are disciplined by the Lord, so that we may not be condemned^(DS) with the world.

³³ Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. ³⁴ If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you gather together you will not come under judgment. And I will give instructions about the other matters whenever I come.^(DT)

Diversity of Spiritual Gifts

12 Now concerning what comes from the Spirit:^[ap] brothers, I do not want you to be unaware. ² You know that when you were pagans, you used to be led off to the idols^(DU) that could not speak.^{(DV) 3} Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ Now there are different gifts,^(DW) but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are different activities, but the same God activates each gift in each person.^{[aq] 7} A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person^(DX) to produce what is beneficial:

¹¹ But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.

Unity Yet Diversity in the Body

¹² For as the body is one^(EE) and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ.^{(EF) 13} For we were all baptized by^[ar] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.^{(EG) 14} So the body is not one part but many. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, “Because I’m not a hand, I don’t belong to the body,” in spite of this it still belongs to the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I’m not an eye, I don’t belong to the body,” in spite of this it still belongs to the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But now God has placed each one of the parts in one body just as He wanted.^{(EH) 19} And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? ²⁰ Now there are many parts, yet one body.

²¹ So the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² But even more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary. ²³ And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable,^(EI) we clothe these with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have a better presentation. ²⁴ But our presentable parts have no need of clothing. Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, ²⁵ so that there would be no division^(EJ) in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. ²⁶ So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ,^(EK) and individual members of it. ²⁸ And God has placed these in the church:^(EL)

³¹ But desire^(EQ) the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

Love: The Superior Way

Prophecy: A Superior Gift

14 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy. ² For the person who speaks in another language^(FH) is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.^{[av] 3} But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation. ⁴ The person who speaks in another language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church. ⁵ I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

⁶ But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in other languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation^(FI) or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? ⁷ Even inanimate things that produce sounds—whether flute or harp^(FJ)—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? ⁸ In fact, if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle?^{(FK) 9} In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. ¹⁰ There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, and all have meaning.^{[aw] 11} Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner^[ax] to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. ¹² So also you—since you are zealous^(FL) for spiritual gifts,^[ay](FM) seek to excel in building up the church.

¹³ Therefore the person who speaks in another language should pray that he can interpret. ¹⁴ For if I pray in another language, my spirit^(FN) prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.^{(FO) 15} What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with my understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with my understanding. ¹⁶ Otherwise, if you praise with the spirit,^[az] how will the uninformed person^[ba] say “Amen”^(FP) at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ For you may very well be giving thanks, but the other person is not being built up. ¹⁸ I thank^(FQ) God that I speak in other languages more than all of you; ¹⁹ yet in the church I would rather speak five words^(FR) with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in another language.

²⁰ Brothers, don’t be childish in your thinking, but be infants in regard to evil and adult in your thinking.^{(FS) 21} It is written in the law:

says the Lord. ²² It follows that speaking in other languages is intended as a sign,^[bc] not for believers but for unbelievers. But prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. ²³ Therefore, if the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in other languages and people who are uninformed or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? ²⁴ But if all are prophesying and some unbeliever or uninformed person comes in, he is convicted by all and is judged by all. ²⁵ The secrets of his heart will be revealed, and as a result he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is really among you.”^(FU)

Order in Church Meetings

²⁶ What then is the conclusion, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one^[bd] has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, another language, or an interpretation.^(FV) All things must be done for edification. ²⁷ If any person speaks in another language, there should be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and someone must interpret. ²⁸ But if there is no interpreter, that person should keep silent in the church and speak to himself and to God. ²⁹ Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate.^{(FW) 30} But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. ³¹ For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged.^{(FX) 32} And the prophets’ spirits are under the control of the prophets, ³³ since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints,^{(FY) 34} the women^[be] should be silent in the churches,^(FZ) for they are not permitted to speak, but should be submissive, as the law also says. ³⁵ And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands^(GA) at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting. ³⁶ Did the word of God originate from you, or did it come to you only?

³⁷ If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should recognize that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸ But if anyone ignores this, he will be ignored.^{[bf] 39} Therefore, my brothers, be eager^(GB) to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages. ⁴⁰ But everything must be done decently^(GC) and in order.

Resurrection Essential to the Gospel

15 Now brothers, I want to clarify^[bg] for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand^(GD) on it. ² You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you—unless you believed for no purpose.^{[bh](GE) 3} For I passed on to you^(GF) as most important what I also received:

⁹ For I am the least of the apostles,^(GS) unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted^(GT) the church of God. ¹⁰ But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not ineffective. However, I worked more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace that was with me.^{(GU) 11} Therefore, whether it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed.

Resurrection Essential to the Faith

¹² Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead,^(GV) how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”?^{(GW) 13} But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; ¹⁴ and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is without foundation, and so is your faith.^{[bj] 15} In addition, we are found to be false witnesses^(GX) about God, because we have testified^(GY) about God that He raised up Christ—whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised. ¹⁶ For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸ Therefore, those who have fallen asleep in Christ^(GZ) have also perished. ¹⁹ If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

Christ’s Resurrection Guarantees Ours

²⁰ But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits^(HA) of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For since death^(HB) came through a man,^(HC) the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man.^{(HD) 22} For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.^{(HE) 23} But each in his own order:^(HF) Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, those who belong to Christ. ²⁴ Then comes the end,^(HG) when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father,^(HH) when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.^{(HI) 25} For He must reign^(HJ) until He puts all His enemies under His feet.^{(HK) 26} The last enemy to be abolished is death.^{(HL) 27} For God has put everything under His feet.^(HM)[bk] But when it says “everything” is put under Him, it is obvious that He who puts everything under Him is the exception. ²⁸ And when everything is subject to Christ, then the Son^(HN) Himself will also be subject to the One who subjected everything to Him, so that God may be all in all.^(HO)

Resurrection Supported by Christian Experience

²⁹ Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are people baptized for them?^{[bl] 30} Why are we in danger every hour? ³¹ I affirm by the pride in you that I have in Christ Jesus our Lord: I die every day!^{(HP) 32} If I fought wild animals in Ephesus^(HQ) with only human hope,^[bm] what good did that do me?^[bn](HR) If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.^{(HS)[bo] 33} Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”^{[bp] 34} Come to your senses^[bq](HT) and stop sinning, for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame.^(HU)

The Nature of the Resurrection Body

³⁵ But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have when they come?” ³⁶ Foolish one! What you sow does not come to life^(HV) unless it dies. ³⁷ And as for what you sow—you are not sowing the future body, but only a seed,^[br] perhaps of wheat or another grain. ³⁸ But God gives it a body as He wants,^(HW) and to each of the seeds its own body. ³⁹ Not all flesh^(HX) is the same flesh; there is one flesh for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. ⁴⁰ There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the splendor^(HY) of the heavenly bodies is different from that of the earthly ones. ⁴¹ There is a splendor of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars; for one star differs from another star in splendor. ⁴² So it is with the resurrection of the dead:

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being;^(ID)[bs] the last Adam^(IE) became a life-giving Spirit. ⁴⁶ However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual.

Victorious Resurrection

⁵⁰ Brothers, I tell you this: Flesh^(IJ) and blood^(IK) cannot inherit the kingdom of God, and corruption cannot inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Listen! I am telling you a mystery:

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work,^(IU) knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Collection for the Jerusalem Church

16 Now about the collection^(IV) for the saints: You should do the same as I instructed the Galatian^(IW) churches. ² On the first day of the week,^[bw](IX) each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he prospers, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.^{(IY) 3} When I arrive, I will send with letters^(IZ) those you recommend to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.^{(JA) 4} If it is suitable for me to go as well, they can travel with me.

Paul’s Travel Plans

⁵ I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia^(JB)—for I will be traveling through Macedonia— ⁶ and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. ⁷ I don’t want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.^{(JC) 8} But I will stay in Ephesus^(JD) until Pentecost,^{(JE) 9} because a wide door^(JF) for effective ministry has opened for me^[bx]—yet many oppose me. ¹⁰ If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear from you, because he is doing the Lord’s work,^(JG) just as I am. ¹¹ Therefore, no one should look down^(JH) on him. Send him on his way in peace so he can come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.^[by]

¹² About our brother Apollos:^(JI) I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. However, he will come when he has an opportunity.

Final Exhortation

¹³ Be alert, stand firm in the faith,^(JJ) act like a man, be strong. ¹⁴ Your every action must be done with love.^(JK)

¹⁵ Brothers, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits^(JL) of Achaia^(JM) and have devoted themselves to serving the saints. I urge you ¹⁶ also to submit to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them. ¹⁷ I am pleased to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. ¹⁸ For they have refreshed my spirit^(JN) and yours. Therefore recognize^(JO) such people.

Conclusion

¹⁹ The churches of Asia^(JP) greet you.^(JQ) Aquila and Priscilla^(JR) greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets in their home.^{(JS) 20} All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.^(JT)

²¹ This greeting is in my own hand^[bz](JU)—Paul. ²² If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse be on him. Marana tha that is, Lord, come!^{[ca] 23} The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.^{(JV) 24} My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will,^(JW) and Timothy^(JX) our^[cb] brother:

To God’s church at Corinth,^(JY) with all the saints who are throughout Achaia.^(JZ)

² Grace to you and peace^(KA) from God our Father^(KB) and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The God of Comfort

³ Praise^(KC) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies^(KD) and the God of all comfort.^{(KE) 4} He comforts us in all our affliction,^[cc] so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For as the sufferings^(KF) of Christ^(KG) overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows.^{(KH) 6} If we are afflicted,^(KI) it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is experienced in your endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer.^{(KJ) 7} And our hope^(KK) for you is firm, because we know that as you share^(KL) in the sufferings, so you will share in the comfort.

⁸ For we don’t want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that took place in Asia:^(KM) we were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength^(KN)—so that we even despaired^(KO) of life. ⁹ Indeed, we personally had a death sentence within ourselves, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God^(KP) who raises^(KQ) the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered^(KR) us from such a terrible death,^(KS) and He will deliver us. We have put our hope in Him that He will deliver us again ¹¹ while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our^[cd] behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.

A Clear Conscience

¹² For this is our confidence: The testimony^(KT) of our conscience^(KU) is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with God-given sincerity and purity, not by fleshly^[ce] wisdom^(KV) but by God’s grace.^{(KW) 13} Now we are writing nothing to you other than what you can read and also understand. I hope you will understand completely— ¹⁴ as you have partially understood us—that we are your reason for pride,^(KX) as you are ours,^(KY) in the day of our^[cf] Lord Jesus.^(KZ)

A Visit Postponed

¹⁵ I planned with this confidence to come to you first,^(LA) so you could have a double benefit,^{[cg] 16} and to go on to Macedonia^(LB) with your help, then come to you again from Macedonia and be given a start by you^(LC) on my journey^(LD) to Judea.^{(LE) 17} So when I planned this, was I irresponsible? Or what I plan, do I plan in a purely human^[ch](LF) way so that I say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” simultaneously? ¹⁸ As God is faithful,^(LG) our message to you is not “Yes and no.” ¹⁹ For the Son of God,^(LH) Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus^[ci](LI) and Timothy—did not become “Yes and no”; on the contrary, a final “Yes” has come in Him.^{(LJ) 20} For every one of God’s promises^(LK) is “Yes” in Him. Therefore, the “Amen”^(LL) is also spoken through Him by us for God’s glory.^{(LM) 21} Now it is God who strengthens us, with you, in Christ and has anointed^(LN) us. ²² He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment^(LO) in our hearts.^(LP)

²³ I call on God as a witness,^(LQ) on my life, that it was to spare you that I did not come to Corinth.^{(LR) 24} I do not mean that we have control of^[cj] your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand^(LS) by faith. 2 ¹ In fact, I made up my mind about this:^[ck] I would not come to you on another painful visit.^{[cl] 2} For if I cause you pain, then who will cheer me other than the one being hurt by me?^{[cm] 3} I wrote this very thing so that when I came I wouldn’t have pain from those who ought to give me joy, because I am confident^(LT) about all of you that my joy will also be yours. ⁴ For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not that you should be hurt, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you.

A Sinner Forgiven

⁵ If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree—not to exaggerate^(LU)—to all of you. ⁶ The punishment inflicted by the majority is sufficient for that person. ⁷ As a result, you should instead forgive^(LV) and comfort him. Otherwise, this one may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. ⁸ Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. ⁹ I wrote for this purpose: to test your character^(LW) to see if you are obedient^(LX) in everything. ¹⁰ If you forgive anyone, I do too. For what I have forgiven—if I have forgiven anything—it is for you in the presence of Christ. ¹¹ I have done this so that we may not be taken advantage^(LY) of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.

A Trip to Macedonia

¹² When I came to Troas^(LZ) to preach the gospel of Christ, the Lord opened a door^(MA) for me. ¹³ I had no rest^(MB) in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus,^(MC) but I said good-bye to them and left for Macedonia.^(MD)

A Ministry of Life or Death

¹⁴ But thanks be to God,^(ME) who always puts us on display^[cn] in Christ^[co] and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.^{(MF) 15} For to God we are the fragrance^(MG) of Christ among those who are being saved^(MH) and among those who are perishing.^{(MI) 16} To some we are an aroma of death^(MJ) leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life^(MK) leading to life. And who is competent for this? ¹⁷ For we are not like the many^[cp] who market God’s message^(ML) for profit. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

Living Letters

3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone.^{(MM) 3} It is clear that you are Christ’s letter,^(MN) produced^[cq] by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God^(MO)—not on stone tablets^(MP) but on tablets that are hearts of flesh.^(MQ)

Paul’s Competence

⁴ We have this kind of confidence toward God through Christ. ⁵ It is not that we are competent in^[cr] ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God.^{(MR) 6} He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant,^(MS) not of the letter,^(MT) but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit produces life.

New Covenant Ministry

⁷ Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory,^(MU) so that the Israelites were not able to look directly at Moses’ face because of the glory from his face—a fading glory— ⁸ how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? ⁹ For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness overflows with even more glory. ¹⁰ In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. ¹¹ For if what was fading away^(MV) was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.

¹² Therefore, having such a hope,^(MW) we use great boldness. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face^(MX) so that the Israelites could not stare at the end of what was fading away, ¹⁴ but their minds were closed.^[cs](MY) For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant,^(MZ) the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ.^{(NA) 15} Even to this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, ¹⁶ but whenever a person turns^(NB) to the Lord, the veil is removed.^{(NC) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at^[ct](ND) the glory of the Lord^(NE) and are being transformed^(NF) into the same image^(NG) from glory to glory;^[cu] this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.^[cv]

The Light of the Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy,^(NH) we do not give up.^{(NI) 2} Instead, we have renounced shameful secret things, not walking^(NJ) in deceit or distorting God’s message,^(NK) but commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in God’s sight by an open display of the truth.^{(NL) 3} But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case, the god of this age^(NM) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,^[cw](NN) who is the image of God.^{(NO) 5} For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(NP) and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. ⁶ For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^(NQ) has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge^(NR) of God’s glory^(NS) in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Clay Jars

⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power^(NT) may be from God and not from us. ⁸ We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; ⁹ we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry the death of Jesus^(NU) in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are always given over to death^(NV) because of Jesus, so that Jesus’ life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death works in us, but life in you. ¹³ And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,^(NW)[cx] we also believe, and therefore speak. ¹⁴ We know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus^(NX) and present us with you. ¹⁵ Indeed, everything is for your benefit, so that grace, extended through more and more people, may cause thanksgiving^(NY) to increase to God’s glory.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not give up.^(NZ) Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person^(OA) is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our momentary light affliction^[cy](OB) is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.^{(OC) 18} So we do not focus on what is seen,^(OD) but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Our Future after Death

5 For we know that if our temporary, earthly dwelling^[cz](OE) is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling^[da] in the heavens,^(OF) not made with hands.^{(OG) 2} Indeed, we groan in this body, desiring^(OH) to put on our dwelling from heaven, ³ since, when we are clothed,^[db] we will not be found naked.^{(OI) 4} Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality^(OJ) may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

⁶ So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith,^(OK) not by sight,^{(OL) 8} and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord.^{(OM) 9} Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing^(ON) to Him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the tribunal^(OO) of Christ,^(OP) so that each may be repaid^(OQ) for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.

¹¹ Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord,^(OR) we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well. ¹² We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in the outward appearance^[dc] rather than in the heart. ¹³ For if we are out of our mind,^(OS) it is for God; if we have a sound mind,^(OT) it is for you. ¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels^[dd] us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all,^(OU) then all died. ¹⁵ And He died for all^(OV) so that those who live should no longer live for themselves,^(OW) but for the One^(OX) who died for them and was raised.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹⁶ From now on, then, we do not know^[de] anyone in a purely human way.^[df] Even if we have known^[dg] Christ in a purely human way,^[dh] yet now we no longer know^[di] Him in this way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;^(OY) old things have passed away, and look,^(OZ) new things^[dj] have come.^{(PA) 18} Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:^{(PB) 19} That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world^(PC) to Himself,^(PD) not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors^(PE) for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,^(PF) “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He made the One who did not know sin^(PG) to be sin^[dk] for us,^(PH) so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

6 Working together^[dl] with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” ² For He says:

Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.^(PJ)

The Character of Paul’s Ministry

³ We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed. ⁴ But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything:

¹¹ We have spoken openly^[dn] to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. ¹² You are not limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections. ¹³ I speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us.

Separation to God

¹⁴ Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?^(PU) Or what fellowship does light^(PV) have with darkness?^{(PW) 15} What agreement does Christ have with Belial?^[do] Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols?^(PX) For we^[dp] are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said:

7 Therefore, dear friends, since we have such promises,^(QF) let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit,^(QG) completing our sanctification^[dt] in the fear of God.^(QH)

Joy and Repentance

² Accept us.^[du] We have wronged no one, corrupted^(QI) no one, defrauded no one. ³ I don’t say this to condemn you, for I have already said that you are in our hearts, to live together and to die together. ⁴ I have great confidence in you; I have great pride in you. I am filled with encouragement; I am overcome with joy in all our afflictions.

⁵ In fact, when we came into Macedonia,^(QJ) we^[dv] had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way: conflicts^(QK) on the outside, fears^(QL) inside. ⁶ But God, who comforts the humble,^(QM) comforted us by the arrival of Titus, ⁷ and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he received from you. He told us about your deep longing, your sorrow,^[dw] and your zeal^(QN) for me, so that I rejoiced even more. ⁸ For even if I grieved you with my letter,^(QO) I do not regret it—even though I did regret it since I saw that the letter grieved you, yet only for a little while. ⁹ Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. ¹⁰ For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.^{(QP) 11} For consider how much diligence this very thing—this grieving as God wills—has produced in you: what a desire to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what deep longing, what zeal, what justice! In every way you showed yourselves to be pure^(QQ) in this matter. ¹² So even though I wrote to you, it was not because of the one who did wrong, or because of the one who was wronged, but in order that your diligence for us might be made plain to you in the sight of God. ¹³ For this reason we have been comforted.

In addition to our comfort, we rejoiced even more over the joy Titus^(QR) had,^[dx] because his spirit was refreshed by all of you. ¹⁴ For if I have made any boast to him about you, I have not been embarrassed; but as I have spoken everything to you in truth,^(QS) so our boasting to Titus has also turned out to be the truth. ¹⁵ And his affection toward you is even greater as he remembers the obedience of all of you, and how you received him with fear and trembling. ¹⁶ I rejoice that I have complete confidence in you.

Appeal to Complete the Collection

8 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God granted to the churches^(QT) of Macedonia:^{(QU) 2} During a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.^{(QV) 3} I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, ⁴ they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing^(QW) in the ministry to the saints, ⁵ and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves especially to the Lord, then to us by God’s will.^{(QX) 6} So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you. ⁷ Now as you excel in everything—faith, speech, knowledge,^(QY) and in all diligence, and in your love for us^[dy]—excel also in this grace.

⁸ I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich,^(QZ) for your sake He became poor,^(RA) so that by His poverty you might become rich. ¹⁰ Now I am giving an opinion on this because it is profitable for you, who a year ago began not only to do something but also to desire it.^{[dz](RB) 11} But now finish the task^[ea] as well, that just as there was eagerness to desire it, so there may also be a completion from what you have. ¹² For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.^{(RC) 13} It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality^[eb]— ¹⁴ at the present time your surplus is available for their need, so their abundance may also become available for our need, so there may be equality. ¹⁵ As it has been written:

Administration of the Collection

¹⁶ Thanks be to God who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus. ¹⁷ For he accepted our urging and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice. ¹⁸ We have sent with him the brother^(RE) who is praised throughout the churches for his gospel ministry.^{[ed] 19} And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gift^[ee] that is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help. ²⁰ We are taking this precaution so no one can criticize us about this large sum administered by us. ²¹ For we are making provision^(RF) for what is right,^(RG) not only before the Lord but also before men. ²² We have also sent with them our brother. We have often tested him in many circumstances and found him to be diligent—and now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner^(RH) and coworker^(RI) serving you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers^(RJ) of the churches, the glory of Christ.^{(RK) 24} Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting^(RL) about you.

Motivations for Giving

9 Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. ² For I know your eagerness, and I brag about you to the Macedonians:^[ef](RM) “Achaia^[eg](RN) has been prepared since last year,” and your zeal^(RO) has stirred up most of them.^{(RP) 3} But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said. ⁴ For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation.^{[eh] 5} Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift^(RQ) you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.^(RR)

⁶ Remember this:^[ei] The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves^(RS) a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able^(RT) to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.^{(RW) 11} You will be enriched^(RX) in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ¹² For the ministry of this service^(RY) is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. ¹³ They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of^[ek] the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity^(RZ) in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service. ¹⁴ And they will have deep affection for^[el] you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

10 Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent. ² I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are behaving in an unspiritual way.^{[em](SA) 3} For though we live in the body,^[en] we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,^{[eo] 4} since the weapons of our warfare^(SB) are not worldly,^[ep] but are powerful^(SC) through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments ⁵ and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge^(SD) of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ. ⁶ And we are ready to punish any disobedience, once your obedience has been confirmed.

⁷ Look at what is obvious.^[eq] If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ,^(SE) he should remind himself of this: Just as he belongs to Christ, so do we. ⁸ For if I boast some more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up^(SF) and not for tearing you down, I am not ashamed. ⁹ I don’t want to seem as though I am trying to terrify you with my letters. ¹⁰ For it is said, “His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak, and his public speaking is despicable.” ¹¹ Such a person should consider this: What we are in the words of our letters when absent, we will be in actions when present.

¹² For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend^(SG) themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves,^(SH) they lack understanding.^{(SI) 13} We, however, will not boast beyond measure but according to the measure of the area of ministry that God has assigned^(SJ) to us, which reaches even to you. ¹⁴ For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we had not reached you, since we have come to you with the gospel of Christ. ¹⁵ We are not bragging beyond measure about other people’s labors. But we have the hope^(SK) that as your faith increases, our area of ministry will be greatly enlarged, ¹⁶ so that we may proclaim the good news to the regions beyond you,^(SL) not boasting about what has already been done in someone else’s area of ministry.^{(SM) 17} So the one who boasts must boast in the Lord.^{(SN)[er] 18} For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.^(SO)

Paul and the False Apostles

11 I wish you would put up with a little foolishness^(SP) from me. Yes, do put up with me.^{[es] 2} For I am jealous^(SQ) over you with a godly jealousy,^(SR) because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure^(SS) virgin to Christ. ³ But I fear that, as the serpent^(ST) deceived^(SU) Eve^(SV) by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure^[et] devotion to Christ.^{(SW) 4} For if a person comes and preaches another Jesus,^(SX) whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit,^(SY) which you had not received, or a different gospel,^(SZ) which you had not accepted, you put up with it splendidly!

⁵ Now I consider myself in no way inferior to the “super-apostles.”^{(TA) 6} Though untrained in public speaking,^(TB) I am certainly not untrained in knowledge.^(TC) Indeed, we have always made that clear to you in everything. ⁷ Or did I commit a sin by humbling^(TD) myself so that you might be exalted,^(TE) because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?^{(TF) 8} I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. ⁹ When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia^(TG) supplied my needs.^(TH) I have kept myself, and will keep myself, from burdening you in any way. ¹⁰ As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped^[eu] in the regions of Achaia.^{(TI) 11} Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do!

¹² But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny^[ev] the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about. ¹³ For such people are false apostles,^(TJ) deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.