1 Corinthians 7:17 - 2 Corinthians 11:14

Christian Standard Bible

Various Situations of Life

¹⁷ Let each one 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. Keeping God’s commands is what matters. ²⁰ Let each of you remain in the situation^[b] in which he was called. ²¹ Were you called while a slave? Don’t let it concern 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. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ’s slave. ²³ You were bought^(C) at a price; do not become slaves of people. ²⁴ Brothers and sisters, each person is to remain with God in the situation in which he was called.

About the Unmarried and Widows

²⁵ Now about virgins:^[d] I have no command from the Lord, but I do give an opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy^(D) is faithful.^{(E) 26} Because of the present distress, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. ²⁷ Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. ²⁸ However, if you do get married,^(F) you have not sinned, and if a virgin^[e] marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life,^[f] and I am trying to spare you.

²⁹ This is what I mean, brothers and sisters: 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 didn’t own anything, 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. The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord—how he may please^(J) the Lord. ³³ But the married man is concerned about the things of the world—how he may please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord,^(K) so that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. ³⁵ I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction.

³⁶ If any man thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage, and he feels he should marry—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 her as his fiancée, will do well. ³⁸ So, then, he who marries his fiancée does well, but he who does not marry will do better.^[g]

³⁹ A wife is bound^[h] 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. 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 Now about food sacrificed to idols:^(M) We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up,^(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 sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,”^[i] 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”— ⁶ yet for us there is one God, the Father.^(U) All things are from him,^(V) and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.^(W)

⁷ However, not everyone has this knowledge. Some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food sacrificed to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. ⁸ Food will not bring us close to God.^[j] We are not worse off 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 knowledge, dining in an idol’s temple, won’t his weak conscience be encouraged^[k] to eat food offered to idols? ¹¹ So the weak person, the brother or sister for whom Christ died,^(Z) is ruined^[l](AA) by your knowledge.^{(AB) 12} Now when you sin like this against brothers and sisters and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. ¹³ Therefore, if food causes my brother or sister to fall, I will never again eat meat,^(AC) so that I won’t cause my brother or sister 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, because 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 believing wife^[m] like the other apostles,^(AF) the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas?^{(AG) 6} Or do only Barnabas^(AH) and I have no right to refrain from working? ⁷ Who serves as a soldier 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.^[n](AK) Is God really concerned about oxen? ¹⁰ Isn’t he really saying it for our sake? Yes, this is written for our sake,^(AL) because he who plows ought to plow in hope,^(AM) and he who threshes should thresh 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? Nevertheless, 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 For my part I have used none of these rights, nor have I written these things that they may be applied in my case. 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 I am compelled to preach^[o]—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 commission. ¹⁸ What then is my reward? To preach the gospel and offer it free of charge and not make full use of my rights in the gospel.^(AS)

¹⁹ Although I am free from all 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^[p]—to win those under the law.^{(AU) 21} To those who are without the law,^(AV) like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—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 that I may share in the blessings.

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. They do it to receive a perishable crown,^(BA) but we an imperishable crown. ²⁶ So 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.^(BB)

Warnings from Israel’s Past

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

⁶ Now these things took place as examples for us, so that we will not desire^(BL) evil things as they did.^{[q](BM) 7} Don’t become idolaters^(BN) as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to party.^{[r][s](BO) 8} Let us not commit sexual immorality^(BP) as some of them did,^[t] and in a single day twenty-three thousand people died.^{(BQ) 9} Let us not test Christ as some of them did^[u] and were destroyed by snakes.^{(BR) 10} And don’t grumble^(BS) as some of them did,^[v](BT) and were killed by the destroyer.^{[w](BU) 11} These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction,^(BV) on whom the ends of the ages^[x](BW) have come.^{(BX) 12} So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.^{(BY) 13} No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful;^(BZ) he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out^(CA) so that you may be able to bear it.

Warning against Idolatry

¹⁴ So then, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵ I am speaking as to sensible people. Judge for yourselves what I am saying. ¹⁶ The cup^(CB) of blessing^(CC) that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread^(CD) 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^(CE) body, since all of us share the one bread. ¹⁸ Consider the people of Israel.^[y] Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?^{(CF) 19} What am I saying then? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? ²⁰ No, but I do say that what they^[z] sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants 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?^(CG)

Christian Liberty

²³ “Everything is permissible,”^[aa] but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,”^[ab] but not everything builds up. ²⁴ No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.^(CH)

²⁵ Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, without raising questions for the sake of conscience, ²⁶ since the earth is the Lord’s,^(CI) and all that is in it.^{[ac](CJ) 27} If any of the unbelievers invites you over and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, without raising questions for the sake of conscience. ²⁸ But if someone says to you, “This is food from a sacrifice,” do not eat it,^(CK) out of consideration for the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience.^{[ad] 29} I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person’s. For why is my freedom judged^(CL) by another person’s conscience? ³⁰ If I partake with thanksgiving,^(CM) why am I criticized because of something for which I give thanks?

³¹ So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.^{(CN) 32} Give no offense^(CO) to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, ³³ just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many,^(CP) so that they may be saved.

11 Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.^(CQ)

Instructions about Head Coverings

² Now I praise you^[ae] because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions^(CR) just as I delivered^(CS) them to you. ³ But I want you to know that Christ is the head^(CT) of every man, and the man is the head of the woman,^[af](CU) and God is the head of Christ.^{(CV) 4} Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head dishonors^(CW) his head. ⁵ 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.^{(CX) 6} For if a woman doesn’t cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her head be covered.

⁷ A man should not cover his head, because he is the image^(CY) and glory of God.^(CZ) So too, woman is the glory of man. ⁸ For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man.^{(DA) 9} Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of 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.^(DB)

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

The Lord’s Supper

¹⁷ Now in giving this 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 Indeed, it is necessary that there be factions^(DG) among you, so that those who are approved may be recognized among you. ²⁰ When you come together, then, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.^{(DH) 21} For at the meal, each one eats his own supper.^[ai] So one person is hungry while another gets drunk! ²² Don’t you have homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I do not praise you in this matter!

²³ For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you:^(DI) On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said,^[aj] “This is my body, which is^[ak] for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”^(DJ)

²⁵ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant^(DK) in my blood.^(DL) 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^(DM) until he comes.^(DN)

Self-Examination

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

³³ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, welcome one another.^{[an] 34} If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you gather together you will not come under judgment. I will give instructions about the other matters whenever I come.^(DS)

Diversity of Spiritual Gifts

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts:^[ao] brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. ² You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute^(DT) idols.^{(DU) 3} Therefore I want you to know 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,^(DV) but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. ⁷ A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person^(DW) for the common good: ⁸ to one^(DX) is given a message of wisdom^(DY) through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, ⁹ to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing^(DZ) by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another, the performing of miracles,^(EA) to another, prophecy,^(EB) to another, distinguishing between spirits,^(EC) to another, different kinds of tongues,^[ap] to another, interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ 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 just as the body is one^(ED) and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ.^{(EE) 13} For we were all baptized by^[aq] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.^{(EF) 14} Indeed, 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,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I’m not an eye, I don’t belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of 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 as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted.^{(EG) 19} And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body. ²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that are weaker are indispensable. ²³ And those parts of the body that we consider less honorable,^(EH) we clothe these with greater honor, and our unrespectable parts are treated with greater respect, ²⁴ which our respectable parts do not need.

Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, ²⁵ so that there would be no division^(EI) 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,^(EJ) and individual members of it. ²⁸ And God has appointed these in the church:^(EK) first apostles, second prophets, third teachers,^(EL) next miracles,^(EM) then gifts of healing,^(EN) helping, leading, various kinds of tongues.^{[ar] 29} Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?^{(EO) 31} But desire^(EP) the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

Love: The Superior Way

13 If I speak human or angelic tongues^[as] but do not have love,^(EQ) I am a noisy gong^(ER) or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy^(ES) and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains^(ET) but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast^[at] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient,^(EU) love is kind. Love does not envy,^(EV) is not boastful, is not arrogant,^{(EW) 5} is not rude, is not self-seeking,^(EX) is not irritable,^(EY) and does not keep a record of wrongs. ⁶ Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth.^{(EZ) 7} It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures^(FA) all things.

⁸ Love never ends.^(FB) But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. ⁹ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. ¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. ¹² For now we see only a reflection^[au] as in a mirror, but then face to face.^(FC) Now I know in part, but then I will know fully,^(FD) as I am fully known.^{(FE) 13} Now these three remain: faith, hope,^(FF) and love—but the greatest of these is love.

Prophecy: A Superior Gift

14 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. ² For the person who speaks in a tongue^[av](FG) is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit.^{[aw] 3} On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,^[ax] encouragement, and consolation. ⁴ The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. ⁵ I wish all of you spoke in tongues,^[ay] but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

⁶ So now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation^(FH) or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? ⁷ Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds—whether flute or harp^(FI)—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 bugle makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle?^{(FJ) 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, none is without meaning. ¹¹ Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner^[az] to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. ¹² So also you—since you are zealous^(FK) for spiritual gifts,^[ba](FL) seek to excel in building up the church.

¹³ Therefore the person who speaks in a tongue should pray that he can interpret. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit^(FM) prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.^{(FN) 15} What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with my understanding. I will sing praise with the spirit, and I will also sing praise with my understanding. ¹⁶ Otherwise, if you praise with the spirit,^[bb] how will the outsider^[bc] say “Amen”^(FO) 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^(FP) God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; ¹⁹ yet in the church I would rather speak five words^(FQ) with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

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

says the Lord. ²² Speaking in tongues, then, is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. ²³ If, therefore, the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in tongues and people who are outsiders 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 outsider comes in, he is convicted by all and is called to account 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.”^(FT)

Order in Church Meetings

²⁶ What then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one^[be] has a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation.^(FU) Everything is to be done for building up. ²⁷ If anyone speaks in a tongue, there are to be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and let someone interpret. ²⁸ But if there is no interpreter, that person is to keep silent in the church and speak to himself and God. ²⁹ Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate.^{(FV) 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.^{(FW) 32} And the prophets’ spirits are subject to the prophets, ³³ since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints,^{(FX) 34} the women^[bf] should be silent in the churches,^(FY) for they are not permitted to speak, but are to submit themselves, as the law also says. ³⁵ If they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands^(FZ) at home, since it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. ³⁶ Or 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 If anyone ignores this, he will be ignored.^{[bg] 39} So then, my brothers and sisters, be eager^(GA) to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰ But everything is to be done decently^(GB) and in order.

Resurrection Essential to the Gospel

15 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand^{(GC) 2} and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.^{(GD) 3} For I passed on to you^(GE) as most important what I also received: that Christ died^(GF) for our sins according to the Scriptures,^{(GG) 4} that he was buried,^(GH) that he was raised on the third day^(GI) according to the Scriptures,^{(GJ) 5} and that he appeared to Cephas,^(GK) then to the Twelve.^{(GL) 6} Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time;^(GM) most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. ⁷ Then he appeared to James,^(GN) then to all the apostles.^{(GO) 8} Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time,^[bh](GP) he also appeared to me.^(GQ)

⁹ For I am the least of the apostles,^(GR) not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted^(GS) the church of God. ¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.^{(GT) 11} Whether, then, 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,^(GU) how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”?^{(GV) 13} If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; ¹⁴ and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith.^{[bi] 15} Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses^(GW) about God, because we have testified^(GX) wrongly 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, not even Christ has been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸ Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ^(GY) 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 as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits^(GZ) of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For since death^(HA) came through a man,^(HB) the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man.^{(HC) 22} For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.^(HD)

²³ But each in his own order:^(HE) Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. ²⁴ Then comes the end,^(HF) when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father,^(HG) when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power.^{(HH) 25} For he must reign^(HI) until he puts all his enemies under his feet.^{(HJ) 26} The last enemy to be abolished is death.^{(HK) 27} For God has put everything under his feet.^[bj](HL) Now when it says “everything” is put under him, it is obvious that he who puts everything under him is the exception. ²⁸ When everything is subject to Christ, then the Son^(HM) himself will also be subject to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.^(HN)

Resurrection Supported by Christian Experience

²⁹ Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the dead?^[bk] 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 face death every day,^(HO) as surely as I may boast about you, brothers and sisters, in Christ Jesus our Lord. ³² If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus^(HP) as a mere man, what good did that do me?^(HQ) If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.^{[bm](HR) 33} Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” ³⁴ Come to your senses^[bn](HS) and stop sinning; for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame.^(HT)

The Nature of the Resurrection Body

³⁵ But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have when they come?” ³⁶ You fool! What you sow does not come to life^(HU) unless it dies. ³⁷ And as for what you sow—you are not sowing the body that will be, but only a seed, perhaps of wheat or another grain. ³⁸ But God gives it a body as he wants,^(HV) and to each of the seeds its own body. ³⁹ Not all flesh^(HW) 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^(HX) 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; in fact, one star differs from another star in splendor. ⁴² So it is with the resurrection of the dead: Sown in corruption, raised in incorruption;^{(HY) 43} sown in dishonor,^(HZ) raised in glory;^(IA) sown in weakness, raised in power;^{(IB) 44} sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body. 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;^[bo](IC) the last Adam^(ID) became a life-giving spirit. ⁴⁶ However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual.

⁴⁷ The first man was from the earth, a man of dust;^(IE) the second man is^[bp] from heaven. ⁴⁸ Like the man of dust, so are those who are of the dust; like the man of heaven, so are those who are of heaven.^{(IF) 49} And just as we have borne the image^(IG) of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.^(IH)

Victorious Resurrection

⁵⁰ What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh^(II) and blood^(IJ) cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.^(IK) For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible body must be clothed^(IL) with incorruptibility,^(IM) and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. ⁵⁴ When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place:

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin^(IQ) is the law.^{(IR) 57} But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory^(IS) through our Lord Jesus Christ!

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work,^(IT) because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Collection for the Jerusalem Church

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

Paul’s Travel Plans

⁵ I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia^(JA)—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, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.^{(JB) 8} But I will stay in Ephesus^(JC) until Pentecost,^{(JD) 9} because a wide door^(JE) for effective ministry has opened for me^[bs]—yet many oppose me. ¹⁰ If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while with you, because he is doing the Lord’s work,^(JF) just as I am. ¹¹ So let no one look down^(JG) on him. Send him on his way in peace so that he can come to me, because I am expecting him with the brothers.

¹² Now about our brother Apollos:^(JH) 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,^(JI) be courageous,^[bt] be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.^(JJ)

¹⁵ Brothers and sisters, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits^(JK) of Achaia^(JL) 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 delighted to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. ¹⁸ For they have refreshed my spirit^(JM) and yours. Therefore recognize^(JN) such people.

Conclusion

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

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

Greeting

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

To the church of God at Corinth,^(JX) with all the saints who are throughout Achaia.^(JY)

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

The God of Comfort

³ Blessed be^(KB) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies^(KC) and the God of all comfort.^{(KD) 4} He comforts us in all our affliction,^[bw] 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 just as the sufferings^(KE) of Christ^(KF) overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.^{(KG) 6} If we are afflicted,^(KH) it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer.^{(KI) 7} And our hope^(KJ) for you is firm, because we know that as you share^(KK) in the sufferings, so you will also share in the comfort.

⁸ We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia.^(KL) We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength^(KM)—so that we even despaired^(KN) of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God^(KO) who raises^(KP) the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered^(KQ) us from such a terrible death,^(KR) 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^[bx] behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.

A Clear Conscience

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

A Visit Postponed

¹⁵ Because of this confidence, I planned to come to you first,^(KZ) so that you could have a second benefit,^{[bz] 16} and to visit you on my way to Macedonia,^(LA) and then come to you again from Macedonia and be helped by you^(LB) on my journey^(LC) to Judea.^{(LD) 17} Now when I planned this, was I of two minds? Or what I plan, do I plan in a purely human^[ca](LE) way so that I say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? ¹⁸ As God is faithful,^(LF) our message to you is not “Yes and no.” ¹⁹ For the Son of God,^(LG) Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you—Silvanus,^[cb](LH) Timothy, and I—did not become “Yes and no.” On the contrary, in him it is always “Yes.”^{(LI) 20} For every one of God’s promises^(LJ) is “Yes” in him. Therefore, through him we also say “Amen”^(LK) to the glory of God.^{(LL) 21} Now it is God who strengthens us together with you in Christ, and who has anointed^(LM) us. ²² He has also put his seal on us and given us the Spirit in our hearts^(LN) as a down payment.^(LO)

²³ I call on God as a witness,^(LP) on my life, that it was to spare you that I did not come to Corinth.^{(LQ) 24} I do not mean that we lord it over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in your^(LR) faith.

2 In fact, I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you on another painful visit.^{[cc] 2} For if I cause you pain, then who will cheer me other than the one being hurt by me?^{[cd] 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^(LS) 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 to cause you pain, 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^(LT)—to all of you. ⁶ This punishment by the majority is sufficient for that person. ⁷ As a result, you should instead forgive^(LU) and comfort him. Otherwise, he 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^(LV) to see if you are obedient^(LW) in everything. ¹⁰ Anyone you forgive, I do too. For what I have forgiven—if I have forgiven anything—it is for your benefit in the presence of Christ, ¹¹ so that we may not be taken advantage^(LX) of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.

A Trip to Macedonia

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

A Ministry of Life or Death

¹⁴ But thanks be to God,^(MD) who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place.^{(ME) 15} For to God we are the fragrance^(MF) of Christ among those who are being saved^(MG) and among those who are perishing.^{(MH) 16} To some we are an aroma of death^(MI) leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life^(MJ) leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? ¹⁷ For we do not market the word of God^(MK) for profit like so many.^[ce] 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, known and read by everyone.^{(ML) 3} You show that you are Christ’s letter,^(MM) delivered^[cf] by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God^(MN)—not on tablets of stone^(MO) but on tablets of human hearts.^[cg](MP)

Paul’s Competence

⁴ Such is the confidence we have through Christ before God. ⁵ It is not that we are competent in^[ch] ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.^{(MQ) 6} He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant,^(MR) not of the letter,^(MS) but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

New Covenant Ministry

⁷ Now if the ministry that brought death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory,^(MT) so that the Israelites were not able to gaze steadily at Moses’s face because of its glory, which was set aside, ⁸ how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? ⁹ For if the ministry that brought condemnation had glory, the ministry that brings 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 set aside^(MU) was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.

¹² Since, then, we have such a hope,^(MV) we act with great boldness. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face^(MW) to prevent the Israelites from gazing steadily until the end^[ci] of the glory of what was being set aside, ¹⁴ but their minds were hardened.^(MX) For to this day, at the reading of the old covenant,^(MY) the same veil remains; it is not lifted, because it is set aside only in Christ.^{(MZ) 15} Yet still today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts, ¹⁶ but whenever a person turns^(NA) to the Lord, the veil is removed.^{(NB) 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^[cj](NC) the glory of the Lord^(ND) and are being transformed^(NE) into the same image^(NF) from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.^[ck]

The Light of the Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy,^(NG) we do not give up.^{(NH) 2} Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting^(NI) deceitfully or distorting the word of God,^(NJ) but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.^{(NK) 3} But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case, the god of this age^(NL) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,^[cl](NM) who is the image of God.^{(NN) 5} For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(NO) and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. ⁶ For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^(NP) has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge^(NQ) of God’s glory^(NR) in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Clay Jars

⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power^(NS) may be from God and not from us. ⁸ We are afflicted 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^(NT) in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death^(NU) for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. ¹² So then, death is at work 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,^[cm](NV) we also believe, and therefore speak. ¹⁴ For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus^(NW) and present us with you. ¹⁵ Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving^(NX) to increase to the glory of God.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not give up.^(NY) Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person^(NZ) is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our momentary light affliction^(OA) is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.^{(OB) 18} So we do not focus on what is seen,^(OC) 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 earthly tent we live in^(OD) is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens,^(OE) not made with hands.^{(OF) 2} Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring^(OG) to put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ since, when we are clothed,^[cn] we will not be found naked.^{(OH) 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^(OI) may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now 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,^(OJ) not by sight.^{(OK) 8} In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.^{(OL) 9} Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing^(OM) to him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat^(ON) of Christ,^(OO) so that each may be repaid^(OP) for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

¹¹ Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord,^(OQ) we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences. 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 outward appearance rather than in the heart. ¹³ For if we are out of our mind,^(OR) it is for God; if we are in our right mind,^(OS) it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all,^(OT) and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all^(OU) so that those who live should no longer live for themselves,^(OV) but for the one^(OW) who died for them and was raised.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹⁶ From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.^[co] Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective,^[cp] yet now we no longer know him in this way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;^(OX) the old has passed away, and see,^(OY) the new has^[cq] come!^{(OZ) 18} Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.^{(PA) 19} That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world^(PB) to himself,^(PC) not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors^(PD) for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,^(PE) “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He made the one who did not know sin^(PF) to be sin^[cr] for us,^(PG) so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

6 Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.” ² For he says:

See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!^(PI)

The Character of Paul’s Ministry

³ We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed. ⁴ Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties, ⁵ by beatings, by imprisonments,^(PJ) by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, ⁶ by purity,^(PK) by knowledge,^(PL) by patience,^(PM) by kindness,^(PN) by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,^{(PO) 7} by the word of truth,^[ct](PP) by the power of God;^(PQ) through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, ⁸ through glory^(PR) and dishonor, through slander and good report; regarded as deceivers, yet true; ⁹ as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see—we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed; ¹⁰ as grieving, yet always rejoicing;^(PS) as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. ¹¹ We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. ¹² We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. ¹³ I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us.

Separation to God

¹⁴ Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?^(PT) Or what fellowship does light^(PU) have with darkness?^{(PV) 15} What agreement does Christ have with Belial?^[cu] Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols?^(PW) For we^[cv] are the temple of the living God, as God said:

7 So then, dear friends, since we have these promises,^(QE) let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit,^(QF) bringing holiness to completion^[cz] in the fear of God.^(QG)

Joy and Repentance

² Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, corrupted^(QH) no one, taken advantage of no one. ³ I don’t say this to condemn you, since I have already said that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. ⁴ I am very frank with you; I have great pride in you. I am filled with encouragement; I am overflowing with joy in all our afflictions.

⁵ In fact, when we came into Macedonia,^(QI) we^[da] had no rest. Instead, we were troubled in every way: conflicts^(QJ) on the outside, fears^(QK) within. ⁶ But God, who comforts the downcast,^(QL) 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, and your zeal^(QM) for me, so that I rejoiced even more. ⁸ For even if I grieved you with my letter,^(QN) I don’t regret it. And if I regretted it—since I saw that the letter grieved you, yet only for a while— ⁹ I now 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 that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.^{(QO) 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^(QP) 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 devotion to us might be made plain to you in the sight of God. ¹³ For this reason we have been comforted.

In addition to our own comfort, we rejoiced even more over the joy Titus^(QQ) had, 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 disappointed; but as I have spoken everything to you in truth,^(QR) 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 and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches^(QS) of Macedonia:^{(QT) 2} During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.^{(QU) 3} I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, ⁴ they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing^(QV) in the ministry to the saints, ⁵ and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.^{(QW) 6} So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete among you this act of grace.

⁷ Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge,^(QX) and in all diligence, and in your love for us^[db]—excel also in this act of 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,^(QY) for your sake he became poor,^(QZ) so that by his poverty you might become rich. ¹⁰ And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it.^{(RA) 11} Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. ¹² For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.^{(RB) 13} It is not that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality.^{[dc] 14} At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality. ¹⁵ As it is written: The person who had much did not have too much, and the person who had little did not have too little.^[dd](RC)

Administration of the Collection

¹⁶ Thanks be to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus. ¹⁷ For he welcomed our appeal and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice. ¹⁸ We have sent with him the brother^(RD) who is praised among all the churches for his gospel ministry.^{[de] 19} And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift that we are administering for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. ²⁰ We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering. ²¹ Indeed, we are giving careful thought^(RE) to do what is right,^(RF) not only before the Lord but also before people. 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^(RG) and coworker^(RH) for you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers^(RI) of the churches, the glory of Christ.^{(RJ) 24} Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting^(RK) 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 boast about you to the Macedonians,^(RL) “Achaia^(RM) has been ready since last year,” and your zeal^(RN) has stirred up most of them.^{(RO) 3} But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter would not prove empty, and so that you would be ready just as I said. ⁴ Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be put to shame in that situation.^{[df] 5} Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift^(RP) you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.^(RQ)

⁶ The point is this:^[dg] 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 compulsion, since God loves^(RR) a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able^(RS) 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 also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.^{(RV) 11} You will be enriched^(RW) in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ¹² For the ministry of this service^(RX) is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³ Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity^(RY) in sharing with them and with everyone. ¹⁴ And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you 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, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness 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 living according to the flesh.^{(RZ) 3} For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, ⁴ since the weapons of our warfare^(SA) are not of the flesh, but are powerful^(SB) through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments ⁵ and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge^(SC) of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. ⁶ And we are ready to punish any disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

⁷ Look at what is obvious.^[di] If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ,^(SD) let him remind himself of this: Just as he belongs to Christ, so do we. ⁸ For if I boast a little too much about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up^(SE) and not for tearing you down, I will not be put to shame. 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 amounts to nothing.” ¹¹ Let such a person consider this: What we are in our letters, when we are absent, we will also be in our actions when we are present.

¹² For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend^(SF) themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves,^(SG) they lack understanding.^{(SH) 13} We, however, will not boast beyond measure but according to the measure of the area of ministry that God has assigned^(SI) 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 boasting beyond measure about other people’s labors. On the contrary, we have the hope^(SJ) that as your faith increases, our area of ministry will be greatly enlarged, ¹⁶ so that we may preach the gospel to the regions beyond you^(SK) without boasting about what has already been done in someone else’s area of ministry.^{(SL) 17} So let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.^{[dj](SM) 18} For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.^(SN)

Paul and the False Apostles

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

⁵ Now I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”^{(SZ) 6} Even if I am untrained in public speaking,^(TA) I am certainly not untrained in knowledge.^(TB) Indeed, we have in every way made that clear to you in everything. ⁷ Or did I commit a sin by humbling^(TC) myself so that you might be exalted,^(TD) because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?^{(TE) 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, since the brothers who came from Macedonia^(TF) supplied my needs.^(TG) 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^[dm] in the regions of Achaia.^{(TH) 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^[dn] an opportunity to those who want to be regarded as our equals in what they boast about. ¹³ For such people are false apostles,^(TI) deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.