1 Corinthians 8 Cross References - AUV

¹ I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually]. ² If anyone thinks he knows something, he [really] does not know as much as he ought to. ³ But if anyone loves God, that person is known by God. ⁴ Now concerning [the matter of] eating foods [once] offered as sacrifices to idols, we know that an idol is [really] nothing in the world [at all], and that there is only one God. ⁵ For [even] if there were things called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth; [and even if] there were many “gods” and many “lords,” ⁶ yet there is [only] one God to us, [and He is] the Father, from whom all things have come, and for whom we live. And [there is only] one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things have come, and through whom we live. ⁷ However, not every person knows this [truth]. For some people have been so used to an idol all this time that they still think of the idol [as a reality] when eating food that has been sacrificed to it. And their weak conscience becomes polluted. [Note: These people cannot seem to shake off the idea that somehow the idol is real, so feel guilty of wrongdoing when eating food sacrificed to it]. ⁸ But [eating certain] foods will not improve our relationship to God; we are neither any worse off if we do not eat [certain things], nor are we any better off if we do eat them. ⁹ But pay attention [to this], so that somehow this liberty of yours [i.e., to eat whatever you want to] does not become an occasion over which weak people could fall [away from God]. ¹⁰ For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, who have [correct] knowledge [in this matter], eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? ¹¹ So, this weak brother, for whose sake Christ died, becomes [spiritually] destroyed, [and all] because of your “knowledge” [i.e., you know that such eating is harmless, but your weak brother does not know this, so he is led into sin by your unloving example]. ¹² And in this way, when you sin against the brothers by injuring their weak conscience, you are [actually] sinning against Christ. ¹³ Therefore, if [eating certain] foods causes my brother to fall away [from God], I will never eat meat again, so I do not cause my brother to fall away.

²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never acknowledged you [as my people]; go away from me, you people who have done sinful things.’

²⁷ “All things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him.

⁴⁹ Then He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Look, [here is] my mother and my brothers!” ⁵⁰ “For whoever will do what my Father in heaven desires, is my brother and sister and mother.”

⁶ But that person who causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and dumped into a deep ocean [Note: This “millstone” was a heavy circular stone rolled over grain to crush it and was moved by an animal walking in a circle].

⁶ But that person who causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and dumped into a deep ocean [Note: This “millstone” was a heavy circular stone rolled over grain to crush it and was moved by an animal walking in a circle]. ⁷ “It will be too bad for the world because of occasions that cause people to fall away [from God]! For it is inevitable that such occasions come, but it is too bad for that person who is responsible for causing it to happen.

¹⁰ Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. {[{[Some ancient manuscripts include verse

²¹ Then Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, how often must I forgive my brother when he sins against me? As many as seven times?”

⁴⁰ And the King will answer them and say, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did all this for one of my least [significant] brothers, you did it for me.’

⁴⁵ Then the Lord will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did not do it for one of these least [significant brothers of mine], you did not do it for me.’

¹⁸ Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

²⁹ And Jesus answered, “The foremost one is this [Deut. 6:4-5], ‘Hear this, you Israelites, the Lord our God is the only Lord,

¹ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that occasions which cause people to be led astray [from God] will come, but it is too bad for that person who is responsible for it happening. ² It would be good [i.e., better] for him to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the ocean [Note: This “millstone” was a huge, circular stone rolled over grain to crush it and was moved by an animal walking in a circle], rather than having him cause one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord] to be led astray [from God].

³ Everything came into being through this Word, and apart from Him not a single thing came into being.

²⁰ For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him everything that He Himself does; and He will show Him [even] greater deeds [i.e., more extensive in scope] than these [i.e., than merely healing a crippled man], so that you people will be amazed. ²¹ For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them [renewed] life [for their bodies ?], even so the Son also gives [renewed] life to [the spirits ?] of whoever He wants to. ²² For the Father does not judge anyone, but He has given [full responsibility for] judging people to His Son, ²³ so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The person who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. ²⁴ “Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who listens to my message and believes [in] the One who sent me [i.e., God] has never ending life [i.e., as a hope. See Titus 1:2; 3:7]. He will not be judged [and condemned], but has [already] passed from being [spiritually] dead to being [spiritually] alive. ²⁵ Truly, truly, I tell you, the time is coming, and is now [actually] here, when those who are [spiritually] dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear [i.e., and heed His message] will have [spiritual] life. ²⁶ For [just] as the Father is Himself [the source of] life, in the same way He gave to His Son also [the power] to be [the source of] life. ²⁷ And He gave His Son authority to carry out judgment [upon mankind] because He is the Son of man [Note: The Greek actually says “a son of man”]. ²⁸ “Do not be surprised at this: The time is coming when all those who are in their graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and they will come out [i.e., in the general resurrection on the last day]. Those who had done what was good will be raised [from the dead] to [never ending] life; and those who had done what was evil will be raised [from the dead] to judgment [i.e., to be condemned].

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd and I know my sheep [intimately], and they know me [that way],

³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

³⁴ Jesus replied to them, “Is it not written in your law [Psa. 82:6], ‘I said, you people are gods’? ³⁵ If God called those people, to whom His message came, “gods” (and Scripture cannot be set aside),

¹³ You call me ‘Teacher,’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right in doing so because that is who I am.

⁹ Jesus replied to him, “Have I been with you men all this time, and [still] you do not know me, Philip? The person who has seen me, has [also] seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Do you not believe that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and the Father is in [fellowship with] me? The words which I say to you do not originate with me, but it is the Father, who lives in me, who does His work [in me].

²⁰ When that day comes [i.e., after His ascension ?], you will know that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and that you are in [fellowship with] me, and that I am in you [i.e., through the Holy Spirit].

³ And this is never ending life; that people may know you [as] the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One whom you have sent.

²¹ [I pray] that all of them may be one, just as you, Father, are [one] in [fellowship with] me, and I [am one] in [fellowship with] you, so that they also may be [one] in [fellowship with] us in order that the world may [see it and] believe that you sent me. ²² And I have given them [i.e., all believers] the honor which you gave me, so that they may be one, just as we are one: ²³ I in them, and you in me, so that they may be completely one. [This is] so the world will know that you sent me and that you love them just as you love me.

¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not ascended to the Father yet [Note: Apparently Jesus was discouraging Mary from embracing Him in worship as was done in Matt. 28:9, and thereby causing a delay of when the rest of the disciples would learn of His resurrection], but go to my brothers and tell them [I said] ‘I am [about] to ascend to my Father and to your Father, and to my God and your God.’”

¹⁷ Then Jesus asked him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you [truly] love me?” Peter was sad because Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you [even] love me?” So, he said to Jesus, “Lord, you know all things. You [surely] know that I love you.” Jesus replied to him, “[Then] feed my sheep.

³⁶ Therefore, let all those who make up the household of Israel [i.e., God's people] know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

³¹ But God exalted Him at His right side to be a Prince and Savior and to give the people of Israel [an opportunity] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and [receive] forgiveness of [their] sins [through Him].

⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" ⁵ Saul replied, "Who are you, sir?" And the voice said, "It is I, Jesus, whom you are persecuting,

¹⁵ "Gentlemen, why are you doing these things? [Do you not know that] we are also human beings with the same kind of feelings that you have? And we are just bringing you the good news that you should turn away from these useless things [i.e., idol worship] and [turn] to the living God, who created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

¹⁰ Why are you putting God on trial by trying to harness the disciples with a burden [i.e., compliance with the law of Moses], which neither our forefathers nor we could possibly bear?

¹⁹ So, my advice is not to make it difficult for those who turn to God from among the Gentiles, ²⁰ but to write [urging] them to avoid [eating] what is contaminated by [its association with] idol worship, from sexual immorality, from [eating] strangled animals and from [drinking] blood.

²⁹ Avoid [eating] things sacrificed to idols; avoid [drinking] blood; avoid [eating] things [that were] strangled [to death] and avoid sexual immorality. If you avoid [all] these things, you will be doing well. Goodbye."

²⁸ For in [the strength of] God we [all] live, move around and have our [personal] identity, just as a certain one of your [Athenian] poets [once] said, 'For we too are His children.'

²⁶ And now you have seen and heard, not only here in Ephesus, but throughout almost all of [the province of] Asia, that this Paul has been convincing people, [even] to the point of turning many away [from idol worship]. [He is] saying that hand-made gods [like we make] are not real [gods at all].

²⁵ But concerning Gentile believers, we wrote [to them] our decision, that they should avoid [eating] things sacrificed to idols, from [drinking] blood, from [eating] what is strangled and from sexual immorality."

²⁸ And we know that God works out everything for the good of those who love Him and are called [to serve Him] in harmony with His purpose [for them]. ²⁹ For [that class of] persons whom God knew beforehand He also predetermined to become conformed to the [spiritual] likeness of His Son, so that He could be the firstborn One among [His] many brothers [i.e., so He could be the preeminent example to all His followers. See Heb. 2:11].

² God did not reject His people whom He knew previously. Or, do you not know what the Scriptures say in the passage where Elijah pleads with God against Israel?

²⁵ For I want you to know this secret, brothers, so you will not become conceited: Part of the Israelites have become [spiritually] insensitive [to God], [and will remain that way] until the fullness of the Gentiles occurs. [Note: As with verse 12, concerning the Jews, “fullness” here may mean either a large or the complete number of Gentiles who will be saved].

³⁶ For everything was created by Him, exists through His [power] and is intended for His [glory]. May He be praised forever. May it be so.

¹⁶ Have the same [good] thoughts toward one another. Do not [always] be thinking you are a “bigshot,” but lower yourself to accept humble tasks [or, humble people]. Do not think you are so smart.

¹ But you should welcome [into your fellowship] the person whose faith is weak, and not argue [with him] over questionable matters. ² One person has enough faith that allows him to eat anything [i.e., without it bothering his conscience that the food, such as animal meat, was used in an idolatrous worship ceremony]. But the weak person can eat only vegetables [conscientiously]. ³ The person who can eat anything should not look down on the person who cannot eat [what was used in idolatrous worship]; and the person who cannot eat [such things] should not pass judgment on the person who can. For God accepts that person, too.

¹⁰ But why do you [who eat only certain foods] condemn your brother [who feels he can eat anything]? Or, indeed, why do you [i.e., who feels he can eat anything] look down on your brother [i.e., who eats only certain foods]? For all of us will have to stand before the judgment bar of God.

¹³ So, we should stop judging one another any more. But instead, you people should determine not to put anything in your brother’s way [to cause him] to trip or fall [away from God]. ¹⁴ As one who is in [fellowship with] the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that nothing in itself is [ceremonially] unclean. But to the person who considers something [ceremonially] unclean, it then becomes unclean to him.

¹⁴ As one who is in [fellowship with] the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that nothing in itself is [ceremonially] unclean. But to the person who considers something [ceremonially] unclean, it then becomes unclean to him. ¹⁵ For if your brother is hurt [spiritually] by [your eating a certain] food, you are no longer acting lovingly [toward him]. Do not destroy [spiritually] the person Christ died for by what you eat.

¹⁵ For if your brother is hurt [spiritually] by [your eating a certain] food, you are no longer acting lovingly [toward him]. Do not destroy [spiritually] the person Christ died for by what you eat.

¹⁷ For God’s kingdom is not a matter of what people eat or drink, but [instead, it is a matter] of doing what is right, having peace [of heart] and having [inner] joy, which come from the Holy Spirit.

²⁰ Do not destroy God’s work [i.e., someone’s life] for the sake of something to eat. All foods are truly clean [ceremonially]; however, it is wrong for a person to eat something when it causes another person to fall [away from God]. ²¹ [So], it is better [for you] not to eat bread, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything [else] that could cause your brother to fall [away from God].

²¹ [So], it is better [for you] not to eat bread, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything [else] that could cause your brother to fall [away from God]. ²² Therefore, whatever you believe about this matter should be held between you and God. That person is happy who does not condemn himself for practicing something he believes is right.

²² Therefore, whatever you believe about this matter should be held between you and God. That person is happy who does not condemn himself for practicing something he believes is right. ²³ But the person who has doubts about eating [a certain food] is self-condemned if he [goes ahead and] eats it, because his action is not based on faith [i.e., if he lacks the conviction that he is doing what is right]. And whatever is not done with such a conviction is a sin.

²³ But the person who has doubts about eating [a certain food] is self-condemned if he [goes ahead and] eats it, because his action is not based on faith [i.e., if he lacks the conviction that he is doing what is right]. And whatever is not done with such a conviction is a sin.

¹ Now those of us who are strong [spiritually] should put up with [or, help] the failings of [spiritually] weak people, and not [simply] do what pleases ourselves.

¹ Now those of us who are strong [spiritually] should put up with [or, help] the failings of [spiritually] weak people, and not [simply] do what pleases ourselves. ² [Instead], each of us should do what pleases his neighbor in order to accomplish something good and uplifting [in his life]. ³ For even Christ did not please [just] Himself, but as it is written [Psa. 69:9], “The insults of those people who insulted you [i.e., God] fell on me [i.e., Christ].”

¹⁴ And I, myself, am convinced about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, and have been filled with all kinds of knowledge and are capable of counseling one another.

² [it is being sent] to the church of God at Corinth. [You people are] set apart in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus and called [by God] to be saints [i.e., His holy people], along with all [others] everywhere who call on our Lord Jesus Christ [i.e., in prayer]. He is their Lord and ours [as well].

⁵ For in [fellowship with] Him you people have been made [spiritually] rich in every way, through all [kinds of] speech and knowledge. [Note: This probably refers to the communication and comprehension of truth represented by the spiritual gifts of languages and revelation].

¹⁰ Now I urge you, brothers, through the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all agree in what you say, so that no divisions [continue] among you. Be restored [to unity] by having common thoughts and convictions [i.e., in spiritual matters]. ¹¹ For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by some of Chloe’s family, that there is quarreling [going on] among you.

⁹ But as it is written [Isa. 64:4], “The things which no eye saw or ear heard, and which did not [even] enter the mind of men, is what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

¹⁸ No one should fool himself. If any person among you thinks he is smart, by human standards, he should become a “fool,” so that he can become [really] wise.

¹⁰ We are “fools” for Christ’s sake, but you people [think you] are “wise” in [the fellowship of] Christ. We are weak, but you people [think you] are “strong.” You are honored, but we are despised.

¹⁸ Now some of you have become arrogant, thinking that I would not [dare to] come to you.

² And you are arrogant [about it] instead [of being ashamed]. Should you not be grieved to the point of removing from your fellowship the person who has done this [terrible] deed?

⁶ Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast can leaven the whole batch of dough?

¹² “Everything is permissible for me [to do];” but not everything is profitable. [Note: The words in quote marks in this and the following verse are thought to have been commonly held views of that day, to which Paul gives an inspired reply]. “Everything is permissible for me [to do];” but I will not be ruled by anything. ¹³ “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food;” but God will destroy both of them. Yet the body is not intended for sexual immorality, but is intended for the Lord’s [honor and service]; and the Lord is for the body’s [benefit].

¹ I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually].

¹ I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually]. ² If anyone thinks he knows something, he [really] does not know as much as he ought to.

² If anyone thinks he knows something, he [really] does not know as much as he ought to.

⁴ Now concerning [the matter of] eating foods [once] offered as sacrifices to idols, we know that an idol is [really] nothing in the world [at all], and that there is only one God.

⁶ yet there is [only] one God to us, [and He is] the Father, from whom all things have come, and for whom we live. And [there is only] one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things have come, and through whom we live. ⁷ However, not every person knows this [truth]. For some people have been so used to an idol all this time that they still think of the idol [as a reality] when eating food that has been sacrificed to it. And their weak conscience becomes polluted. [Note: These people cannot seem to shake off the idea that somehow the idol is real, so feel guilty of wrongdoing when eating food sacrificed to it].

⁷ However, not every person knows this [truth]. For some people have been so used to an idol all this time that they still think of the idol [as a reality] when eating food that has been sacrificed to it. And their weak conscience becomes polluted. [Note: These people cannot seem to shake off the idea that somehow the idol is real, so feel guilty of wrongdoing when eating food sacrificed to it].

⁹ But pay attention [to this], so that somehow this liberty of yours [i.e., to eat whatever you want to] does not become an occasion over which weak people could fall [away from God]. ¹⁰ For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, who have [correct] knowledge [in this matter], eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols?

¹⁰ For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, who have [correct] knowledge [in this matter], eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols?

¹⁰ For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, who have [correct] knowledge [in this matter], eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? ¹¹ So, this weak brother, for whose sake Christ died, becomes [spiritually] destroyed, [and all] because of your “knowledge” [i.e., you know that such eating is harmless, but your weak brother does not know this, so he is led into sin by your unloving example]. ¹² And in this way, when you sin against the brothers by injuring their weak conscience, you are [actually] sinning against Christ. ¹³ Therefore, if [eating certain] foods causes my brother to fall away [from God], I will never eat meat again, so I do not cause my brother to fall away.

¹² If other people have the right to receive a share of what you have, should we not have even more [right to it]? Yet we did not make use of this right, but instead we put up with whatever we had to so we would not become a hindrance to [the spread of] the good news [about Christ].

¹⁹ For although I am free from [being accountable to] all people, I placed myself under obligation to them [as a slave], so as to win as many as possible [to Christ]. ²⁰ I behaved like a Jew in front of the Jews in order to win Jews [to Christ]. I behaved like a person who was under [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., Jews] in front of those who observe that law, although I was not [really] under [obligation to] it. I did this to win those who are under [obligation to observe] the law. ²¹ I [also] behaved like a person without [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., a Gentile] in front of those who are not obligated to it, although I was not [really] without obligation to God’s law; but was under [obligation to] Christ’s law. I did this to win those who are without [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., Gentiles]. ²² I behaved like a weak person in front of weak people [See 8:9-12], in order to win them over [i.e., to help them become stronger]. I have become all things to all people so that, in every way, I could save some of them.

²² I behaved like a weak person in front of weak people [See 8:9-12], in order to win them over [i.e., to help them become stronger]. I have become all things to all people so that, in every way, I could save some of them. ²³ And everything I do is for the sake of [the work of] the Gospel, so that I may share in its benefits.

¹⁹ So, what am I saying? That an animal sacrificed to idols is [really] anything, or that an idol [itself] is anything?

¹⁹ So, what am I saying? That an animal sacrificed to idols is [really] anything, or that an idol [itself] is anything? ²⁰ [Certainly not!] But I am saying that the Gentile sacrifices are [really] offered to evil spirits and not to God. And I do not want you to have fellowship with evil spirits.

²⁰ [Certainly not!] But I am saying that the Gentile sacrifices are [really] offered to evil spirits and not to God. And I do not want you to have fellowship with evil spirits.

²⁰ [Certainly not!] But I am saying that the Gentile sacrifices are [really] offered to evil spirits and not to God. And I do not want you to have fellowship with evil spirits. ²¹ You cannot drink [both] the cup of the Lord and the cup of evil spirits [i.e., and still be acceptable to God]. You cannot share in [both] the Lord’s table and the table of evil spirits [and still be acceptable to God].

²¹ You cannot drink [both] the cup of the Lord and the cup of evil spirits [i.e., and still be acceptable to God]. You cannot share in [both] the Lord’s table and the table of evil spirits [and still be acceptable to God]. ²² Or, are we [trying to] make the Lord jealous [by doing this]? [Do we think] we are stronger that He is?

²⁴ No one should look out for his own interests [only], but for the interests of others [as well].

²⁸ But if anyone says to you, “This [food] has been offered as a sacrifice [to an idol],” do not eat it, for the sake of the person who pointed this out to you, and for conscience’ sake ---

²⁸ But if anyone says to you, “This [food] has been offered as a sacrifice [to an idol],” do not eat it, for the sake of the person who pointed this out to you, and for conscience’ sake --- ²⁹ that is, for the sake of the other person’s conscience, not your own. For why should my freedom [to eat what I want] be judged [as wrong] by another person’s conscience? [Note: The questions in this and the following verse may mean, “it is not worth eating questionable things, if doing so would bring criticism from a weak brother”].

²⁹ that is, for the sake of the other person’s conscience, not your own. For why should my freedom [to eat what I want] be judged [as wrong] by another person’s conscience? [Note: The questions in this and the following verse may mean, “it is not worth eating questionable things, if doing so would bring criticism from a weak brother”].

³² Do not [do what could] cause Jews, Greeks [i.e., Gentiles] or the church of God to fall [away from God]. ³³ For even I myself [try] to please everyone in every way, and not to look out [just] for my own good, but [also] for the good of many people, so that they may be saved.

³ Therefore, I am telling you that no one who speaks under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed!” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

¹² For [just] as the human body is one [unit], made up of many parts, and all the many parts make up a single body, so it is with Christ. [Note: Just as a human body is a single unit, and Christ is a single being, so the members of His body, the church, constitute one body. See verses 27-28].

¹ If I have the ability to speak in the languages of human beings and angels [Note: Perhaps the idea is supernaturally and eloquently], but do not have love [for people], I have become [no more than] a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² And if I have the [spiritual] gift of prophecy, and can understand all [of God’s] secret purposes, and have all knowledge; and if I have all [the supernatural] faith necessary to relocate mountains [See Matt. 17:20], but do not have love [for people], I am nothing. ³ And if I donate all my possessions to feed poor people, and if I surrender my body to be burned [Note: This probably refers to becoming a martyr, but some manuscripts read, “that I may be able to boast”], but do not have love [for people], it is no benefit to me. ⁴ [Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people]. ⁵ [Love] does not act improperly [toward people]; it does not insist on having its own way [at the expense of others]; it is not easily irritated [by others]; it does not keep track of the wrongs [done by others].

⁵ [Love] does not act improperly [toward people]; it does not insist on having its own way [at the expense of others]; it is not easily irritated [by others]; it does not keep track of the wrongs [done by others]. ⁶ [Love] is not glad about the evil [that people do], but is glad about the truth [i.e., the good in their lives]. ⁷ [Love] conceals all [people’s] faults; it believes [the best about] all people; it hopes [for the best in] all people; it endures [ill treatment from] all people. ⁸ Love will never cease. But though there are [now supernatural gifts of] prophecies, [someday] they will be abolished [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there are [now supernatural gifts of] languages, [someday] they will stop [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there is [now the supernatural gift of] knowledge, [someday] it will be abolished [i.e., this gift will cease to be exercised].

⁸ Love will never cease. But though there are [now supernatural gifts of] prophecies, [someday] they will be abolished [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there are [now supernatural gifts of] languages, [someday] they will stop [i.e., such gifts will cease to be exercised]. Though there is [now the supernatural gift of] knowledge, [someday] it will be abolished [i.e., this gift will cease to be exercised]. ⁹ For [now] we have partial knowledge and partial prophetic messages,

⁹ For [now] we have partial knowledge and partial prophetic messages, ¹⁰ but when that which is complete comes [i.e., the full revelation of God’s will, contained in the New Testament Scriptures], then the partial will be abolished [i.e., the supernatural gifts, which provided only part of the revealed will of God, will cease to be exercised]. ¹¹ When I was a child I spoke, thought and reasoned like a child. But now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. [Note: Paul uses an analogy to illustrate that the church made use of the supernatural gifts in its infancy, but that these would no longer be needed when it matured]. 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.

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. ¹³ But now [i.e., since the temporary gifts are to pass away], these three things remain: faith, hope and love; and the most important of them is love.

²⁰ Brothers, do not be children in the way you think, but be babies in wrongdoing; yet be mature in your thinking.

³⁴ Come to your senses; do what is right and stop sinning. Some of you do not know God [i.e., in a personal way]. I am saying this to make you ashamed.

³ [We try] not to place an obstacle in anyone’s way [i.e., to keep them from accepting the Gospel message], so that our ministry would not be blamed.

²¹ I am ashamed to say that we were [too] weak to do such things. [Note: Paul is probably saying, sarcastically, “We are too ‘weak’ to take financial advantage of people and mistreat them the way those ‘super apostles’ there in Corinth were doing”]. Yet, in whatever [matters] anyone [there] dares to boast about, (now I am really speaking foolishly), I will dare to boast also.

²⁹ Who is weak, and I do not feel their weakness? Who is led astray [from God], and I do not burn [i.e., with righteous anger over the one who caused it]?

⁸ At that time, when you did not know God [as your Father], you were in bondage to those who were, by nature, not really gods at all. ⁹ But now that you have come to know God [as your Father], or rather, to be known by Him [as His children], how can you turn back again to the weak, cheap, elementary teachings [of the law of Moses], to which you [seem to] desire to become enslaved?

¹³ For you brothers were called [by God] to enjoy your freedom; but do not use this freedom as an excuse for living a sinful life; instead, use it to render loving service to each other.

³ For any person who thinks he is someone [important], when he is really nothing, is self-deceived.

³ May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, for He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in [fellowship with] Christ. [Note: The term “heavenly realms” is used somewhat differently throughout this book. Here it refers to Christians as part of the church on earth].

²⁰ which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself]. ²¹ [There He is exalted] high above all rulers and authorities and powers and dominion and every name [i.e., title of honor] that can be given, not only in this present age but [also] in the one to come. ²² And God placed everything in subjection under His [i.e., Christ’s] feet, and appointed Him to be head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His [spiritual] body. The church is completely filled by Christ [or, “Christ is completely filled by God”], who completely fills everything in every way.

¹⁴ This is the reason that I bow my knees [in prayer] to the Father,

⁵ [There is] one Lord [i.e., Jesus], one faith [i.e., one body of teaching], one immersion [i.e., in water for the forgiveness of sins], ⁶ and one God and Father of all, who is over all and [works] through all and is in all [obedient believers].

⁶ and one God and Father of all, who is over all and [works] through all and is in all [obedient believers].

¹⁶ From Him all [members of] the body are properly joined together by every supporting ligament, as each part contributes to the growth of the body and builds itself up through [mutual] love.

⁹ Therefore, God also exalted Him to the highest position and gave Him the name [i.e., “Lord.” See verse 11], which is superior to every [other] name. ¹⁰ [This was] so that, in [honor of] the name of Jesus, everyone’s knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth [i.e., all rational creatures] should bow [i.e., before God], ¹¹ and that everyone’s mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

⁶ came to you. This Gospel is [now] also producing fruit all over the world [i.e., throughout the Roman Empire] and growing [in its influence], just as it is doing among you people also, since the day you [first] heard and understood God’s unearned favor in [all its] truth.

¹⁶ For all things were created by Him; things in heaven and on earth; things visible and invisible, whether they are thrones [i.e., reigning beings], or lords, or rulers or authorities. [Note: “Authorities” here may refer to angelic beings]. All things were created by Him and for Him. ¹⁷ And He existed before all things and all things are held together by Him.

¹⁸ Do not allow anyone, who delights in acting humble [i.e., living an ascetic life] and who worships angels, to rob you of your reward [in heaven]. [Note: This “angel worship” could mean holding angels in high regard because of their role as God’s messengers, or the claim that God can be approached only through angelic intermediaries]. He places great importance on what he [claims to] see [i.e., visions], being inflated with pride by his fleshly mind for no [good] reason.

²⁰ Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]: ²¹ “Do not handle [this]; do not taste [that]; do not touch [those things]?” ²² (All these things [i.e., the things handled, tasted or touched] are destined to perish with [constant] use). [These rules are] based on the commands and teachings of men. ²³ They certainly have an appearance of wisdom, [displaying] self-prescribed worship and [false] humility and asceticism, but they lack any value in curbing the desires of the physical passions.

⁴ [for] he opposes [the true Gospel message] and exalts himself against everything that is called “God” or that which is worshiped. So, he sits in God’s temple [i.e., the church ?] displaying himself as [though he were] God.

⁵ But the goal of this instruction is [to] love [God and people] from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. ⁶ Some people have strayed away from these things and have turned aside to useless discussions. ⁷ They want to be teachers of the law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.

¹⁷ Now, may there be honor and praise forever and ever to the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. May it be so.

⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind --- the man Christ Jesus,

⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind --- the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom on behalf of all people [i.e., as a substitute in place of others]. The proper time for the testimony [of this event to be proclaimed] has arrived. [Note: The correct meaning of the foregoing sentence is very difficult to determine].

³ If anyone teaches a different doctrine [i.e., from what has been urged above], and does not agree to [proclaim the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to teaching that is godly [i.e., in harmony with godliness], ⁴ that person is conceited. He does not understand anything, but has an unhealthy concern for controversy and arguments over words, which produce envy, dissension, abusive language, evil suspicions,

¹⁹ However, the solid foundation of God stands firm. [Note: This probably refers to the church. See I Tim. 3:15]. It is sealed with these words [i.e., certifying God’s ownership and a commitment to Him]: “The Lord knows those who are His people,” [See Num. 16:5], and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord should stop practicing wickedness.” [See Isa. 36:13].

⁸ These people oppose the truth just like Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have corrupt minds and are worthless as far as the faith is concerned. ⁹ But they will not advance any farther [in their sin] because their foolish ways will become obvious to everyone, just as those of Jannes and Jambres were.

² [but] during these final days He has spoken to us through His Son [Note: This period refers to the Christian age (See Acts 2:14-36)], whom He appointed to be heir of all things [and] through whom He created the universe. [See John 1:3; Col. 1:16]. ³ This Son expresses the radiance of God’s splendor and represents His very Being, and He sustains everything by His powerful word. After He had provided cleansing for [man’s] sins, He sat down at the right side of the Majesty [i.e., God] on high [i.e., in heaven].

⁹ Do not continue to be swept off your course by all kinds of strange teachings. For it is good for your hearts to be strengthened by God’s unearned favor [upon you] and not by [keeping regulations about] foods, which do not benefit those who observe them.

¹² The person who perseveres under trials is blessed, because when he has been approved by God, he will receive the crown of [never ending] life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

⁵ Listen, my dearly loved brothers; did not God choose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be wealthy in faith and to inherit the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

² These people have been [specially] selected, and [their acceptance was] pre-planned by God the Father, and they were set apart through [the work of] the Holy Spirit. This resulted in their obedience and sprinkling [Note: This is a figurative reference to the Old Testament practice of cleansing, See Exodus 24:7-8] by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God’s unearned favor and peace be continually upon you. ³ God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is to be praised for being so merciful as to have given us a new birth, which provides for us a hope of never ending life through the means of Jesus Christ’s return from the dead.

⁸ Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy.

²¹ [It is] through Christ, whom God raised from the dead and honored, that you people have become believers in God, so that your faith and hope could rest in God.

¹⁶ As servants of God, you should live as free people, but do not use this freedom to cover up your wrongdoing.

¹⁹ [Although] these people promise “liberty,” they themselves are slaves to corrupting influences, for people are slaves to whatever controls them.

¹⁹ We love [God and others] because God has first loved us.

² This is [one] way we know that we love God’s [spiritually reborn] children: [It is] when we love God and obey what He commands us to do. ³ For this is [real evidence of] our love for God: [It is] obeying what He commands us to do. And obeying His commands does not cause us any grief [or, unpleasantness].

²⁵ [May these qualities be attributed] to the only God and our Savior, through [the person and work of] Jesus Christ our Lord, before [the beginning of] time [as well as] now and forever. May it be so.

¹⁸ and the Living One. I was dead, and see, I am [now] alive forever and ever! And I possess the keys of death and of the unseen place of departed spirits.

⁹ I know [about] your suffering and your poverty (but you are [really] rich), and the slander of those who say they are Jews, though they [really] are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [i.e., they claimed to be an assembly of God’s people, but in reality were serving Satan].

¹³ I know where you are living; [it is] where Satan’s throne is. And [I know] that you are holding on firmly to my name, and did not deny [your] faith in me, even in the days of my faithful witness Antipas [Note: The Greek word here for witness is “martyr”], who was killed there where you are, where Satan lives. ¹⁴ “But I have a few things against you because you have people there [in the church] who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumblingblock in front of the Israelites, [causing them] to eat food sacrificed to idols and to be sexually immoral [See Num. 23-24].

¹⁹ I know about your deeds, your love, your faith, your service and your endurance, and that your most recent deeds are more numerous than when you first began [your Christian lives]. ²⁰ But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman [named] Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and deceives my servants into [practicing] sexual immorality and into eating things sacrificed to idols.

⁸ I know about your deeds. (See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can close). [Note: This probably refers to their being assured of some unspecified opportunity]. [I know] that you have [only] a little bit of strength, but [in spite of that] you have obeyed my word and did not deny my name. ⁹ Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan [See 2:9]; they claim to be Jews, yet they are not, but are lying. Watch, I will make them come and bow down at your feet [in respect] and [they will] know that I have loved you.

¹⁵ I know about your deeds, that you are neither [spiritually] cold nor hot. I wish you were [either] cold or hot. ¹⁶ But since you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you out of my mouth.