in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; CHAP. XIII. 1 of duties to magistrates. 8 Love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 Against gluttony, drunkenness, and the works of darkness. LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but of God; the powers that be, are 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhorta-ordained of God. tion; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love, be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 2 Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation; 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in not the sword in vain; for he is the tribulation; continuing instant in pray-minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. er; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For, for this cause pay ye tribute 15 Rejoice with them that do re- also; for they are God's ministers, joice, and weep with them that weep. attending continually upon this very 16 Be of the same mind one toward thing. another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 7 Render, therefore, to all their dues; tribute, to whom tribute is due; custom, to whom custom; fear, to whom fear; honour, to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not your- adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou selves, but rather give place unto shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear wrath; for it is written, Vengeance false witness, Thou shalt not covet; is mine; I will repay, saith the and if there be any other commandLord. ment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.2 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcomu evil with good. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of Questions. How should we treat those who sleep; for now is our salvation nearer persecute us? Repeat the 17th and 18th verses. Repeat the 21st verse. than when we believed.' 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 1 Rather give place unto wrath, yield to the 13. Let us walk honestly as in the wrath of your enemies, without opposing it, day; not in rioting and drunkenness, or leave them to the wrath of God, whose pre- not in chambering and wantonness, rogative alone it is, to repay. not in strife and envying: 2 Thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head; for in so doing, thou wilt soften him by thy kindness, and make him lay down the enmity which he bears to thee. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus 1 Than when we first believed. Christ, and make not provision for the and rose, and revived, that he might flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Questions. How should we treat rulers? What is said of love or charity? CHAP. XIV. 1 Men may not contemn or condemn one another for things indifferent, 13 but take heed of giving offence in them. HIM that is weak in the faith1 re be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then, every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not, therefore, judge one another any more; but judge this raceive ye, but not to doubtful disputa-block, or an occasion to fall, in his ther, that no man put a stumblingbrother's way. tions.2 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things; another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not, judge him that eateth; for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regard eth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ both died, 1 Weak in the faith, concerning meats and days. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing uneth any thing to be unclean, to him it clean of itself; but to him that esteem is unclean. 15 But if the brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of; 17 For the kingdom of God is not and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. meat and drink, but righteousness, 18 For he that in these things servapproved of men. eth Christ is acceptable to God, and things that make for peace, and things 19 Let us, therefore, follow after the wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work but it is evil for that man who eateth of God. All things indeed are pure; with offence.3 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing, which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth4 is damned Questions. To whom should we live! 2 But not passionately to dispute his opi-| if he eat, because he eateth not of nions. It may here be observed, that the Jew-faith; for whatsoever is not of faith is ish converts at Rome supposed, that certain sin. meats forbidden by Moses, were unclean in themselves, and that the days, which he ordered to be kept holy, were still to be sanctified; they therefore considered their Gentile brethren as profane, because they paid no religious regard to meats and days. On the other hand the Gentiles despised the Jews as bigots, for making distinctions of meats and days, which to them appeared unnecessary. St. Paul, therefore, wrote this chapter to conciliate the Jews and Gentiles, and to shew them that neither meats nor days commended them to God: but still, that it was sinful for any man to eat or to do any thing which he bimself really thought was sinful. 3 With offence, giving offence to others, or believing himself, that it is sinful. eat any thing, is condemned, or is guilty, if he 4 He that doubteth, whether it be lawful to does eat it. Whatever is done, without a conviction of its lawfulness, is really sin, though in reality it be in itself lawful. 1 fell on me. of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 4 For whatsoever things were writ17 I have, therefore, whereof I may ten aforetime were written for our glory through Jesus Christ in those learning; that we, through patience things which pertain to God. and comfort of the scriptures, might 18 For I will not dare to speak of have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and not wrought by me, to make the Genany of those things, which Christ hath consolation grant you to be like-mind-tiles obedient by word and deed, ed one toward another, according to Christ Jesus; 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. 8 Now I say, That Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers; 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith,5 Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith,7 There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 14 And I myself also am persuaded 1 That are strong, or more fully instructed in the doctrine of Christ. 2 Infirmities of the weak, the prejudices or prepossessions of the ignorant. 3 As it is written, Ps. lxix. 9. 4 As it is written, Ps. xviii. 49. 5 Deut. xxxii. 43. 6 Ps. cxvii. 1. 19 Through mighty signs and wonGod; so that from Jerusalem, and ders, by the power of the Spirit of round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ. 20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was ther man's foundation: named, lest I should build upon ano he was not spoken of, they shall see; 21 But, as it is written,9 To whom and they that have not heard shall un derstand. much hindered from coming to you. 22 For which cause also I have been 23 But now, having no more place sire these many years to come unto in these parts, and having a great deyou; 24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain I will come to you: for I be brought on my way thitherward by trust to see you in my journey, and to you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. minister unto the saints. cedo'nia and Achai'a to make a certain 27 It hath pleased them verily, and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.10 It 7 Isaiah xi. 10. The design of the apostles 8 Illyricum was a country in Europe, lying in this place is to persuade the Jewish and between Pannonia and the Adriatic sea. Gentile converts to a cordial union in the wor-is now called Sclavo'nia. ship of God; and to shew the Jews, that this union of the Gentiles with them, was foretold in their own scriptures. 9 As it is written, Isaiah lii. 15. 10 Carnal things, comforts and necessaries of life. 28 When, therefore, I have perform- 9 Salute Urbane, our helper in ed this, and have sealed to them this Christ, and Sta'chys my beloved. fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 10 Salute Apel'les approved in 29 And I am sure that, when I come Christ. Salute them which are of unto you, I shall come in the ful- Aristob'ulus' household. ness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. 30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Jude'a; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. 1 Paul sendeth greetings to many, 25 and endeth with praise and thanks to God. I COMMEND unto you Phe'be our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cen'chrea; 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus; 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epen etus, who is the first-fruits of Achai'a unto Christ.2 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Androni'cus and Ju'nia my kinsmen and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Am'plias, my beloved in the Lord. 1 Greet and Salute are words of civility and respect, which imply the same as to wish well, or to give our love, or regard. 2 First-fruits of Achaia, the first person I converted in Achai'a. 11 Salute Hero'dion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcis'sus, which are in the Lord. 12 Salute Tryphe'na and Trypho'sa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Per'sis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Salute Asyn'critus, Phle'gon, Her'mas, Pat'robas, Her'mes, and the brethren which are with them. 15 Salute Philologus and Julia, Ne'reus and his sister, and Olym'pas, and all the saints which are with them. 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. 18 For they that are such, serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad, therefore, on your behalf; but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 21 Timotheus my work-fellow, and Lucius, and Ja'son, and Sosip ater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Ga'ius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Eras'tus, the chamberlain of the city, saluteth you, and Quar'tus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now, to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, (according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and 3 Stal-kis. 4 Gaius mine host, Gaius or Caius, with whom I lodge. by the scriptures of the prophets, ac-1 cording to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith ;) 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. servant of the church at Cen'chrea.5 Questions. What does Paul say of those who cause divisions and offences? Where is this epistle supposed to have been written? 5 The subscriptions to all the Epistles do ¶ Written to the Romans from rot belong to the text; and most of them may Corinthus, and sent by Phe'be, be incorrect. PREFATORY REMARKS TO THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS. CORINTH was a rich and luxurious city in Achai'a, situated upon the isthmus which connected the Peloponne'sus, now Morea, with the northern part of Greece. It was favourably situated for commerce; and at the time this Epistle was written, about A. D. 57, it was one of the most celebrated cities in Greece for its learning and magnificence, and no less for the profligacy and wickedness of its inhabitants. St. Paul first visited Corinth about A. D. 51, and established a flourishing church, in which were some Jews of note, but the greater part were idolatrous Gentiles. After several years' absence a false teacher appeared among them, and introduced division and disorder. In this situation of the church some of the members wrote to Paul for advice and direction, and not being able to visit them again so early as he intended, about A. D. 57, he wrote this first Epistle, in which he reproves the false teacher and his adherents; and because they had ridiculed him as rude in speech, he informed them, that in preaching the Gospel, Christ had ordered him to avoid the enticing words of man's wisdom. He told them, their luxurious manner of living was inconsistent with the purity of the Gospel, and sharply reproved them for referring their disputes to Heathen courts of justice for settlement. The apostle then answers certain questions concerning marriage, celibacy, and divorce. He proves his apostleship, which the false teacher had presumed to question, declares it sinful to sit down with Heathens in an idol's temple to partake of the sacrifices,-gives rules for the behaviour of both sexes in the public assemblies, rebukes the whole church for the indecent manner in which they had celebrated the Lord's Supper,-proves, against the opinion of the Greek philosophers and Jewish Sadducees, not only the possibility, but the certainty of the resurrection of the dead, and exhorts the Corinthians to make collections for the saints at Jerusalem, who were reduced to great distress. THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE CORINTHIANS. CHAP. I. ed by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1 After salutation and thanksgiving, 10 he exhorteth to unity, 12 and reproveth their dissensions. 18 God destroyed the wisdom of the wise. PAUL, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of 8 Who shall also confirm you unto God, and Sos'thenes our brother, the end, that, ye may be blameless in 2 Unto the church of God which is the day of our Lord Jesus Christ: at Corinth, to them that are sanctified 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, called unto the fellowship of his Son with all that in every place call upon Jesus Christ our Lord. the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by both theirs and ours: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto 5 That in every thing ye are enrich- me of you, my brethren, by them |