¹² Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

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)

¹³ The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.”^(A)

¹⁴ But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”^(B)

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(A) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(B) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(C) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^(D)

⁵ We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel^(A) might be preserved for you.

Paul’s Hardships

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

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.”