Reading Plan · Day 330
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
1 Corinthians 13-16
Day 330
Remember, in the previous chapter Paul began another three chapter answer. This time the topic was spiritual gifts. In Chapter 12, Paul explained Manifestational Spiritual Gifts as gifts that happened by the Holy Spirit flowing through a believer. Any of these gifts could happen through any believer for the benefit of others, for the benefit of the church. Paul told people to desire the greater gifts, but paused in this answer to explain a most excellent way (HOW) to operate in spiritual gifts.
Day 330 Read
Where You Stopped
1 Corinthians 13
1If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Commentary · verse 1
2And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Commentary · verse 2
Prophecy, knowing mysteries, all knowledge, and having all faith made you nothing if you did not have love. Again, love is a right HOW/WHY which leads to profitability. Remember, Paul began his addressing of the questions from the church in Corinth with a brief introduction (1 Corinthians 8:1-3) that contrasted knowledge with love. That was the way Paul began his first three chapter answer. Verse 2 showed that "all knowledge without love" resulted in no profitability.
Doctrines on this passage
3And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Commentary · verse 3
Sacrificing your possessions and your body is nothing without love. Paul continued to emphasize love being a right HOW/WHY. Remember, the definition of love according to Jesus in Luke 6:35 was "giving without expecting anything in return from the one to whom you gave." Verse 3 presented half of the definition of love: giving. Verse 3 did not present the right HOW/WHY, only the WHAT. Consequently Paul called it giving without love and the result was not profitable.
Commentary · verses 4-8
Verses 4-8: sixteen effects of love, the effects of "giving without expecting anything in return from the one to whom you gave." Notice also that nine of these effects were what the effects of love were not.
4Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; 6rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; 7beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away.
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Commentary · verse 8
If you do God's definition of love, all sixteen effects listed will be a result. Notice, verse 8 stated that knowledge would eventually be "done away," but love will never cease. Again, this was another example from Paul contrasting knowledge and love. In eternity, knowledge will eventually end because all facts will eventually be known, which means all languages will be known (tongues) and all prophetic events will be known. (Notice, Paul began this chapter contrasting knowledge, tongues, and prophecy with love.) However, Paul wrote in Ephesians 4 that the Bride will eternally build itself up in love, by speaking the truth in love to one another. It appeared truth would also never cease. Notice, the WHAT of truth will cease: knowledge. However, the right HOW/WHY of truth will never cease just as the right HOW/WHY of love will never cease.
Doctrines on this passage
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 10but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Some people use these verses to say that today, tongues and prophesying has ceased. They would say that the Holy Spirit, which is perfect has come. However, Paul wrote this letter after the Holy Spirit had come and they were still operating in these gifts. Has knowledge been done away with? Knowledge will be done away with, eventually, when we are perfect, which will eventually happen in eternity.
11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things.
12For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.
11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Commentary · verses 11-12
Some people only quote verse 12 to justify our inability to know anything more than we know right now. Verse 11 told us to not have that childish mentality, but to become an adult. We ought to act as mature adults and continue to learn more. We will eventually have full knowledge but this is not an excuse to not learn more now. How will we eventually have full knowledge? We will have to continue to grow and learn in the new Jerusalem.
13But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Commentary · verse 13
Now abides faith, hope, and love, the greatest of these is love, because love is an action with a right HOW/WHY. The belief that love is the most excellent way has been a consistent reoccurring theme throughout this letter.
Theme of Chapter 13: Love. Paul made the case that love is the most excellent way, and that the things believers tend to desire (knowledge, tongues, and prophecy) are not profitable without love and will eventually cease in eternity. Next, Paul was able to conclude his three chapter answer to the topic of spiritual gifts.
Doctrines on this passage
Where You Stopped
1 Corinthians 14
1Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Commentary · verse 1
Follow after (DO) love and desire gifts but especially prophesying. Paul established a hierarchy so that people would not focus on the rest of his answer out of context. First and foremost: love. Second, desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesying.
Commentary · verses 2-4
Verses 2-4: Paul began contrasting tongues and prophesying.
- Tongues being a heavenly language that people cannot understand with their natural mind.
- Prophesying being a statement of revelation that could only come from divine inspiration. Prophesying covered more than prophecy. It also covered encouraging/comforting people with a revelatory perspective from God or teaching someone revelatory information from God.
2For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Commentary · verse 2
Clearly the word "tongue" referred to a language that was unknown to man because no man understood the man who spoke tongues. The person spoke in the spirit something God understood and was a mystery to man. Tongues, in and of itself, did not bring understanding.
3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men edification, and exhortation, and consolation.
3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Commentary · verse 3
Doctrine: The effects of prophesying were edifying, exhorting, and comforting.
4He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Commentary · verse 4
Doctrine: The person speaking tongues edified themselves; prophesying edified the church. Notice, this did not say that speaking tongues did not edify. Speaking in tongues benefited the individual that was speaking in tongues. Prophesying ought to benefit everyone else.
5Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
5I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Commentary · verse 5
Paul's measure was profitability. It was better to prophesy because more people benefited than just the individual that spoke in tongues, unless the tongues was interpreted for the whole church to be edified. Paul identified a way that speaking in tongues could benefit more than the person speaking in tongues.
6But now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?
6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
Commentary · verse 6
Verse 6 alluded to love: what would Paul be giving to another if he spoke in tongues and it did not benefit the other person? Paul's answer: nothing. It would not be love.
7Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they give not a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8For if the trumpet give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself for war?
9So also ye, unless ye utter by the tongue speech easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye will be speaking into the air.
7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
Commentary · verses 7-9
Remember how Paul began the previous chapter that presented love as the most excellent way? Verse 1: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal." Verses 7 and 8 of this chapter also showed that speaking tongues without love was the same as musical instruments played simply to sound or clang, played without a right HOW/WHY.
10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and no kind is without signification.
11If then I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh will be a barbarian unto me.
10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
Commentary · verses 10-11
There was no profit to the church if tongues were not interpreted. Unless what was spoken brings revelation, knowledge, encouragement, comfort, or Doctrine what profit was there? However, do not forget that tongues does profit the person speaking in tongues.
12So also ye, since ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may abound unto the edifying of the church.
12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Commentary · verse 12
Doctrine: Our objectives regarding gifts ought to be the edification of the church.
13Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Commentary · verse 13
If you speak in tongues pray for interpretation. Paul was helping the reader focus on benefiting others.
14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Commentary · verse 14
Doctrine: Praying in tongues is your spirit praying, but without understanding. Tongues benefits you through experience. So, it looked as if prophesying covered all the gifts that brought understanding:
- word of wisdom and
- word of knowledge.
It could cover speaking in tongues, if the tongues was interpreted.
15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?
15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
Commentary · verses 15-16
Paul prayed and sang both in spirit (tongues) and with understanding. He knew the benefit of tongues was for him and speaking in understanding benefited others. Paul continued to keep others' best interest in the forefront of his mind.
17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
Commentary · verse 17
We ought to understand the prayers and the singing or else no one else is edified.
18I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all: 19howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
Commentary · verses 18-19
Doctrine: Paul spoke in tongues, more than anyone in the church in Corinth. Paul was grateful for speaking in tongues, but he would rather speak five words in understanding (HOW) so that he could teach others (WHY) than 10,000 words that no one could understand.
20Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
Commentary · verse 20
In the KJV, this verse was translated, "...but in understanding be men." Premise: Be children in matters of evil but be men in understanding. Again, Paul emphasized that we ought to continue to grow in understanding.
21In the law it is written, By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers will I speak unto this people; and not even thus will they hear me, saith the Lord.
21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Commentary · verse 21
Paul referenced Isaiah 28:11.
22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe.
22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Commentary · verse 22
Doctrine: Tongues are a sign for unbelievers, like at Pentecost in Acts 2.
23If therefore the whole church be assembled together and all speak with tongues, and there come in men unlearned or unbelieving, will they not say that ye are mad?
23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
Commentary · verse 23
This happened at Pentecost: Acts 2:13-14.
24But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all; 25the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.
24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Commentary · verses 24-25
Prophesying would involve making the secrets of the unbelieving man's heart manifest so that he would realize God must exist because there was no earthly way these people would know this information about this man (as happened with Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well: John 4:15-26). Prophesying could lead to convicting the heart of the unbeliever.
26What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Commentary · verse 26
Paul established the context of the following verses with verse 26: In the church of Corinth everyone was claiming to be prophesying. Paul wanted all of it to be done as long as it was edifying. Next, Paul gave guidelines to the church in Corinth, in light of their circumstances as understood from verse 26.
27If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret:
27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
Commentary · verse 27
Paul did not want more than three people speaking in a tongue in the church of Corinth before an interpretation was given.
28but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Commentary · verse 28
Paul stated that if there was not an interpretation, then everyone should remain silent. This ought to have caused the people who spoke in tongues to be more sensitive to whether they were being led by the Holy Spirit. Basically, the easiest way for a person to appear to flow in the gifts of the Spirit was to speak in tongues without interpretation. It appeared that so many people were doing this there was unedifying chaos, and Paul gave guidelines to limit this unprofitability. It seemed that if interpretation was given, then more people could speak in tongues.
29And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern.
29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
Commentary · verse 29
Likewise, Paul wanted prophecy to be treated the same way as tongues. The word "discern" spoke to understanding the why behind what was stated. Again, the discerning ought to have made what the prophets spoke profitable. So, prophecy was not prophesying unless discerning/understanding was also presented.
30But if a revelation be made to another sitting by, let the first keep silence.
30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
Commentary · verse 30
Paul stated that if one person began to speak and another person began to understand, the person speaking ought to be silent so that the person with understanding could make the church profitable.
31For ye all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets;
31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
Commentary · verses 31-32
Verse 31 stated that everyone could prophesy so that all would learn, all would benefit. There was not a limit on how much prophesying could be done in church because, by definition, prophesying led to profitability through understanding.
33for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.
35And if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home: for it is shameful for a woman to speak in the church.
33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
Commentary · verses 33-35
Paul was trying to facilitate Marriage here. He wanted the husbands to teach their wives the Word of God (Ephesians 5:25-31). Every Jewish boy memorized the Torah, while the girls memorized the Psalms and Proverbs. This was done so that the men would teach their wives the Law, and the wives would be more attracted to their husbands. A woman speaking in church to understand or be taught (this was the context of these verses) would be stating that her husband was unable to teach her, which would be a shame to her and her husband.
Notice, Paul had stated in this letter that women could pray and prophesy. In this chapter he stated that everyone was speaking in church. Verse 35 could not mean that women were not to speak at all in church. Paul began this chapter saying he wanted everyone to follow love and desire after spiritual gifts, especially prophesying.
36What? was it from you that the word of God went forth? or came it unto you alone?
36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
Commentary · verse 36
Verse 36 referenced the fact that God spoke His commands to Adam before Eve was created, and Eve was supposed to get her understanding of God's Word from her husband. Again, this verse continued supporting the context that women could speak in church to operate in spiritual gifts.
37If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
Commentary · verse 37
Doctrine: Following love and desiring spiritual gifts so that the church is edified is a command from God when it comes to the topic of spiritual gifts and people who think they operate in these spiritual gifts.
38But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
Commentary · verse 38
However, if a person does not think they operate in spiritual gifts, then they can continue thinking that and not have to be aware of the instructions from this chapter.
39Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40But let all things be done decently and in order.
39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40Let all things be done decently and in order.
Commentary · verses 39-40
Paul concluded with a reminder to desire earnestly to prophesy because it edified the church and do not forbid others from speaking in tongues because it edified the individual speaking in tongues. People who prevented the speaking in tongues were contradicting God's Word.
It appeared that the greater gifts were:
- word of knowledge,
- word of wisdom,
- tongues with interpretation, and
- prophecy with interpretation.
All four of these fit under the category of prophesying. Notice that discerning of spirits could also be included as a gift that brought understanding. This means that faith, healings, and workings of miracles would be the lesser gifts, yet they are the most attractive gifts. Remember, Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 12 with this list of gifts that some parts of the body are attractive but not necessary, while other parts are not attractive but necessary. Now we can see that healings and workings of miracles are attractive but not necessary.
Look at it this way: How much do you benefit today from a healing or miracle Jesus did thousands of years ago? How much do you benefit today from a word of wisdom or word of knowledge Jesus gave thousands of years ago? Paul stated the overarching principle behind spiritual gifts: God wants all spiritual gifts to be done decently and in order.
Commentary · verse 40
Theme of Chapter 14: Paul concluded his three chapter answer on the Doctrine of spiritual gifts. Paul wanted everyone to first be guided by love. Second, Paul wanted all believers (including women) to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesying which edified the church. Paul spoke in tongues and thirdly wanted people to speak in tongues with interpretation so it benefited the church. Finally, Paul wanted people to speak in tongues because it edified the individual speaking in tongues. We have seen Paul presented two answers that required three chapters to answer. Next, we will see a very long chapter that covered a lot of Doctrine.
Where You Stopped
1 Corinthians 15
1Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand,
1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
Commentary · verse 1
Paul declared the Gospel. The Gospel that he had preached, they (Corinthians) had received, and in which they stood...
2by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Commentary · verse 2
…and by which they are saved if they keep in memory (believe) what Paul preached to them, unless they believed in vain (empty; void of truth; unprofitable). These two verses were the introduction for Paul's presentation of the Gospel.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures;
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Commentary · verses 3-4
Doctrine: This is the Gospel:
- Christ died,
- was buried, and
- rose again.
The Gospel has three distinct parts. "According to the scriptures" was mentioned twice in these verses, Paul was referring to the Old Testament. The Doctrine of the Gospel was not new, it had been written about in the "scriptures."
5and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;
5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
Commentary · verse 5
After the resurrection, Jesus was seen of Cephas (Peter) and the twelve (Apostles).
6then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep;
6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
Commentary · verse 6
After that, Jesus was seen of more than 500 believers at once.
7then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles;
7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
Commentary · verse 7
After that, Jesus was seen of James and then to all of the apostles. Notice, Paul mentioned being seen by all of the apostles after he had already mentioned Jesus appearing to the twelve Apostles. There were (and are) more than just the twelve Apostles. The Book of Acts stated that James was located in Jerusalem and served as the leader of the council for the church.
8and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also.
8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
Commentary · verse 8
Last of all, Jesus was seen of Paul. Paul did not include himself as one of the twelve Apostles. Also, Paul saw Jesus after Pentecost. It may be that Jesus appeared to James and council in the same way Jesus appeared to Paul.
Doctrines on this passage
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Commentary · verse 9
Paul did not think he qualified to be called an Apostle because he persecuted the church. Paul's humility was amazing. He did not testify of himself.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Commentary · verse 10
Doctrine: Grace flows through the individual's being in order to accentuate the unique abilities of the being. It is as if each of us is a unique jewel (that God created) and God is the light that shines into and then through each of us. The result is a unique array of colors because of the uniqueness of the individual, however, the light itself is God flowing through us. Likewise, Paul gave God all the credit (by grace) for who he was. This verse proved that grace is the work of God and God gets the credit for what we do in grace.
11Whether then it be I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither hath Christ been raised: 14and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain.
11Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Commentary · verses 11-14
The resurrection was the most important of the three aspects of the Gospel. Paul stated that if that portion was not preached, then all of the preaching and faith was in vain/unprofitable.
15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised.
15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Commentary · verse 15
If Christ did not rise, then Paul's (and those with him) preaching were false witnesses of God.
16For if the dead are not raised, neither hath Christ been raised: 17and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Commentary · verses 16-17
If Christ had not risen then our faith is vain and we are in our sins. This meant we would have no Salvation. Christ's resurrection was what gave eternal life.
18Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Commentary · verse 18
And if there was no resurrection, then believers who had already died were perished - ruined - destroyed.
19If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.
19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Commentary · verse 19
If our hope in Christ was only in this life (Paul meant existence in this context) then all men would be "most pitiable." "Pitiable" meant "miserable."
20But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep.
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Commentary · verse 20
Christ rose on the feast of First Fruits, which was the third feast of God from Leviticus 23. Christ died on Passover which was the first feast of God. Christ was buried on Unleavened Bread which was the second feast of God. The Holy Spirit was given on Pentecost (the feast of Weeks) which was the fourth feast of God.
Doctrines on this passage
21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Commentary · verse 21
Christ had risen and had to be the first to rise. Without Christ, no one would have eternal life. The sin that led to damnation came into the world by Adam. Paul contrasted Christ with Adam, by Christ came the ability to overcome the sin (which all people have) that led to damnation. Paul continued to contrast Adam and Christ...
22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Commentary · verse 22
Paul blatantly stated all were affected by Adam's sin and all could have eternal life by Jesus. Notice, this verse contradicted Calvinism because all can be made alive. The next twenty-two verses served as foundation before Paul returned to contrasting Adam with Jesus.
Doctrines on this passage
23But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming.
23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Commentary · verse 23
Paul stated that Christ would be the first to be resurrected, then those that are believers when Jesus physically comes at the end of the Tribulation and the beginning of Christ's millennial reign on earth.
24Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.
25For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.
24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
Commentary · verses 24-25
Christ must reign during the Millennium until He has put all enemies under his feet.
26The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.
26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Commentary · verse 26
Death will be the last enemy destroyed, which Adam let into the world. Death (and Hades) will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14) at the last judgment which occurs after Christ's Millennial Reign is completed.
27For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him.
28And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.
27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Commentary · verses 27-28
Paul showed that all things, except God the Father, would be under Jesus...and that since Jesus would be under God the Father, God the Father would be over all.
29Else what shall they do that are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?
30why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour?
31I protest by that glorying in you, brethren, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
29Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
30And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
31I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Commentary · verses 29-31
Paul transitioned from all being subjected to God the Father to every individual being completely surrendered to God. Paul stated: "I die daily." Paul meant he continually killed his flesh so that God could work through him. We ought to get ourselves out of God's way so He can work through us.
32If after the manner of men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.
32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
Commentary · verse 32
Remember, Paul wrote this letter while he was in Ephesus. Beasts have no understanding. Paul was pointing out that without Christ's resurrection, Paul's difficult discussions (that he must have been having at the time of this writing) meant nothing. Furthermore, if Christ was not resurrected, everyone ought to become beasts and focus on the physical: eat and drink.
Doctrines on this passage
33Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.
33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Commentary · verse 33
Doctrine: Destructive friends can corrupt your profitable beliefs. Thinking this cannot happen was an example of a person being deceived. A person's thought process is easily shaped or molded. We will drift towards the thought process of the people we surround ourselves with.
34Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not; for some have no knowledge of God: I speak this to move you to shame.
34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Commentary · verse 34
Awake to Righteousness was the cause. If we are Righteous through grace, we (Mind/Soul) will not sin. Paul also stated that some people still had no knowledge of God, and this was stated to shame the believers in the church of Corinth because they ought to be evangelizing to these people.
35But some one will say, How are the dead raised? and with what manner of body do they come?
36Thou foolish one, that which thou thyself sowest is not quickened except it die: 37and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not the body that shall be, but a bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other kind; 38but God giveth it a body even as it pleased him, and to each seed a body of its own.
35But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
Commentary · verses 35-38
The people who asked, "How are the dead raised?" and "What manner of body do they come?" were focused on the physical. Paul then gave a physical example that could be stated to these physically-minded people to help them understand: a seed being sown must first die before it bore fruit. The seed was of one form and the tree and fruit were of another form.
Doctrines on this passage
39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fishes.
40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory.
39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
Commentary · verses 39-41
Paul went further to say that all flesh was not the same. First he showed not all physical flesh was the same, then he expanded it to show that physical flesh was not the same as celestial (spiritual) flesh.
42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Commentary · verses 42-44
Doctrine: By stating, "If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body," Paul showed that everything that was natural (physical) came from a spiritual cause. Next, Paul returned to his contrasting of Adam with Jesus.
45So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Commentary · verse 45
Paul quoted Genesis 2:7 concerning Adam. Then, Paul followed the statement he made in the previous verses and stated the "last Adam" (i.e., Christ) was the spiritual cause. Paul then got more specific.
46Howbeit that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; then that which is spiritual.
47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven.
48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
Commentary · verses 46-48
In our natural world, the natural comes first and the profitable effect comes second. Paul called Adam (and all of us) "earthy," while he called Jesus (and those who believe) "of heaven," which was spiritual.
49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Commentary · verses 49-50
Doctrine: We need to choose to make our spiritual lives preeminent over our physical lives.
51Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed,
51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
Commentary · verse 51
Paul showed a mystery: we will not all sleep (physically die) but we will all be changed. Notice, Paul was showing a mystery. Mysteries in the Bible were supposed to be understood by believers.
52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Commentary · verse 52
The trumpet sounding was the pre-Tribulation Rapture of the church. The last trump referenced the last feast of God that used a trumpet: Rosh Hashanah. This was the fifth feast of God and was known as the feast of Trumpets. It was a two day celebration during the fall harvest in which the shofar ram's horn was blown (trump). No one knew when the last trump would be blown, but when it was, everyone was supposed to drop everything and gather for a feast. The symbolism was consistent with the purpose of the pre-Tribulation Rapture of the church. Notice, the first four feasts of God occurred leading into the postponement of the Dispensation of the Law. Now, we see the re-establishment of the Dispensation of the Law (and the end of our dispensation) would occur during the last trump of the fifth feast of God.
Doctrines on this passage
53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Commentary · verses 53-54
Paul concluded his discussion about the pre-Tribulation Rapture by stating it would result in believers (both dead and alive) going from earthly bodies to spiritual bodies in a twinkling of an eye. If the believers are alive, they will not die; they will immediately go from a physical body to spiritual body without experiencing a physical death. Paul referenced Isaiah 25:8.
55O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?
55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Commentary · verse 55
Paul referenced Hosea 13:14.
56The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law: 57but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Commentary · verses 56-57
We have victory over sin through Christ, which leads to eternal life in paradise because of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.
58Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Commentary · verse 58
Our labor (works) are not in vain (unprofitable) if they are in the Lord by grace.
Theme of Chapter 15: Paul presented the Gospel: Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Paul explained how sin and death came into the world through Adam, while redemption and life came through Jesus. Just as all were affected by Adam, all are able to be affected by Jesus.
Where You Stopped
1 Corinthians 16
1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
2Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
3And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:
1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
3And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Commentary · verses 1-3
Paul gave advice on how to handle collections for him. Paul wanted these resources to be used in the most profitable way.
4and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.
5But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;
4And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
Commentary · verses 4-5
Paul did pass through Macedonia on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:1-6). That was where he wrote the letter to the Romans.
6but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.
7For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
7For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
Commentary · verses 6-7
Paul hoped that he could stay in Corinth for a while if God permitted.
8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost; 9for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Commentary · verses 8-9
However, Paul would tarry (remain) in Ephesus until Pentecost, which was where he was when he wrote this letter. This confirmed that Paul was having a tough time with some of the "beasts" in Ephesus.
10Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do: 11let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.
10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
Commentary · verses 10-11
Paul vouched for Timothy and told the Corinthians to help Timothy move forward in his journey.
12But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
12As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Commentary · verse 12
Apollos, who also had an influence on the church of Corinth, did not believe it was time for him to go to the church in Corinth even though Paul "besought him much" to go to them.
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14Let all that ye do be done in love.
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14Let all your things be done with charity.
Commentary · verses 13-14
Paul reinforced his main theme: Let all things be done in love.
15Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints), 16that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.
17And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.
15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
Commentary · verses 15-17
"for that which was lacking on your part they supplied." - An application of the principle of uniqueness.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.
19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss.
21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.
23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and Timotheus.
Commentary · verses 18-24
Paul wrote this letter himself. Paul concluded this letter mentioning grace and love.
Commentary · verse 24
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians near the end of his three years' stay at Ephesus (Acts 20:31) during his third missionary journey. It was not written with Timothy, who Paul had sent ahead into Macedonia (Acts 19:22). This letter was written after the letter to the Romans which covered the foundational Christian Doctrine of Salvation. This was the second letter of the section known as the Pauline Epistles. It was placed second because it dealt with the basic Doctrine necessary to begin a New Testament Church. Paul wrote this letter to the church he founded in Corinth in order to break down divisions within the church through settling fundamental doctrinal questions. Paul's main theme was to do everything according to love and you will always be profitable.
Paul spoke with tongues (languages) of men and angels but if he did this without love, it was just noise. Speaking languages (words), known or unknown is a WHAT. The right HOW/WHY is in love.