Institution of the Lord’s Supper(A)

23 For (B)I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: (C)that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, [a]“Take, eat; this is My body which is [b]broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death (D)till He comes.

Examine Yourself

27 Therefore whoever eats (E)this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and [c]blood of the Lord. 28 But (F)let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks [d]in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the [e]Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many [f]sleep. 31 For (G)if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, (H)we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

33 Therefore, my brethren, when you (I)come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity

12 Now (J)concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know (K)that[g] you were Gentiles, carried away to these (L)dumb[h] idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus [i]accursed, and (M)no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

(N)There are [j]diversities of gifts, but (O)the same Spirit. (P)There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God (Q)who works [k]all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given (R)the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another (S)the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (T)to another faith by the same Spirit, to another (U)gifts of healings by [l]the same Spirit, 10 (V)to another the working of miracles, to another (W)prophecy, to another (X)discerning of spirits, to another (Y)different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, (Z)distributing to each one individually (AA)as He wills.

Unity and Diversity in One Body(AB)

12 For (AC)as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, (AD)so also is Christ. 13 For (AE)by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—(AF)whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and (AG)have all been made to drink [m]into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now (AH)God has set the members, each one of them, in the body (AI)just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?

20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no [n]schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now (AJ)you are the body of Christ, and (AK)members individually. 28 And (AL)God has appointed these in the church: first (AM)apostles, second (AN)prophets, third teachers, after that (AO)miracles, then (AP)gifts of healings, (AQ)helps, (AR)administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But (AS)earnestly desire the [o]best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The Greatest Gift

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of (AT)prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, (AU)so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And (AV)though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body [p]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

(AW)Love suffers long and is (AX)kind; love (AY)does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not [q]puffed up; does not behave rudely, (AZ)does not seek its own, is not provoked, [r]thinks no evil; (BA)does not rejoice in iniquity, but (BB)rejoices in the truth; (BC)bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. (BD)For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is [s]perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For (BE)now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then (BF)face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Prophecy and Tongues

14 Pursue love, and (BG)desire spiritual gifts, (BH)but especially that you may prophesy. For he who (BI)speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks (BJ)edification and (BK)exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; [t]for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Tongues Must Be Interpreted

But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by (BL)revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without [u]significance. 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a [v]foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. 12 Even so you, since you are [w]zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the [x]edification of the church that you seek to excel.

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may (BM)interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. (BN)I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing (BO)with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” (BP)at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers

20 Brethren, (BQ)do not be children in understanding; however, in malice (BR)be babes, but in understanding be mature.

21 (BS)In the law it is written:

(BT)“With men of other tongues and other lips
I will speak to this people;
And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,”

says the Lord.

22 Therefore tongues are for a (BU)sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, (BV)will they not say that you are [y]out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 [z]And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report (BW)that God is truly among you.

Order in Church Meetings

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, (BX)has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. (BY)Let all things be done for [aa]edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and (BZ)let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, (CA)let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And (CB)the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of [ab]confusion but of peace, (CC)as in all the churches of the saints.

34 (CD)Let [ac]your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the (CE)law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 (CF)If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But [ad]if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Therefore, brethren, (CG)desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 (CH)Let all things be done decently and in order.

The Risen Christ, Faith’s Reality(CI)

15 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel (CJ)which I preached to you, which also you received and (CK)in which you stand, (CL)by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless (CM)you believed in vain.

For (CN)I delivered to you first of all that (CO)which I also received: that Christ died for our sins (CP)according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day (CQ)according to the Scriptures, (CR)and that He was seen by [ae]Cephas, then (CS)by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have [af]fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then (CT)by all the apostles. (CU)Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

For I am (CV)the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because (CW)I persecuted the church of God. 10 But (CX)by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, (CY)yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

The Risen Christ, Our Hope(CZ)

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, (DA)then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because (DB)we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; (DC)you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have [ag]fallen (DD)asleep in Christ have perished. 19 (DE)If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

The Last Enemy Destroyed

20 But now (DF)Christ is risen from the dead, and has become (DG)the firstfruits of those who have [ah]fallen asleep. 21 For (DH)since by man came death, (DI)by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall (DJ)be made alive. 23 But (DK)each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers (DL)the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign (DM)till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 (DN)The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For (DO)“He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 (DP)Now when all things are made subject to Him, then (DQ)the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Effects of Denying the Resurrection

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And (DR)why do we stand in [ai]jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by (DS)the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, (DT)I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, (DU)I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, (DV)“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

33 Do not be deceived: (DW)“Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 (DX)Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; (DY)for some do not have the knowledge of God. (DZ)I speak this to your shame.

A Glorious Body

35 But someone will say, (EA)“How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36 Foolish one, (EB)what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind [aj]of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

40 There are also [ak]celestial bodies and [al]terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.

42 (EC)So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 (ED)It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, (EE)“The first man Adam became a living being.” (EF)The last Adam became (EG)a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 (EH)The first man was of the earth, (EI)made[am] of dust; the second Man is [an]the Lord (EJ)from heaven. 48 As was the [ao]man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; (EK)and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And (EL)as we have borne the image of the man of dust, (EM)we[ap] shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

Our Final Victory

50 Now this I say, brethren, that (EN)flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a [aq]mystery: (EO)We shall not all sleep, (EP)but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (EQ)For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and (ER)this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: (ES)“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O(ET)[ar] Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and (EU)the strength of sin is the law. 57 (EV)But thanks be to God, who gives us (EW)the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 (EX)Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing (EY)that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Collection for the Saints

16 Now concerning (EZ)the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: (FA)On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. And when I come, (FB)whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. (FC)But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Personal Plans(FD)

Now I will come to you (FE)when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may (FF)send me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, (FG)if the Lord permits.

But I will tarry in Ephesus until (FH)Pentecost. For (FI)a great and effective door has opened to me, and (FJ)there are many adversaries.

10 And (FK)if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for (FL)he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 (FM)Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey (FN)in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.

12 Now concerning our brother (FO)Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Final Exhortations

13 (FP)Watch, (FQ)stand fast in the faith, be brave, (FR)be strong. 14 (FS)Let all that you do be done with love.

15 I urge you, brethren—you know (FT)the household of Stephanas, that it is (FU)the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to (FV)the ministry of the saints— 16 (FW)that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and (FX)labors with us.

17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, (FY)for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 (FZ)For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore (GA)acknowledge such men.

Greetings and a Solemn Farewell

19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, (GB)with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you.

(GC)Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 (GD)The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.

22 If anyone (GE)does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, (GF)let him be [as]accursed. (GG)O[at] Lord, come!

23 (GH)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 11:24 NU omits Take, eat
  2. 1 Corinthians 11:24 NU omits broken
  3. 1 Corinthians 11:27 NU, M the blood
  4. 1 Corinthians 11:29 NU omits in an unworthy manner
  5. 1 Corinthians 11:29 NU omits Lord’s
  6. 1 Corinthians 11:30 Are dead
  7. 1 Corinthians 12:2 NU, M that when
  8. 1 Corinthians 12:2 mute, silent
  9. 1 Corinthians 12:3 Gr. anathema
  10. 1 Corinthians 12:4 allotments or various kinds
  11. 1 Corinthians 12:6 all things in
  12. 1 Corinthians 12:9 NU one
  13. 1 Corinthians 12:13 NU omits into
  14. 1 Corinthians 12:25 division
  15. 1 Corinthians 12:31 NU greater
  16. 1 Corinthians 13:3 NU so I may boast
  17. 1 Corinthians 13:4 arrogant
  18. 1 Corinthians 13:5 keeps no accounts of evil
  19. 1 Corinthians 13:10 complete
  20. 1 Corinthians 14:5 NU and
  21. 1 Corinthians 14:10 meaning
  22. 1 Corinthians 14:11 Lit. barbarian
  23. 1 Corinthians 14:12 eager
  24. 1 Corinthians 14:12 building up
  25. 1 Corinthians 14:23 insane
  26. 1 Corinthians 14:25 NU omits And thus
  27. 1 Corinthians 14:26 building up
  28. 1 Corinthians 14:33 disorder
  29. 1 Corinthians 14:34 NU omits your
  30. 1 Corinthians 14:38 NU if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
  31. 1 Corinthians 15:5 Peter
  32. 1 Corinthians 15:6 Died
  33. 1 Corinthians 15:18 Died
  34. 1 Corinthians 15:20 Died
  35. 1 Corinthians 15:30 danger
  36. 1 Corinthians 15:39 NU, M omit of flesh
  37. 1 Corinthians 15:40 heavenly
  38. 1 Corinthians 15:40 earthly
  39. 1 Corinthians 15:47 earthy
  40. 1 Corinthians 15:47 NU omits the Lord
  41. 1 Corinthians 15:48 earthy
  42. 1 Corinthians 15:49 M let us also bear
  43. 1 Corinthians 15:51 hidden truth
  44. 1 Corinthians 15:55 NU O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?
  45. 1 Corinthians 16:22 Gr. anathema
  46. 1 Corinthians 16:22 Aram. Marana tha; possibly Maran atha, Our Lord has come

23 For I received from the Lord(A) what I also passed on to you:(B) The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body,(C) which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant(D) in my blood;(E) do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.(F)

27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.(G) 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves(H) before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.(I) 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.(J) 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined(K) so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.(L)

33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. 34 Anyone who is hungry(M) should eat something at home,(N) so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.

And when I come(O) I will give further directions.

Concerning Spiritual Gifts

12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit,(P) brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.(Q) You know that when you were pagans,(R) somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.(S) Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,”(T) and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,”(U) except by the Holy Spirit.(V)

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit(W) distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone(X) it is the same God(Y) at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.(Z) To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,(AA) to another a message of knowledge(AB) by means of the same Spirit, to another faith(AC) by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing(AD) by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers,(AE) to another prophecy,(AF) to another distinguishing between spirits,(AG) to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a](AH) and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,(AI) and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Unity and Diversity in the Body

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body,(AJ) so it is with Christ.(AK) 13 For we were all baptized(AL) by[c] one Spirit(AM) so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free(AN)—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.(AO) 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.(AP)

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed(AQ) the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.(AR) 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.(AS)

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ,(AT) and each one of you is a part of it.(AU) 28 And God has placed in the church(AV) first of all apostles,(AW) second prophets,(AX) third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing,(AY) of helping, of guidance,(AZ) and of different kinds of tongues.(BA) 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]?(BB) Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire(BC) the greater gifts.

Love Is Indispensable

And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

13 If I speak in the tongues[e](BD) of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy(BE) and can fathom all mysteries(BF) and all knowledge,(BG) and if I have a faith(BH) that can move mountains,(BI) but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor(BJ) and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[f](BK) but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient,(BL) love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.(BM) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,(BN) it is not easily angered,(BO) it keeps no record of wrongs.(BP) Love does not delight in evil(BQ) but rejoices with the truth.(BR) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.(BS)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,(BT) they will cease; where there are tongues,(BU) they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part(BV) and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes,(BW) what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood(BX) behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;(BY) then we shall see face to face.(BZ) Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.(CA)

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.(CB) But the greatest of these is love.(CC)

Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love(CD) and eagerly desire(CE) gifts of the Spirit,(CF) especially prophecy.(CG) For anyone who speaks in a tongue[g](CH) does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them;(CI) they utter mysteries(CJ) by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,(CK) encouraging(CL) and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue(CM) edifies(CN) themselves, but the one who prophesies(CO) edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[h] but I would rather have you prophesy.(CP) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[i] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(CQ)

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation(CR) or knowledge(CS) or prophecy or word of instruction?(CT) Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?(CU) So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.(CV) 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit,(CW) try to excel in those that build up(CX) the church.

13 For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.(CY) 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays,(CZ) but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit,(DA) but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing(DB) with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer,[j] say “Amen”(DC) to your thanksgiving,(DD) since they do not know what you are saying? 17 You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.(DE)

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.(DF)

20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children.(DG) In regard to evil be infants,(DH) but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law(DI) it is written:

“With other tongues
    and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
    but even then they will not listen to me,(DJ)
says the Lord.”[k]

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,(DK) however, is not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?(DL) 24 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets(DM) of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”(DN)

Good Order in Worship

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?(DO) When you come together, each of you(DP) has a hymn,(DQ) or a word of instruction,(DR) a revelation, a tongue(DS) or an interpretation.(DT) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.(DU) 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

29 Two or three prophets(DV) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.(DW) 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.(DX) 33 For God is not a God of disorder(DY) but of peace(DZ)—as in all the congregations(EA) of the Lord’s people.(EB)

34 Women[l] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak,(EC) but must be in submission,(ED) as the law(EE) says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.[m]

36 Or did the word of God(EF) originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet(EG) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,(EH) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.(EI) 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.[n]

39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager(EJ) to prophesy,(EK) and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly(EL) way.

The Resurrection of Christ

15 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel(EM) I preached to you,(EN) which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved,(EO) if you hold firmly(EP) to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received(EQ) I passed on to you(ER) as of first importance[o]: that Christ died for our sins(ES) according to the Scriptures,(ET) that he was buried,(EU) that he was raised(EV) on the third day(EW) according to the Scriptures,(EX) and that he appeared to Cephas,[p](EY) and then to the Twelve.(EZ) After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.(FA) Then he appeared to James,(FB) then to all the apostles,(FC) and last of all he appeared to me also,(FD) as to one abnormally born.

For I am the least of the apostles(FE) and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted(FF) the church of God.(FG) 10 But by the grace(FH) of God I am what I am, and his grace to me(FI) was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them(FJ)—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.(FK) 11 Whether, then, it is I or they,(FL) this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

The Resurrection of the Dead

12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead,(FM) how can some of you say that there is no resurrection(FN) of the dead?(FO) 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised,(FP) our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.(FQ) But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.(FR) 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep(FS) in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.(FT)

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,(FU) the firstfruits(FV) of those who have fallen asleep.(FW) 21 For since death came through a man,(FX) the resurrection of the dead(FY) comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.(FZ) 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits;(GA) then, when he comes,(GB) those who belong to him.(GC) 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom(GD) to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.(GE) 25 For he must reign(GF) until he has put all his enemies under his feet.(GG) 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.(GH) 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.”[q](GI) Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.(GJ) 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him,(GK) so that God may be all in all.(GL)

29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?(GM) 31 I face death every day(GN)—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts(GO) in Ephesus(GP) with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
    for tomorrow we die.”[r](GQ)

33 Do not be misled:(GR) “Bad company corrupts good character.”[s](GS) 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God(GT)—I say this to your shame.(GU)

The Resurrection Body

35 But someone will ask,(GV) “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?”(GW) 36 How foolish!(GX) What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.(GY) 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body.(GZ) 39 Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one kind of splendor,(HA) the moon another and the stars another;(HB) and star differs from star in splendor.

42 So will it be(HC) with the resurrection of the dead.(HD) The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;(HE) 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory;(HF) it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.(HG)

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”[t];(HH) the last Adam,(HI) a life-giving spirit.(HJ) 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.(HK) 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth;(HL) the second man is of heaven.(HM) 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven.(HN) 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man,(HO) so shall we[u] bear the image of the heavenly man.(HP)

50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood(HQ) cannot inherit the kingdom of God,(HR) nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.(HS) 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery:(HT) We will not all sleep,(HU) but we will all be changed(HV) 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound,(HW) the dead(HX) will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable(HY) must clothe itself with the imperishable,(HZ) and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[v](IA)

55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”[w](IB)

56 The sting of death is sin,(IC) and the power of sin is the law.(ID) 57 But thanks be to God!(IE) He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.(IF)

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,(IG) because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.(IH)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

16 Now about the collection(II) for the Lord’s people:(IJ) Do what I told the Galatian(IK) churches to do. On the first day of every week,(IL) each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.(IM) Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve(IN) and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Personal Requests

After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you(IO)—for I will be going through Macedonia.(IP) Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey,(IQ) wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.(IR) But I will stay on at Ephesus(IS) until Pentecost,(IT) because a great door for effective work has opened to me,(IU) and there are many who oppose me.

10 When Timothy(IV) comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord,(IW) just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt.(IX) Send him on his way(IY) in peace(IZ) so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

12 Now about our brother Apollos:(JA) I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

13 Be on your guard; stand firm(JB) in the faith; be courageous; be strong.(JC) 14 Do everything in love.(JD)

15 You know that the household of Stephanas(JE) were the first converts(JF) in Achaia,(JG) and they have devoted themselves to the service(JH) of the Lord’s people.(JI) I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit(JJ) to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.(JK) 18 For they refreshed(JL) my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.(JM)

Final Greetings

19 The churches in the province of Asia(JN) send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla[x](JO) greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.(JP) 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.(JQ)

21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.(JR)

22 If anyone does not love the Lord,(JS) let that person be cursed!(JT) Come, Lord[y]!(JU)

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.(JV)

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.[z]

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 12:10 Or languages; also in verse 28
  2. 1 Corinthians 12:10 Or languages; also in verse 28
  3. 1 Corinthians 12:13 Or with; or in
  4. 1 Corinthians 12:30 Or other languages
  5. 1 Corinthians 13:1 Or languages
  6. 1 Corinthians 13:3 Some manuscripts body to the flames
  7. 1 Corinthians 14:2 Or in another language; also in verses 4, 13, 14, 19, 26 and 27
  8. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  9. 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
  10. 1 Corinthians 14:16 The Greek word for inquirer is a technical term for someone not fully initiated into a religion; also in verses 23 and 24.
  11. 1 Corinthians 14:21 Isaiah 28:11,12
  12. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Or peace. As in all the congregations of the Lord’s people, 34 women
  13. 1 Corinthians 14:35 In a few manuscripts these verses come after verse 40.
  14. 1 Corinthians 14:38 Some manuscripts But anyone who is ignorant of this will be ignorant
  15. 1 Corinthians 15:3 Or you at the first
  16. 1 Corinthians 15:5 That is, Peter
  17. 1 Corinthians 15:27 Psalm 8:6
  18. 1 Corinthians 15:32 Isaiah 22:13
  19. 1 Corinthians 15:33 From the Greek poet Menander
  20. 1 Corinthians 15:45 Gen. 2:7
  21. 1 Corinthians 15:49 Some early manuscripts so let us
  22. 1 Corinthians 15:54 Isaiah 25:8
  23. 1 Corinthians 15:55 Hosea 13:14
  24. 1 Corinthians 16:19 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
  25. 1 Corinthians 16:22 The Greek for Come, Lord reproduces an Aramaic expression (Marana tha) used by early Christians.
  26. 1 Corinthians 16:24 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.