Paul’s Hardships

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,^(A) so that our ministry will not be discredited.

¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment^(A) on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.^(B)

¹² If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more?

But we did not use this right.^(A) On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder^(B) the gospel of Christ.

³² Do not cause anyone to stumble,^(A) whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God^(B)— ³³ even as I try to please everyone in every way.^(C) For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many,^(D) so that they may be saved.^(E)

²⁷ “But so that we may not cause offense,^(A) go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.^(A) I have become all things to all people^(B) so that by all possible means I might save some.^(C)

²⁰ We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.

Paul’s Change of Plans

¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience^(A) testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[a](B) and godly sincerity.^(C) We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom^(D) but on God’s grace.

The Believer’s Freedom

²³ “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial.^(A) “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴ No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.^(B)