Bible verses about "reflecting" | AUV

¹ So, I urge you, brothers, because God is so merciful [to us], to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, [fully] dedicated and very pleasing to God. For this is a reasonable [or spiritual] way for you to worship [or serve] Him. ² And you people must not be conformed to [the values and standards of] this age, but you should become transformed [i.e., changed in attitude and action] by having your mind renewed [i.e., to think in a totally different way]. Then you will be able to determine [and practice] God’s will, the thing that is good, and acceptable and perfect.

¹⁰ But when you are invited [i.e., to a wedding reception], go and recline at the least important seat, so that when the host comes [over to you], he will say, ‘Friend, move up to a better seat.’ Then you will be shown honor in front of everyone at the dinner table. ¹¹ For every person who exalts himself [as important] will be humbled, but the person who humbles himself will be exalted [as important].”

¹² For now [i.e., during the church’s infant state] we see in a mirror [Note: God’s word is elsewhere likened to a mirror. See James 1:22-25] indistinctly [i.e., because of having only partial knowledge and prophecy], but then [i.e., when the church matures and has the completed Scriptures], we will see face to face [i.e., clearly]. Now I have [only] partial knowledge, but then I will have full knowledge, just as [God has] full knowledge of me.

¹⁸ But all of us [Christians], with unveiled faces, see the Lord’s splendor reflected, as [though we were] looking in a mirror, and [so] are being transformed into His likeness in ever-increasing splendor. This is [the work] of the Lord, [who is] the Holy Spirit.

¹ You people should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. ² Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for remaining loyal to the [inspired] traditions which I have handed on to you. ³ But I want you to know that Christ is the [spiritual] head [i.e., authority] over every man; and the man is the [spiritual] head over the woman [Note: The Greek words for “woman” and “wife” are the same. “Wife” is obviously meant by the context]; and God is the head over Christ. ⁴ Every man who prays or prophesies [i.e., speaks in a public assembly, since prophecy was always for the benefit of others] with his [physical] head covered [Note: The Greek word here denotes “something hanging down” and could refer to long hair or a cloth shawl], shows disrespect for his head [i.e., Christ]. ⁵ But every woman who prays or prophesies [in the public assembly] with her [physical] head uncovered [i.e., with hair or a shawl] shows disrespect for her head [i.e., for her husband. See verse 3]. Such appearance is the same as if her [physical] head were shaved. [Note: Various sources point out that a shaved or closely cropped head was an emblem of a prostitute or a woman found guilty of sexual unfaithfulness to her husband. See Num. 5:11-18]. ⁶ So, if a woman does not cover her [physical] head [i.e., with sufficient hair or a cloth shawl], she might as well cut her hair off. But if it is a shame for a woman to cut her hair off or shave her head [See note on verse 5], then she should have her head covered [i.e., with hair or a shawl]. ⁷ But a man should certainly not cover his [physical] head [i.e., with “something hanging down,” such as long hair or a cloth shawl. See verse 4], since he is the image and glory of God. But the woman [i.e., his wife] is the glory of the man [i.e., her husband]. ⁸ For man did not come from woman [i.e., Adam was created directly by God], but woman came from man [i.e., she was taken from his side. See Gen. 2:18-23]. ⁹ And indeed, man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman [was created] for man’s sake. ¹⁰ This [i.e., the order of creation] is the reason that the woman should have [a symbol of] authority on her [physical] head [i.e., hair or a shawl to indicate subjection to her husband], and because of the angels. [Note: This difficult phrase probably means that angels, who observe the activities of Christian assemblies, are pleased when they see things being done in their proper order]. ¹¹ Nevertheless, in [the fellowship of] the Lord, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. [See Gal. 3:28]. ¹² For as the woman was created from man, so also the man is born from the woman. But everything comes from God. ¹³ [So], judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God [in the assembly] with her [physical] head uncovered [i.e., by hair or a shawl]? ¹⁴ [And] does not the very nature of things teach you that it is disgraceful for a man to have long hair? [Note: The prevailing, worldwide custom, observable to Paul even in his day, was shorter hair on men and longer hair on women. The fact of exceptions to this arrangement only proves the rule. See Num. 6:5; I Sam. 1:11]. ¹⁵ But if a woman wears long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering [i.e., in place of the cloth shawl]. ¹⁶ But if anyone is inclined to argue [about this matter], neither we [apostles] nor the churches of God have any [other] custom than this. ¹⁷ But in giving you these instructions, I have a criticism to make [about you people]. It is that your assemblies are doing more harm than good. ¹⁸ For first of all, I have been informed [Note: This was probably by Chloe’s family. See 1:11] that divisions exist among you people when you assemble as a congregation. And I am inclined to believe it [is true]. ¹⁹ For it is to be expected [i.e., it is inevitable] that there would be dissensions among you, so that those who are approved [by God] can become known among you. ²⁰ So, when you people assemble together [Note: This was a church meeting at which they also shared a common meal prior to the Lord’s Supper], it is not possible to eat the Lord’s Supper [properly]. ²¹ For as you are eating, each one of you partakes of his own supper [ahead of the others], so that one person is [still] hungry while the other gets drunk. ²² Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or, do you despise the church of God and put to shame those people who do not have anything [to eat]? What should I say to you? Should I commend you for doing this? Certainly not! ²³ For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you: On the night the Lord Jesus was turned over [to the Jewish authorities] He took bread, ²⁴ and after giving thanks [for it], He broke it [in pieces] and said, “This represents my [physical] body, which is [to be given] for you. [Continue to] do this in memory of me.” ²⁵ In the same way [He took] the cup also, after supper, and said, “This cup [i.e., its contents] represents the New Agreement [ratified] by my blood. [Continue to] do this, whenever you people drink from it, in memory of me.” ²⁶ For whenever you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes [again]. ²⁷ Therefore, whoever eats the [Lord’s] bread or drinks from the Lord’s cup in a way that is unworthy [of them. See verse 21], will be guilty of [dishonoring] the body and the blood of the Lord. ²⁸ So, a person should examine himself [first] and then he should eat the bread and drink from the cup. ²⁹ For a person who eats and drinks without determining the significance of the body [of Jesus], [i.e., without showing proper reverence for Christ, as represented by the bread and cup (see verse 27), or without distinguishing this sacred memorial Supper from a common meal], eats and drinks judgment upon himself. [Note: Some apply “the body” in this verse to the church and explain it as a warning against failing to appreciate the unity that the Supper is intended to signify]. ³⁰ Because of this [i.e., their improper partaking of the Supper], many people among you are weak and ill, and a number have fallen asleep [i.e., died]. [Note: While most commentators view this judgment as physical, there is a distinct possibility that it refers to spiritual sickness and death]. ³¹ But if we [had] examined ourselves [properly], we would not be [i.e., not have been] judged [i.e., with sickness and death. See verse 30]. ³² But since we are being judged, we are [also] being disciplined by the Lord, so that we do not have to be condemned along with the world. ³³ So, my brothers, when you assemble for a meal, wait for each other [i.e., so some will not be finished before others. See verse 21]. ³⁴ If anyone is [too] hungry [i.e., to wait], he should eat at home, so that your assembly does not result in judgment [falling on some of you. See verse 30]. And I will tend to the remaining matters when I come [to you].

¹ So, as dearly loved children, you people should [try to] be like God. ² Live in a loving way, just like Christ loved us and gave Himself up [to die] for us as an offering and fragrant smelling sacrifice to God. ³ But you should not even talk about sexual immorality, or any type of [moral] impurity, or greed. [Note: Possibly “greed” here means “desire for more” of such things]. Such talk is not suitable for saints [i.e., God’s holy people]. ⁴ Nor should obscenity, silly chatter or double-meaning jokes be used, because they are not proper either. But instead, [you should express] thanksgiving. ⁵ For you [should] know this for certain: No sexually immoral or [morally] impure person, or greedy person, who is [the same as] an idol worshiper, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Do not let anyone deceive you with empty words, for because of such things, the wrath of God will fall upon people who are disobedient [to Him]. ⁷ So, do not participate with such individuals, ⁸ for you people were once darkness [i.e., when living in sin], but now you are light in [fellowship with] the Lord. [So], live like people who belong to light [i.e., who live godly lives], ⁹ (for the product of light consists of everything good and right and true). ¹⁰ Then you will demonstrate [or, “learn about”] a life that is very pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Do not have fellowship with [people who practice] worthless deeds of darkness [i.e., sinful living], but expose them instead. ¹² For it is shameful even to talk about the things they do in private. ¹³ But when all [such] things are exposed by the light [i.e., the truth], they become [clearly] visible [i.e., their true nature is revealed], for everything so revealed becomes illuminated. [Note: Possibly this means “it is light that clearly reveals everything”]. ¹⁴ So, it says, “You who are asleep, wake up and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you [i.e., illuminate you].” [Note: The foregoing words may have been an early saying, used at someone’s immersion, which included the ideas of “rising up” (See Col. 2:12) and “illumination” (See Heb. 6:4)]. ¹⁵ So, be careful how you live. Do not live ignorantly, but wisely, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because these days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk on wine, which results in ruined lives, but be filled with the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another by using psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your hearts to the Lord. ²⁰ Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹ Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. ²² Wives, you should submit to your own husbands, as you would to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the [spiritual] head over his wife, just as Christ is also the [spiritual] head over the church, since He is the Savior of the body. ²⁴ But just as the church submits to Christ, so wives also should submit to their husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, you should love your wives just as Christ also loved the church, and gave up His life for her, ²⁶ so that He could dedicate her [to Himself], after cleansing her by means of the washing of water [i.e., immersion], accompanied by the word. [Note: “The word” here refers either to a person’s profession of faith (See Rom. 10:9) or to the Gospel message (See Rom. 10:17), both of which are associated with immersion]. ²⁷ [This is] so He could present the church to Himself in all her splendor, without any kind of stain or wrinkle, but that she should be holy and without [moral] flaw. ²⁸ In the same way also, husbands should love their own wives as they love their own bodies. The man who loves his own wife [actually] loves himself. ²⁹ For no [normal] person ever hated his own [physical] body, but [instead] he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ also does for the church, ³⁰ because we are parts of His [spiritual] body. ³¹ [Gen. 2:24 says], “For this reason a man will leave [the home of] his father and mother, and will cling to his wife, [so that] the two will become one flesh [i.e., united in such a close relationship, as to practically constitute one body].” ³² The secret [truth] of this is great, but I am talking about Christ and the church. ³³ However, each of you men individually should also love his own wife the way he loves himself. And the wife should respect her husband.