Study Desk

For he that hath determined, being steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but having power of his own will: and hath judged this in his heart, to keep his virgin, doth well.

But as for the meats that are sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no God but one.

For although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on earth (for there be gods many and lords many):

But there is not knowledge in every one. For some until this present, with conscience of the idol, eat as a thing sacrificed to an idol: and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

But meat doth not commend us to God. For neither, if we eat, shall we have the more: nor, if we eat not, shall we have the less.

For if a man see him that hath knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not his conscience, being weak, be emboldened to eat those things which are sacrificed to idols?

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ hath died?

And if unto others I be not an apostle, but yet to you I am. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

For it is written in the law of Moses: Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

Or doth he say this indeed for our sakes? For these things are written for our sakes: that he that plougheth, should plough in hope and he that thrasheth, in hope to receive fruit.

But I have used none of these things. Neither have I written these things, that they should be so done unto me: for it is good for me to die rather than that any man should make my glory void.

For if I preach the gospel, it is no glory to me: for a necessity lieth upon me. For woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel.

For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation is committed to me.

For whereas I was free as to all, I made myself the servant of all, that I might gain the more.

And I do all things for the gospel’s sake, that I may be made partaker thereof.

And every one that striveth for the mastery refraineth himself from all things. And they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible one.

For I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud: and all passed through the sea.

But with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the desert.

Now all these things happened to them in figure: and they are written for our correction, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

For we, being many, are one bread, one body: all that partake of one bread.