³ We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,^(A) so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.^(B)

¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter,^[a](A) and on this rock I will build my church,^(B) and the gates of Hades^[b] will not overcome it.

²⁸ And God has placed in the church^(A) first of all apostles,^(B) second prophets,^(C) third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing,^(D) of helping, of guidance,^(E) and of different kinds of tongues.^(F)

²² And God placed all things under his feet^(A) and appointed him to be head^(B) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(C) the fullness of him^(D) who fills everything in every way.^(E)

²⁹ After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— ³⁰ for we are members of his body.^(A)

¹⁸ And he is the head^(A) of the body, the church;^(B) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(C) from among the dead,^(D) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased^(E) to have all his fullness^(F) dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile^(G) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(H) by making peace^(I) through his blood,^(J) shed on the cross.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^(A) of the living God,^(B) the pillar and foundation of the truth.