THE BOOK OF– 1ST CORINTHIANS

(part 2.)

READING for this Week excerpted from MTFV R & S Edition

First LETTER to the CORINTHIANS

CONTENTS &TOPICAL INDEX

1st CORINTHIANS p. 01 - 20
This week’s Reading covers 1 Corinthians 10:1 – 16:24

Topics Covered

Warnings From Israel’s Past p. 2

Flee from Idolatry p. 2
Do all Things for the Glory of God p. 3
GOD’s Rule for Headship in Life p. 4
About Factions and Divisions p. 5
About the Saints Sharing in the Lord’s Supper p. 6
Spiritual Gifts p. 7
About The Body of Christ p. 7
Gifts Within the Ecclesia p. 8
About Love, The Greatest Gift p. 9
About Prophesying and Speaking in Tongues p. 10
Maintaining Order in Worship p. 12
Resurrection Hope Proven In Christ p. 13
The Sequence for Resurrections p. 14
The Resurrected Body p. 16
A Collection for the Saints p. 17
Paul Divulges Travel Plans p. 17
Concluding Advice to the Corinthians p. 18
Signature and Final Greetings p. 18
 (The Scriptural reading of 1st Corinthians continues)

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1st Corinthians Chapter 10;

Warnings From Israel’s Past

[Numbers 16:41–50, Numbers 25:1–5]

1 Corinthians 10:1 Brothers and sisters, I want you to never forget what
happened to our ancestors who were with Moses. They were all under the cloud,
and they all walked through the sea. 2 And each one of them allowed himself to
be baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They were thus brought
under obligation to the Law, to Moses, and to the covenant, consecrated and set
apart to the service of GOD; 3 And all of them ate the same manna
(supernaturally given food), 4 and all of them drank the same miraculous
water. (Exod. 16:4, 35.) For they all drank from the miraculous rock that
traveled with them, the messianic hope produced by the sole power of GOD
Himself, and the Rock prefigured Christ. (Exod. 17:6; Num. 20:11.)

5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them who died
in those days, and their bodies were strewn down along the ground in the
wilderness. (Num. 14:29, 30)

6 Now, for all of us this is an example, a warning to not desire evil things, as
they did, (Num. 11:4, 34).

Do not become worshipers of false gods as some of them were, as it is written;

The people sat down to eat and drink the sacrifices offered to the golden calf at
Horeb and rose to sport, to dance and give way to jesting and hilarity. (Exod.
32:4, 6.)
We must not be guilty of sexual immorality, as some of them were, leading to
one day when twenty-three thousands of them fell dead. 9 Neither should we
put GOD to the test, as some of them did who were destroyed by serpents.10
And do not grumble and complain as some did then, because for that attitude,
they were overtaken by an angel of death.

11 These things happened to them as a warning to us. All this was written in the
Scriptures to teach us who live in these last days.

12 Take care, even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to
fall. 13 You will be subjected to the same temptations everyone else is. But GOD
can be trusted not to let you be tempted beyond your ability to resist, and he will
show you how to escape from your temptations.

Flee from Idolatry

[Exodus 20:22–26]

14 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, shun (keep clear of, avoid by
flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything more
than God).

15 I am speaking to you as sensible people; therefore, ponder for yourselves

what I am saying to you.

16 When we drink from the cup we use in the Lord's Supper and for which we
give thanks to GOD: we are sharing in the blood of Christ. And when we break
the bread in the Lord’s supper: we are sharing in the body of Christ. 17 We,
though many, are one. And we become one body; for we all partake of that one
bread.

18 Behold Israel according to the flesh. When they gather around the altar and
eat the sacrifices offered there, aren’t they sharing in the sacrifice made on the
altar?

19 So, am I saying that sacrifices to idols are the same as those Jewish
sacrifices? No, because an idol is nothing, and the things offered to idols are
worth nothing. 20 But I am saying that when food is sacrificed to idols, it is an
offering to demons, not to GOD, and I do not want you to share in anything with
demons.
21 You cannot drink from the cup of demons and still drink from the LORD's
cup. You cannot eat at the table of demons and still eat at the LORD's table.

22 What? Do we dare to rouse GOD’s fury as Israel did? Do you think we are
stronger than he is?

Do all Things for the Glory of God

[1 Peter 4:1–11]

23 But, we are allowed to do anything," so some people say. That is true, but not
everything is good. "We are allowed to do many things" but not everything is
helpful.

24 Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but rather what
benefits others (let him seek the welfare of his neighbor).

25 You are free to eat anything sold in the meat market, without asking any
questions because of your conscience. 26 For the whole earth and everything
that is in it belongs to GOD. (Ps. 24:1;2. 50:12.)

27 If an unbeliever invites you to dinner, and you want to go, then go. Eat
whatever you are served. Do not cause a problem for someone's conscience by
asking where the food came from.

28 But if someone tells you, "that food was offered to idols," then do not eat it.
That is because some people think it is wrong, and it might cause a problem for
their conscience even while telling you that. 29 I mean for the sake of their
conscience, not yours.

30 You may ask, If I give thanks for what I eat, why should another man's
conscience apply to me and my freedom to eat what I want?

31 Whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do; you must do it all for the
glory of GOD. 32 Never do anything that might make other people do wrong,
Jews, non-Jews, nor anyone in the congregation (Gr. ecclesia — the called out
ones) of GOD.

33 In this, I try to please everyone in every way. I am not trying to do what is

good for me alone. I am trying to do what is good for the most people so that
they can be saved.
1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 11

1 Corinthians 11:1 I urge you all to follow my example, as I imitate and follow
Christ, the Messiah.

2 I appreciate and commend you because you always remember me in

everything and keep firm possession of the substance of the teachings, just as I
have verbally passed them on to you.

GOD’s Rule for Headship in Life

3 Now, I want you to know that Christ is the head over all men, and a man is the
head over a woman. But GOD is the head over Christ.

4 So, a man who covers his head when he prays or speaks what GOD has
revealed dishonors the one who has authority over him. 5 But every woman who
prays or prophesies should have her head covered. If her head is not covered,
she brings shame to her head. Then she is like a woman who has her head
shaved.

6 If she refuses to wear a head covering, she should cut off all her hair. And
since it is shameful for a woman to have all her hair cut off or her head shaved,
then she should wear a covering. 7 A man has no need to cover his head,
because he reflects the image and glory of GOD. But a woman reflects the glory
of man; 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man; (Gen.
2:21-23.)

9 Neither was man created on account of or for the benefit of woman, but
woman on account of and for the benefit of man. (Gen. 2:18.)

10 Therefore, a woman should wear something on her head to show she is under
someone's authority, out of respect for angel’s positions under GOD.

11 Nevertheless, in the plan of YHWH God and from His point of view the
woman is not apart from and independent of man, nor is man apart from and
independent of woman; 12 For as woman was made from man, even so man is
also born of woman; and all, whether male or female originate from GOD as
their father.

13 Consider for yourselves; is it proper and decent, according to your customs

for a woman to offer prayer to God publicly with her head uncovered?
14 Also, does not your native sense of propriety (experience, common sense,
reason) itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is humiliating and
degrading to him, 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is her adornment and
glory?

For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 This is how things are done in all of
GOD's congregations, therefore, none of you should argue about what I have
said.

17 But in what I bring to your attention next, I do not commend you, because
when you meet together, it is not for the better but for the worse.

About Factions and Divisions

18 For in the first place, when you assemble as a congregation, I hear that there
are cliques (divisions and factions) among you; and I in part believe it,

19 Doubtless, there have to be factions or parties among you in order that they
who are genuine and of approved fitness may become evident and plainly
recognized among you.

20 So, now when you meet, it is not possible to take the Lord’s supper; 21 For I
hear each one in eating takes his ‘own’ supper before others, and one is hungry
and another drinks to excess.

22 Don't you have homes where you can eat and drink? Do you hate GOD's
Ecclesia? Do you want to embarrass people who do not have anything? What
can I say to you? I certainly cannot praise you.

About the Saints Sharing in the Lord’s Supper

[Matthew 26:20–30; Mark 14:17–26; Luke 22:14–2]

23 I have already told you what the Lord Jesus did on the night he was betrayed.
And what I said came from the Lord himself.

He took some bread in his hands. 24 Then after he had given thanks, he broke it
and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this and remember me."

25 Then, after the meal, Jesus took a cup of wine in his hands and said, "This is
my blood, and with-it GOD makes his new covenant with you. Drink this and
remember me."
26 This means that every time you eat this bread and drink from this cup you
proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27 It follows that if one of you eats the
Lord's bread or drinks from his cup in a way that dishonors him, you are guilty
of sin against the Lord's body and blood.

28 Therefore, let a man thoroughly examine himself, and only when he has
done so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For if you eat the
bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honoring the body of Christ, you are
eating and drinking GOD's judgment upon yourself.

30 That is why many of you are weak and ill and why good number of you have
fallen asleep in death. 31 If we would carefully examine ourselves first, we would
not need to come under GOD 's judgment. 32 But when YHWH God judges us,
he disciplines us so that we will not be condemned with the rest of the world.

33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat the Lord's Supper,
wait until everyone gets there before you start eating. 34 If someone is too
hungry to wait, they should eat at home. Do this so that your meeting together
will not bring GOD's judgment on you.

I will tell you what to do about the other things when I come.

1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 12:

Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1 Now, concerning what you wrote inquiring about gifts from
the Holy Spirit. I want you to know the truth about them, my brothers and
sisters so there will be no misunderstanding.

2 You are conscious that before you became followers you were guided by and
went after images without voice or power. 3 Therefore I want you to understand
that no one speaking under the power and influence of GOD’s Holy Spirit can
ever say, Jesus be cursed! And no one can justly declare, “Jesus is my lord”,
except by and under the power and influence of Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of gifts, distinguishing

certain Christians, operating in their lives due to the power of divine grace and
Holy Spirit. And while the gifts vary, their source, Holy Spirit, remains the
same.
5 And there are differences in ministries, but we all serve the same master.

6 There are different ways GOD works in our lives, but it is the same god who
does the work through all of us. 7 Each one is given a manifestation of Holy
Spirit for good and profit.

8 For to one is given Spirit to speak words of wisdom and to another, words of
knowledge, according to the same Spirit. 9 To others the Spirit has given great
faith or the power to heal the sick, 10 or the power to work mighty miracles.

Some of us are prophets, and some of us discern GOD's Spirit when it is present.
Others can speak foreign languages, and still others can translate what these
languages mean.

11 But it is the one and the same Spirit which is responsible for all this and
determines which gifts each of us may acquire.

About The Body of Christ

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body.

So, it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles.
Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But GOD's Spirit baptized each of us
and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same
Spirit.

14 Since you know, the human body is not made up of only one part, but of
many parts. 15 If the foot were to say, "Because I am not a hand, I don't belong
to the body," that would not keep it from being a part of the body. 16 The ear
might say, "I am not an eye, so I don't belong to the body." But saying this
would not make the ear stop being a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were
an eye, it would not be able to hear. If the whole body were an ear, it would not
be able to smell anything.

18 As it is, however, GOD put every different part in the body just as he wanted
it to be. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But
now they are all different parts, but still only one body. 21 And the eye is not
able to say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet, I
have no need of you.
22 The opposite is true. Even parts of the body that we see as frail are ones
entirely necessary. 23 And the parts of the body that we think less honorable are
the ones we give special honor. So, our unpresentable parts are made more
presentable.

24 However, our presentable parts do not need this kind of treatment. GOD has
put the body together and given special honor to the part that does not have it.

25 He did this to make all parts of the body work together smoothly, with each
part enhancing the others.

26 If one body part suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part is
honored, then all the other parts share its honor.

27 Now you, collectively are Christ's body and individually you are members of
it, each part severally and distinct, each with his own place and function.

Gifts Within the Ecclesia

28 So, GOD set certain ones in the congregation (Gr. Ecclesia, called out ones)
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that aptitudes, then gifts of
healings, helpers, administrators and diversity of languages (tongues). 29 Not
everyone is an apostle. Not everyone is a prophet. Not everyone is a teacher. Not
everyone can work miracles. 30 Not everyone can heal the sick. Not everyone
can speak different languages. Not everyone can tell what these languages
mean.

31 But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts (the
higher gifts). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way, one that is
better by far and the highest gift of them all, that is love.

1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 13

About Love, The Greatest Gift

1 Corinthians 13:1 If I could speak in the tongues of men and even of angels, but
have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is
inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging
cymbal.

2 What if I were able to prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge?
And what if I had faith great enough to move mountains?

I would still be nothing unless I loved others.

3 What if I gave away everything I owned and even let myself be martyred? I
would gain nothing unless I loved others.

4 Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. It does not sing its own
praises. It is not arrogant. 5 or rude. Love is not selfish or quick tempered. It
does not keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but
not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love
never fails!

Everyone who prophesies will cease, and unknown languages will no longer be
spoken. All that we now know will be forgotten. 9 For our knowledge is
incomplete and imperfect, and our prophecy, our teaching) is incomplete and
imperfect. 10 For when what is complete comes, then what is incomplete will
become obsolete.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child speaks, I thought like a child, I

reasoned like a child; now that I have become an adult, I am done with childish
ways and have put them aside.

12 It is the same with us. Now we only see GOD as if we are looking at an image
in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him clearly before our eyes. Now
I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, just as GOD knows me. 13
So, for now, these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest
one of these is love.

1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 14

About Prophesying and Speaking in Tongues

1 Corinthians 14:1 Love should be the main goal for your life, but you also
should set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophesying
(proclaiming GOD's message).

2 I will explain why. If you speak languages that others do not know, GOD will
understand what you are saying, though no one else will know what you mean.
You will, in effect be talking about mysteries that only GOD’s Spirit
understands. 3 But when you prophesy, you will be understood, and others will
be helped. They will be encouraged and made to feel better.

4 Those who speak in unknown languages are helping only themselves. But
those who prophesy are helping the whole ecclesia. 5 I am glad if you are able to
speak unknown languages, although I had rather for you to prophesy.

In fact, prophesying does much more good than speaking unknown languages,
unless someone can help the ecclesia by explaining what you mean.

6 So when I come to you, my brothers, and sisters, what good would it do, if I
came and spoke unknown languages to you and didn't explain what I meant?

How would I help you, unless I told you what GOD had shown me or gave you
some knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

7 This is true even with lifeless things that make sounds--like a flute or a harp. If
the different musical notes are not made clear, you cannot understand what
song is being played. Each note must be played clearly for you to be able to
understand the tune. 8 And in a war, if the one playing the bugle does not sound
a clear call, the soldiers will not know it is time to prepare for battle.

9 In the same way, how will anyone understand what you are talking about if
your message given in strange tongues is not clear? Your words will vanish in
the air! 10 There are so many languages in this world, and all of them make
sense.

11 But if I do not understand the language that someone is using, we will be like
foreigners and strangers to each other. 12 Since you are eager to have spiritual
gifts, you must try above everything else, to earnestly pursue excellence toward
the edification of the congregation (Gr. Ecclesia, called out ones). 13 Therefore,
the person who speaks in an unknown tongue should pray for the power to
interpret and explain what he says. 14

If I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my mind is not a part of it. 15
So what does this mean? It means that I will pray with spirit, and with my mind.
I will sing psalms with spirit, and with my mind.

16 Suppose there are strangers at your worship service, when you are praising
GOD with your spirit. And they do not understand you, how will they know to
say, "Amen"? 17 You may be worshiping GOD in a wonderful way, but no one
else will be helped.

18 I am thankful GOD allows me to speak in foreign tongues more than any of

you. 19 But only words which make sense can help the ecclesiae.

That is why in ecclesia I would rather speak five words that make sense than to
speak ten thousand words in a language that others don't know.

20 Brothers and sisters; stop thinking like children. In evil things be like babies,
but in your thinking, you should be like full-grown adults.

21 It has been written in the Law, "By further languages" and "by other lips" "I
will speak to this people," and even then, they will not listen to Me”, says
YHWH. (Isa. 28:11, 12)

22 So then, the gift of speaking in strange tongues is proof enough for

unbelievers, not for believers, while the gift of proclaiming GOD's message in
clear and understandable ways is proof for believers, not for unbelievers.

23 Suppose the whole congregation gathers in the same place and you all speak
in strange languages. When outsiders or unbelievers come in, won't they say
that you are out of your mind?

24 In contrast, now suppose you speak what GOD has revealed clearly and
understandably. When unbelievers or outsiders come in you will be able to show
them where they are wrong and convince them that they are sinners, and they
may want to change their ways because of what you are saying.

25 The secret things in their heart will be made known. So, they will bow down
and worship GOD, saying, "Without a doubt, GOD is here with you."

Maintaining Order in Worship

26 So, brothers and sisters, what should you do when you meet together?

One person has a song, another has a teaching, and another has a new truth
from God. If a person speaks in a different language, another interprets that
language. The purpose of whatever you do should be to help everyone grow
stronger in faith.
27 If some speak in a strange tongue, let the number be limited to two or at the
most three, with each one taking his turn, and let someone interpret and explain
what is said. 28 If no interpreter is available, then anyone who speaks in a
different language should remain silent in the congregation’s meeting. They
should speak only to themselves and to GOD.

29 Two or three persons may prophesy, and everyone else must listen carefully
and judge whether what they hear is right or wrong. 30 But if an inspired
revelation comes to another who is sitting by, then let the first one be silent.

31 For in this way each of you can give testimony (prophesying and thus
interpreting the divine will and purpose) one by one, so that all may be
instructed, and all may be stimulated and encouraged.

32 The gift of proclaiming GOD's message should be under the speaker's

control,

33 For He, who is the source of their prophesying is not a god of confusion and
disorder but of peace and order. As is the practice in all the ecclesiae of the
saints.

34 Let your women keep silent in the congregations (Gr. Ecclesia, called out
ones), for it is not permitted for them to speak out; but they are commanded to
be in subjection, as it is written in the law.

35 But if there is anything they want to learn, they should ask their own
husbands at home, for it is a disgraceful thing for her to speak out in the
ecclesia.

36 God's teachings do not originate with you, and you are not the only ones who
have received them. 37 If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet (filled
with and governed by the Holy Spirit of GOD and inspired to interpret the
divine will and purpose in preaching or teaching) or has any other spiritual
endowment, let them understand (recognize and acknowledge) that what I am
writing to you is according to command from the Lord. 38 So do not pay
attention to anyone who ignores what I am writing.

39 So my brothers and sisters, continue to give your attention to prophesying.

And do not stop anyone from using the gift of speaking in different languages,
provided there is someone to interpret what they say.

40 But all things should be done in a way that is right and orderly.
1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 15

Resurrection Hope Proven In Christ

1 Corinthians 15:1 Now, brothers and sisters, I want you to remember the Good
News I told you. You received that Good News as a message you need to
continue to base your life on. 2 You will be saved by this message if you hold
firmly to it. But if you do not, your faith was all for nothing.

3 I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me.

That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the scriptures say. 4 He was buried, and
three days later he was raised to life, just as the Scriptures say.

5 Christ appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. 6 Afterwards, he appeared to

more than five hundred other followers. Most of them are still alive, but some
have died. 7 He also appeared to James, and then to each of the apostles. 8 And
last of all, he appeared to me, even though I am like someone who was born at
the wrong time. 9 For I am the least worthy of all the apostles. I do not even
deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted GOD's ecclesiae.

10 But, because of the undeserved kindness of GOD, that is what I am. And that
grace that he gave me was not wasted. I worked harder than all the other
apostles. Yet it was not me who really was the one working. It was GOD's grace
that was working through me.

11 So then it is not important if I told you GOD's message or if it was the other
apostles who told you. We all tell people the same message, and this is what you
believed (put your faith in).

12 Now if in Christ we preach, that He arose from the dead, how do some among
you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 If the dead cannot be brought back to life, then Christ did not come back to
life. 14 And if Christ was not raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is
your faith. 15 More than that, we are shown to be lying about GOD, because we
said that he raised Christ from death.
But, if it is true that the dead are not raised to life, then he did not raise Christ.
16 So if the dead will not be raised to life, Christ was not raised to life and your
hope is groundless.

17 Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless, and you are still living in
your sins. 18 And all those people who died after putting their faith in him are
completely lost. 19 If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse
off than anyone else.

The Sequence for Resurrections

20 But Christ has been raised to life! And his resurrection makes us certain that
others will also be raised to life.

21 Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of

Christ. 21 For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the
same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ.

22 But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and
his saints and those he bought with his sacrifice will be raised to life when he
returns.

23 After Christ has destroyed all powers and forces opposed to GOD, the end of
rebellion will come, and he will give the kingdom to GOD the Father. 25 Christ
will rule until he puts all his enemies under his power, 26 and the last enemy he
destroys will be death.

27 The Scriptures say, "GOD put everything under his control." When it says
that "everything" is put under him, it is clear that this does not include GOD
himself, for he is the one putting everything under Christ's control. 28 And
when all things shall be subdued by him, then the Son shall subject himself to
him who put all things under him, so that GOD may be everything to everyone.

29 If the dead are not going to be raised to life, why do people get baptized as if
they can come back to life? 30 And, for that matter, why do I live dangerously as
I do, running such risks that I am in peril every hour, 31 and face death every
day?

The pride that I have in you because of Christ Jesus our lord is what makes me
say this.
32 What did I gain if, merely from the human point of view, I fought with wild
beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised at all, let us just eat and drink, for
tomorrow we will all be dead. (Isa. 22:13.)

33 Do not be deceived and misled! Evil companionships (associations) corrupt

and degrade good behavior, morals, and character.

34 I say, wake up from your drunken stupor and return to sober sense and your
right minds, and stop sinning. For some of you are utterly and willfully and
disgracefully ignorant, and continue to be so, lacking the sense of GOD's
presence and all true knowledge of Him. I say this to your shame.

The Resurrected Body

35 Someone will ask; how are the dead raised up, and with what body do they
come?

36 These are foolish questions. When you plant something, it must die in the
ground before it can live and grow. 37 What you plant, whether wheat or
something else, it is only a seed. It does not have the form that it will have when
it comes to life as a plant. 38 This is because GOD gives everything the kind of
body, he wants it to have. 39 People, animals, birds, and fish are each made of
flesh, but none of them are alike.

40 Everything in the heavens has a body, and so does everything on earth. But
each one is quite different from all the others. 41 The sun is not like the moon,
the moon is not like the stars, and each star is different.

42 That's how it will be when our bodies are raised to life. The bodies we have
now will die, but the bodies that are raised will live forever. 43 These ugly and
weak bodies will become beautiful and strong. 44 As surely as there are physical
bodies, there are spiritual bodies. And, as saints, our physical bodies will be
changed into spiritual bodies.

45 The first man on earth was named Adam, and the Scriptures tell us that he
was a living person. But Jesus, who may be called the last Adam, is a life-giving
spirit. 46 We see that the one with a spiritual body did not come first. He came
after the one who had a physical body.

47 The first man was made from the dust of the earth, but the second man came
from heaven. 48 Everyone on earth will have a body like the body of the one
who was made from the dust of the earth. And everyone in heaven will have a
body like one who comes from heaven.

49 Just as we are now like the one who was made out of earth, so later, we will
be like the one who came from heaven.

50 My dear brothers and sisters; what I am saying, is that flesh and blood
cannot inherit the heavenly Kingdom of GOD.

These perishable bodies of ours are not able to live forever. 51 Behold, I am
giving you the revelation of a secret: we will not all come to the sleep of death,
but we will all be changed.

52 It will happen in an instant, in a split second at the sound of the last trumpet.
Indeed, that trumpet will sound, and then the dead will come back to life.

They will be changed so that they can live forever. 53 Our dead and decaying
bodies will be changed into bodies that will not die or decay. 54 The bodies we
now have are weak and can die. But they will be changed into bodies that are
eternal.

Then the Scriptures will come true, "Death has lost the battle! 55 Where is its
victory? Where is its sting?" 56 Sin is what gave death its sting, and the Law
became the power behind sin.

57 But thank GOD for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! 58 My
dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and do not be shaken. Always keep busy at
your work for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.

1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 16

A Collection for the Saints

1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collections for relief made for the saints:

I want you to do exactly what I told the ecclesiae in Galatia to do. 2 On the first
day of the week, let every one of you put aside something himself, laying up
what it pleases him: that when I come, collections need not be taken. 3 Then,
when I arrive, I will send some men to take your gift to Jerusalem. These will be
the ones you all agree should go, and I will give them letters of introduction. 4
And if you think it is appropriate that I go, then, they shall go with me.
Paul Divulges Travel Plans
[Romans 15:23–33]

5 Now I will come to you after I have passed through Macedonia. I do not plan
on spending time there as I will just be passing through. 6 However, I may be
staying with you for a time, even all winter. Then you can help me on my trip,
wherever I go.

7 If GOD lets me, I will rather come later for a longer visit than to stop off now
for only a short visit. 8 In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until
the Festival of Pentecost, 9 There is a real opportunity here for great and
worthwhile work, despite all the opposition.

10 If Timothy comes your way, be sure to make him feel welcome among you,
because he is working for the Lord, just as I am.

11 So, none of you should refuse to accept Timothy. Help him continue on his
trip in peace so that he can come back to me. I am expecting him to come back
with the other brothers.

12 As for our brother Apollos, I have urgently encouraged him to visit you with
the other brothers, but it was not at all his will or GOD's will that he should
come there now. He will come when there is the opportunity.

Concluding Advice to Corinthians

13 Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith, your conviction
respecting man's relationship to GOD and divine things, keeping the trust and
holy fervor born of faith as a part of it. Act like men and be courageous; grow in
strength! (Ps. 31:24.) 14

And let everything you do be done in love, true love for GOD and men as
inspired by GOD's love for all of us.

15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first to become
Christians in Greece and have dedicated themselves to the ministry of the
saints:

17 I am happy that they have come to me. You are not here, but they have filled
your place. 18 They made me feel much better, just as they made you feel better.
You should appreciate people like them.
Signature and Final Greetings
[Colossians 4:15–18, 2 Thessalonians 3:16–18]

19 I bring you greetings from the ecclesiae in Asia.

Aquila and Priscilla, together with the ecclesia that meets in their house, send
greetings in the name of the Lord.

20 All of the Lord's followers send their greetings. Give each other a warm
greeting.

21 I am signing this letter myself, PAUL.

22 If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be a anathema. 23 The
grace, favor and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

24 Also, my love growing out of sincere devotion to GOD is with you all in Christ
Jesus. Amen (so be it).

FOOTNOTE for Chapter SIXTEEN

a
anathema. = a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if
an animal, to be slain; therefore, a person or thing doomed to destruction.