But when we landed at Miletus, he sent a message to the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him.

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.

The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present.

So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.

Paul Greets His Friends

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.

In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches.

Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ.

Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings, and so does our brother Quartus.

I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.

Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge.

Divisions in the Church

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.

Paul Condemns Spiritual Pride

I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother.

in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.

It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.

If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church?

I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?

Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.

Food Sacrificed to Idols

Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.

Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God.

But if anyone wants to argue about this, I simply say that we have no other custom than this, and neither do God’s other churches.

First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.

What? Don’t you have your own homes for eating and drinking? Or do you really want to disgrace God’s church and shame the poor? What am I supposed to say? Do you want me to praise you? Well, I certainly will not praise you for this!