Scripture joins differing gifts to a shared responsibility: serve one another in love. It explains where gifts come from, why every member matters, what builds people up, and how service remains faithful to the Lord who gives it.
Use what you have received to care for others
Begin with the person your service can help. First Peter 4:10 calls each believer to use the gift received for one another, as a good steward of God’s varied grace. A steward is entrusted with something to administer for another’s purposes. What God gives you therefore carries a responsibility to put it to use. The passage directs attention toward the good another person receives through your faithfulness.
This service grows from God’s mercy. Ephesians 2:1–10 moves from people dead in sins to people made alive with Christ because of God’s great love. Salvation is his gift, received through faith, and leaves no ground for boasting in works. Verse 10 then gives good works their place: those created in Christ are to walk in them. Serve as someone who has received grace and now belongs to Christ; your work expresses the new life he gives.
Peter places the use of gifts within a whole manner of life. Because the end is near, believers should pray with sober attention, love fervently, and offer hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:7–9). Gifts belong within those relationships. Prayer is itself real work for another’s good: among his fellow workers, Paul commends Epaphras for laboring in prayer that the believers may stand mature and complete in God’s will (Colossians 4:7–13). Pray for the people you serve, seeking their faithfulness to God as well as attending to their immediate needs.
Both speaking and practical service depend on God. First Peter 4:11 tells the speaker to speak as God’s oracles—his utterances—and the one who serves to serve from the strength God supplies. Handle God’s truth faithfully and approach the work with reliance on him. Peter states the purpose: God is to be glorified through Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1–3 likewise moves from offering your whole embodied life to God toward a renewed mind and a sober estimate of yourself. Gratitude, dependence, and teachability belong at the beginning of service.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press
Let Jesus shape the way you serve
Jesus teaches his disciples to pursue greatness through serving others. In Mark 10:35–45, James and John ask for the places beside him in glory, and the other ten become indignant. Jesus first speaks of the suffering they will share, then contrasts the rulers who exercise lordship with the servant’s place among his followers. He gives the decisive reason: the Son of man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. His death has a saving purpose that belongs uniquely to him; it also gives his disciples the pattern of seeking another’s good at cost to themselves.
John 13:1–17 makes that humility visible. Jesus knows that he has come from God and is returning to God, yet he takes a towel and washes his disciples’ feet. When Peter refuses, Jesus tells him that he must receive Jesus’ washing to have a share with him. Service begins with receiving what the Lord does for you. Jesus then explains his action: if their Lord and Teacher has washed their feet, they ought to wash one another’s feet. He deliberately joins his authority to the lowly task and says that blessing belongs to doing what they now know. Attend willingly to another person’s needs, including work that brings little recognition.
Serve together with the same humility. In 1 Corinthians 3:1–9, rival loyalties to Paul and Apollos reveal the congregation’s immaturity. Paul describes himself as planting and Apollos as watering, while God gives the growth. Their different labors belong to one work under God. Verses 10–17 add that this work must be built carefully on Jesus Christ and will be judged. Appreciate another servant’s contribution, carry out your own responsibility, and depend on God for the fruit. The people being served belong to him.
Receive your place among the body’s differing members
Recognize the giver before comparing the gifts. First Corinthians 12:1–3 recalls the Corinthians’ former attachment to speechless idols and directs them to the confession that Jesus is Lord through the Holy Spirit. Paul then names varieties of gifts, services, and workings, all from the same Spirit, Lord, and God (verses 4–6). The difference between gifts belongs within a common allegiance to Christ. Spiritual service should agree with who he is and lead people to honor him.
Paul makes both variety and purpose explicit in 1 Corinthians 12:7–11. He names wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, kinds of tongues, and their interpretation. The Spirit gives the manifestation to each for benefit and distributes as he wills. This list shows the range of the Spirit’s work in Corinth; it does not say that every believer receives every gift or that a person controls the distribution. Romans 12:4–8 likewise places prophecy beside serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and showing mercy. God’s grace supplies differing forms of help within one body.
Your difference from another member is no reason to withdraw. In 1 Corinthians 12:12–20, all have been brought into one body by one Spirit, across the divisions of Jew and Gentile, slave and free. Paul imagines a foot refusing to belong because it is not a hand, and an ear because it is not an eye. Their conclusion would leave the body without the very differences it needs. God has arranged the members. Receive your belonging in Christ and contribute the help you can give.
The same body also requires you to receive other people’s help. The eye cannot dismiss the hand, and the head cannot dismiss the feet (1 Corinthians 12:21–26). Members that seem weaker are necessary; God gives special honor where it is lacking so that the members care for one another. Paul carries the picture into shared suffering and shared joy. Value people whose work is less visible, respond to their needs, and rejoice when they are honored. The passage concerns the worth and care of the people themselves, as well as the tasks they perform.
Different responsibilities remain within that common belonging. First Corinthians 12:27–31 names apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, governments, and tongues, then asks whether all are apostles, all heal, or all speak with tongues. The questions expect no. The words “helps” and “governments” describe assisting and directing work within this varied body; the list does not supply a detailed definition of every role. Take the responsibilities actually given you seriously and honor the differing work of others. Paul’s call to desire the greater gifts leads directly into the way of love.
Further study: Frank L. Crouch · Frank L. Crouch · Biblical Studies Press
Make love the character of every gift
Love is essential to the value of your service. First Corinthians 13:1–3 imagines speech at its most extraordinary, knowledge of every mystery, mountain-moving faith, the giving away of all possessions, and even surrendering the body. Without charity, Paul says, these gain him nothing. Here “charity” means love; it includes far more than giving money. The argument reaches even the acts that appear most impressive or sacrificial. God calls you to seek the good of the people you serve, with a heart directed toward them.
Paul explains the conduct of that love in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. It is patient and kind, does not envy or parade itself, and does not insist on its own advantage. It rejoices with truth and endures. These qualities shape how a gift is used: teach patiently, help kindly, give without making yourself the center, and continue seeking another person’s good through difficulty. Because love rejoices in truth rather than wrongdoing, its patience remains morally serious. It seeks what is good for the person.
Love also puts gifts in their proper place over time. First Corinthians 13:8–13 contrasts enduring love with prophecy and knowledge that are partial and will pass away. Paul compares the present with childhood and an indistinct reflection in a mirror; the coming fullness is described as seeing face to face and knowing fully. The comparison gives a reason for humility about present understanding and for making love central now. These temporary means serve God’s people on the way to fullness; they must serve the love that endures.
Cultivate the character the Spirit produces as you develop the work you do. Galatians 5:13–26 calls believers to serve one another through love and describes the Spirit’s fruit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are a shared calling. Romans 12:9–16 brings that love into affection, honor, diligence, prayer, generosity, hospitality, and sharing others’ joy and grief. Differing gifts give these responsibilities varied expression; they do not remove the shared duty to love.
Further study: Frank L. Crouch
Give yourself to useful work and keep learning
Put the responsibility you recognize into practice. Romans 12:6–8 directs the one who serves to attend to serving, the teacher to teaching, and the encourager to exhortation. Giving is to be sincere, leadership diligent, and mercy cheerful. The emphasis falls on doing the work in a fitting manner. You can begin with Scripture’s clear duties, the needs of others, and the ability and opportunity you have, while receiving the help and judgment of fellow believers. As you take part in that shared work, learn where your contribution is useful and receive correction that helps you serve more faithfully.
Practical care deserves thoughtful organization and trustworthy workers. In Acts 6:1–7, the widows among the Greek-speaking believers are being neglected in the daily distribution. The apostles have the community choose seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, and appoint them to this responsibility while they continue in prayer and the ministry of the word. The need is addressed through shared, differentiated work. This particular appointment lets both forms of service receive faithful attention. Care for neglected people and attention to the workers’ character show how seriously practical service is taken.
Acts 9:36–43 gives another example in Tabitha, a disciple known for good works and help for the poor. At her death, the widows show Peter the garments she made while with them. Her practical work has mattered to particular people. Peter prays, God restores her to life, and many believe in the Lord. The account honors her care while directing faith toward the Lord’s power. Her recorded work helps you recognize the value of service that meets material needs.
Skill can also serve an entrusted purpose. Exodus 35:30–36:7 describes God giving Bezaleel and Aholiab wisdom in craftsmanship and the ability to teach others for the sanctuary work. They work according to what God commanded, while the people supply materials until enough has been given. This is a particular calling in Israel’s tabernacle history. It honors skilled work and willing cooperation without declaring every later ability a separately named spiritual gift. Give the abilities you have sustained attention and direct them toward faithful, useful work.
A gift is to be cultivated with disciplined faithfulness. In 1 Timothy 4:6–16, Timothy is told to be nourished in sound teaching, train in godliness, set an example in conduct, and attend to Scripture reading, exhortation, and teaching. The instruction not to neglect his gift stands inside that larger charge. He is to give himself to the work so that his progress becomes evident and to watch both his life and his doctrine. Second Timothy 1:3–14 again calls him to stir up God’s gift, joined to power, love, sound judgment, courage in suffering, and holding the received teaching. Timothy’s commissioning is particular to him; his gift does not make learning, practice, or dependence on God unnecessary.
Receive instruction as you serve. Acts 18:24–28 describes Apollos as eloquent and strong in Scripture, yet knowing only John’s baptism. Aquila and Priscilla explain God’s way more accurately to him; the believers then commend him, and he helps others by showing from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ. His ability and further learning belong together. Where service involves an appointed office, the qualifications also matter: 1 Timothy 3:1–13 requires proven character, responsible conduct, and, for the overseer, ability to teach. Develop your contribution within the truth, relationships, and responsibilities Scripture gives.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press
Help people understand the truth and grow in Christ
Ask what your contribution helps people become. Ephesians 4:1–6 begins with humility, patience, love, peace, and the unity belonging to one Lord, one faith, and one body. Verses 7–12 then present the ascended Christ as giver of grace and of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the preparation of his people and the building of his body. Their work has a stated direction: unity in faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and maturity (verse 13). Christian service seeks people’s growing faithfulness to Christ.
That maturity includes understanding which teaching to trust. Ephesians 4:14–16 pictures immaturity as being tossed about by changing teaching and deceit. The answer is speaking truth in love and growing into Christ, the head, from whom the whole body receives its joined life and growth. Each part contributes as the body builds itself in love. Colossians 3:12–17 gives this shared life concrete expression: compassion and forgiveness surround the call to let Christ’s word dwell richly among believers as they teach, admonish, and sing. Learn the truth well enough to help others understand it, and give that help with the patience and kindness the same passages require.
Building others up also shapes the use of your freedom. In Romans 14:13–15:7, Paul addresses disagreements over food and the danger of pressing another believer to act against conscience. He calls the strong to bear the weak, seek their neighbor’s good for edification, and receive one another as Christ has received them. Christ himself did not seek his own pleasure. Help that strengthens another’s faith may therefore involve yielding something you are free to do. Attend to the person’s good before insisting on your own advantage.
In 1 Corinthians 14:1–5, Paul applies love to the use of prophecy and tongues. Prophecy addresses people for edification, exhortation, and comfort; an uninterpreted tongue is not understood by the others. The word “edification” means building up: strengthening people in the life of faith. Paul values what the congregation can receive. He says that interpretation allows a tongue to serve this same aim. His preference for prophecy in this setting is explained by its benefit to the hearers, rather than by the speaker’s prominence.
Paul makes the need for understanding unmistakable in 1 Corinthians 14:6–19. A pipe or harp needs distinct notes for a tune to be recognized; an unclear trumpet signal cannot summon people to battle. In the same way, words without understood meaning leave hearers unable to receive the message. A person who cannot understand a prayer cannot join its thanksgiving with an informed Amen. Paul therefore prefers five understandable words that teach others to ten thousand in a tongue in the church. Prepare your speaking with the listener in view: communicate faithfully and clearly enough that others can learn, respond, and give thanks.
This concern includes people entering the gathering. In 1 Corinthians 14:20–25, Paul recalls Isaiah’s warning about speech that unbelieving people would still refuse to hear (Isaiah 28:7–13). He then contrasts a gathering of uninterpreted tongues, which outsiders may call madness, with intelligible prophecy that exposes the heart and brings recognition of God’s presence. Calling something a sign for unbelievers does not make it automatically helpful to them. Seek understanding that serves the hearer; Paul’s account of conviction shows what the truth can do, without promising that every visitor will respond identically.
Further study: Lionel J. Windsor · Biblical Studies Press · Vern S. Poythress
Exercise gifts with order and accountable judgment
Order gives others room to receive and contribute. First Corinthians 14:26–33 requires everything in the gathering to serve edification. Tongue-speakers are limited to two or at most three, speaking in turn, with interpretation; without an interpreter, the speaker is to be silent in the church and speak to himself and to God. Prophets also speak two or three, while others judge what is said. A speaker is to yield when a revelation comes to another, so that all may learn and be encouraged. The stated reason is that God is the God of peace. A claimed gift remains subject to these instructions; service includes knowing when to listen and yield.
Spiritual claims are to be examined. First Thessalonians 5:19–22 tells the church neither to quench the Spirit nor despise prophecies, and then commands testing and holding fast to what is good. Receptivity and discernment belong together. First John 4:1–6 explains why testing matters: false prophets exist, and the confession of Jesus Christ come in the flesh is decisive. John also distinguishes hearing the true testimony from following the world’s message. Attend to what is actually taught about Christ and whether it agrees with the apostolic word.
The complete assembly instructions also address women’s speech. First Corinthians 14:34–35 directs women to silence and submission in the churches and directs questions to their husbands at home. First Corinthians 11:2–16, however, regulates women praying and prophesying, and 1 Timothy 2:11–14 joins a command for women to learn with a restriction on teaching and authority over a man, supported by reference to Adam and Eve. These passages require careful attention to the kind of speech and authority in view. The precise scope of the silence is disputed; the further study compares the principal explanations. A gift is exercised within the Lord’s instruction. Scripture also positively gives older women the work of teaching what is good to younger women (Titus 2:3–5), and records Aquila and Priscilla instructing Apollos (Acts 18:24–28).
Paul closes by making the source of authority clear. Anyone claiming to be prophetic or spiritual must acknowledge his written instruction as the Lord’s command (1 Corinthians 14:36–40). He then tells the Corinthians to desire prophecy, not to forbid tongues, and to do everything fittingly and in order. Christians differ over whether all these gifts continue today and how those commands apply after the church’s foundational period. The commands themselves must remain part of the discussion. Whatever claim is being considered, the passage gives no permission to set it above the apostolic teaching or apart from love, understanding, and peace.
Further study: Thomas R. Schreiner · Andrew Wilson · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · D. A. Carson
Serve faithfully with the Lord’s judgment and promise in view
Treat what has been entrusted to you as a responsibility before the Lord. In Matthew 25:14–30, a departing master gives his servants different amounts of money and returns to reckon with them. The servants entrusted with five and two talents receive the same commendation for faithfulness; the servant who buries the money is judged for leaving the charge unused. The word “talents” here refers to amounts of money, not the modern term for personal abilities. The parable teaches active faithfulness while awaiting the master’s return. Applied to service, it directs you to use what you have been entrusted with, while leaving the size of another person’s charge to the giver.
Seek faithfulness under the Lord’s judgment. In 1 Corinthians 4:1–7, Paul calls himself and his fellow ministers stewards of God’s mysteries and says that stewards must be faithful. He refuses to treat either the Corinthians’ verdict or his own clear conscience as the final judgment; the Lord will reveal the purposes of hearts. Paul then asks what anyone possesses that was not received. These are words about his ministry within a divided church. They teach a grateful, accountable manner of service: attend to the work and leave final praise to the Lord who knows it fully.
Give willingly from what you actually have. In 2 Corinthians 8:1–15, Paul commends the Macedonians’ generous response in poverty, recalls Christ’s grace, and urges the Corinthians to finish their promised help. He explains that willing giving is accepted according to what a person has, not what he lacks, and seeks provision for need rather than ease for some at others’ expense. The particular subject is a relief collection. Its reasoning helps you serve with generosity, honest attention to your means, and readiness for reciprocal care. Receiving help when you need it also belongs to life in the body.
Continue in love with hope. Hebrews 6:9–12 says that God does not forget the work and love shown toward his name in service to his people, and urges that diligence to continue. First Corinthians 15:50–58 gives a still greater reason for perseverance: God will raise and transform his people, overcoming death through Jesus Christ. Because of that victory, Paul calls believers to abound in the Lord’s work, knowing their labor is not empty. Serve the people before you with the strength God supplies, thankful that their growth, the Lord’s glory, and his promised future give the work its lasting purpose.
Read the passages
Scripture in context
45 contextual selections for this subject, including the passages cited above and further related reading. Every selected range is reproduced in full from the KJV. Context notes identify the setting and kind of evidence.
Covenant sanctuary narrative 1 selections
Exodus 35:30–36:7 KJV · In this guide
Context: Moses identifies Spirit-given wisdom and teaching for sanctuary craft; willing workers and gifts supply enough for the commanded work.
35:30 And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
35:31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
35:32 And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
35:33 And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.
35:34 And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
35:35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
36:1 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
36:2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:
36:3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.
36:4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;
36:5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.
36:6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.
36:7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
Covenant prophecy instruction and law 1 selections
Deuteronomy 18:15–22 KJV
Context: The promise of a prophet like Moses leads to accountability for speaking God’s words and the test and judicial penalty for presumptuous speech.
18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
18:16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
18:17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
18:21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Prophetic rebuke 1 selections
Isaiah 28:7–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: The oracle exposes intoxicated priest and prophet, refused instruction, and foreign speech associated with judgment.
28:7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
28:8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Prophetic promise 1 selections
Joel 2:28–32 KJV
Context: The Spirit promise reaches sons, daughters, old, young, and servants, with cosmic signs, the day of the LORD, and deliverance.
2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
2:30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Parable of accountability 1 selections
Matthew 25:14–30 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete talents parable in Jesus’ discourse about readiness describes entrusted property, a long absence, reckoning, commendation, and judgment.
25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Gospel narrative and direct instruction 2 selections
Mark 10:35–45 KJV · In this guide
Context: James and John seek seats of glory; Jesus speaks of suffering and answers the disciples’ rivalry with the servant’s place and his ransom.
10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
10:36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
10:37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
10:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
10:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
10:40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
10:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
John 13:1–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus’ knowledge of his departure and authority frames the washing, Peter’s resistance, the cleansing saying, and the command to follow his example.
13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Foundational gospel narrative and apostolic sermon 1 selections
Acts 2:1–41 KJV
Context: Pentecost’s audible events, identified languages, Joel citation, death and resurrection proclamation, exalted Christ, and the hearers’ response belong together.
2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans?
2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Church narrative 1 selections
Acts 6:1–7 KJV · In this guide
Context: Neglect in the daily distribution prompts a communal selection and apostolic appointment; prayer, word, and care all receive attention.
6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
6:6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Miracle narrative 1 selections
Acts 9:36–43 KJV · In this guide
Context: Tabitha’s good works, death, remembered garments, restoration through Peter’s prayer, and the resulting faith in Joppa form the episode.
9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
9:37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
9:42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
9:43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Mission and prophecy narrative 2 selections
Acts 11:19–30 KJV
Context: Antioch’s growth, Barnabas and Saul’s teaching, Agabus’s famine prophecy and its fulfillment, and relief to Judea are narrated together.
11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar.
11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa:
11:30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 21:1–16 KJV
Context: Paul’s journey includes Spirit-related warnings, Philip’s prophesying daughters, Agabus’s acted prediction, pleas to Paul, and his continued journey.
21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
21:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
21:6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
21:7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus.
21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
21:12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
21:15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Cæsarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Mission narrative 1 selections
Acts 18:24–28 KJV · In this guide
Context: The whole Apollos episode gives his strengths, limited baptism knowledge, Aquila and Priscilla’s instruction, commendation, and subsequent help.
18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Arrest narrative 1 selections
Acts 21:27–36 KJV
Context: A false accusation provokes a mob; Roman soldiers intervene, bind Paul, and bring him to the fortress.
21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
21:29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
21:30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
21:31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
21:32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
21:33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
21:34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
21:35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
21:36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
Retrospective narrative speech 1 selections
Acts 28:17–22 KJV
Context: Paul’s first meeting with Rome’s Jewish leaders summarizes his custody, appeal, and Israel’s hope; they request a fuller hearing.
28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
28:19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
28:21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judæa concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
Apostolic instruction 3 selections
Romans 12:1–8 KJV · In this guide
Context: An appeal grounded in God’s mercies moves through embodied worship, renewal, sober judgment, and differing gifts in one body.
12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul begins the gifts discussion with allegiance to Jesus and the one divine source of different manifestations for benefit.
12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 John 4:1–6 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete false-prophets paragraph tests spiritual claims by confession of Christ come in the flesh and hearing the true testimony.
4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
Shared Christian instruction 5 selections
Romans 12:9–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: The gifts discussion leads into sincere love, mutual honor, help, hospitality, peace, and overcoming evil with good.
12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
12:20 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.
12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Galatians 5:13–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: Christian freedom is directed into love, followed by the contrast of flesh and Spirit and the call to walk by the Spirit.
5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Colossians 3:12–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Compassion, forgiveness, love, peace, and thanksgiving surround mutual teaching, admonition, and song.
3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
3:17 And what soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–24 KJV · In this guide
Context: The closing community exhortations join regard for workers, patience, help, prayer, prophecy-testing, and God’s preserving faithfulness.
5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
5:16 Rejoice evermore.
5:17 Pray without ceasing.
5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
1 Peter 4:7–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: The nearness of the end grounds sober prayer, fervent love, hospitality, and mutual use of grace; the unit ends in praise through Jesus Christ.
4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Apostolic ethical instruction 1 selections
Romans 14:13–15:7 KJV · In this guide
Context: The discussion of food and conscience moves from avoiding a stumbling block to bearing the weak, seeking edification, and receiving others as Christ has received them.
14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
14:21 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.
14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Apostolic thanksgiving 1 selections
1 Corinthians 1:4–9 KJV
Context: The opening thanksgiving joins grace, speech, knowledge, gifts, waiting for Christ, and God’s faithfulness.
1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Apostolic correction and metaphor 1 selections
1 Corinthians 3:1–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Factions around Paul and Apollos lead to farming and building images, Christ as foundation, judgment of work, and the congregation as God’s temple.
3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Apostolic self-description and correction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 4:1–7 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul and Apollos are understood as stewards under the Lord’s judgment; the application challenges boasting over what was received.
4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Assembly-related instruction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 11:2–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: The full head-covering argument addresses men and women praying or prophesying, honor, creation, mutual dependence, and church practice.
11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Apostolic argument and metaphor 1 selections
1 Corinthians 12:12–31 KJV · In this guide
Context: The body analogy answers self-exclusion and dismissal of others, then names different functions and leads into the way of love.
12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Apostolic argument 2 selections
1 Corinthians 13:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete love chapter connects the gifts discussion to their regulation, contrasting impressive action without love and present partiality with enduring love.
13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
13:2 And 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.
13:3 And 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.
13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
13:8 Charity 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.
13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
13:11 When 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.
13:12 For 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.
13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Ephesians 2:1–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: The movement from death in sins to life with Christ concludes with salvation by grace and a life created for good works.
2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Apostolic instruction and argument 1 selections
1 Corinthians 14:1–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: Prophecy and tongues are compared through edification, musical and language analogies, understanding in prayer, Isaiah’s warning, and the outsider’s response.
14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
14:2 For 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.
14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
14:5 I 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.
14:6 Now, 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?
14:7 And 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?
14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
14:9 So 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.
14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
14:11 Therefore 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.
14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
14:15 What 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.
14:16 Else 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?
14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
14:19 Yet 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.
14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
14:21 In 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.
14:22 Wherefore 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.
14:23 If 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?
14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
14:25 And 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.
Apostolic assembly instruction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 14:26–40 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete closing regulations cover edification, turns, interpretation, testing, silence, women’s speech, apostolic authority, desire for gifts, and order.
14:26 How 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.
14:27 If 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.
14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
14:34 Let 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.
14:35 And 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.
14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
14:37 If 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.
14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Resurrection teaching and exhortation 1 selections
1 Corinthians 15:50–58 KJV · In this guide
Context: The closing resurrection argument describes transformation, victory over death through Christ, and the resulting call to steadfast labor.
15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
15:52 In 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.
15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
15:54 So 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.
15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
15:58 Therefore, 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.
Apostolic counsel about a relief collection 1 selections
2 Corinthians 8:1–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: The Macedonians’ gift, Christ’s grace, and the Corinthians’ earlier willingness lead to counsel on completing relief according to means and supplying need.
8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
8:13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
8:15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Apostolic theological argument 1 selections
Ephesians 2:11–3:13 KJV
Context: Gentile inclusion through Christ’s cross leads to one temple on the apostolic-prophetic foundation and Paul’s account of the revealed mystery.
2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Apostolic instruction and body metaphor 1 selections
Ephesians 4:1–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: The appeal to preserve Spirit-given unity leads into grace from the ascended Christ, ministry gifts, maturity, truth in love, and every part’s contribution.
4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Epistolary commendation and instruction 1 selections
Colossians 4:7–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul closes with named coworkers, Epaphras’s prayer, arrangements for letters and gatherings, and a charge to Archippus to fulfill his ministry.
4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Worship and teaching instruction 1 selections
1 Timothy 2:1–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: Prayer and God’s saving purpose lead into men’s conduct, women’s good works, learning, a teaching restriction, and Adam/Eve reasoning.
2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
2:7 Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Office-specific instruction 1 selections
1 Timothy 3:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Qualifications for overseers and deacons specify character, household conduct, reputation, and testing.
3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Charge to an entrusted minister 1 selections
1 Timothy 4:6–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Timothy is charged to nourish himself in sound teaching, practice godliness, teach, exemplify, attend to his gift, and persevere.
4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
4:11 These things command and teach.
4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Personal apostolic charge 1 selections
2 Timothy 1:3–14 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul’s thanksgiving for Timothy’s faith leads to rekindling the gift, courage in suffering, God’s saving purpose, and guarding sound teaching by the Spirit.
1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
1:11 Where unto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
Group-specific Christian instruction 1 selections
Titus 2:1–8 KJV · In this guide
Context: Titus is to teach sound doctrine through instructions for older men, older women, younger women, and younger men with his own example.
2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Exhortation and historical testimony 1 selections
Hebrews 2:1–4 KJV
Context: A warning against neglecting salvation recalls the Lord’s announcement, eyewitness confirmation, and God’s attesting signs and distributions of the Spirit.
2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Congregational exhortation 1 selections
Hebrews 6:9–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: After a severe warning, the author encourages the beloved hearers by their loving service and calls for persevering faith and hope.
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Go deeper
Sources & interpretation
The teaching starts with the cited Scripture. These consulted works inform wording, context, and interpretive questions. No qualified human review has been recorded for this guide.
Do all the gifts described in the first churches continue today?
Paul commands pursuit and regulated use of gifts, places the Corinthians’ gifts within waiting for Christ, and describes the passing of partial knowledge at fullness. Ephesians identifies an apostolic-prophetic foundation; Hebrews recalls attesting signs.
- Continuation: Wilson argues that repeated commands and the era from Pentecost to Christ’s return sustain the expectation of gifts, including prophecy.
- Cessation: Schreiner argues that prophecy’s divine authority and foundational purpose distinguish it from ordinary ongoing service. He allows that God still heals and performs miracles.
- Some readings identify the perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10 with the completed canon. Both inspected disputants instead connect the language most naturally with the final fullness associated with Christ’s return.
UNRESOLVED as a complete present-gifts policy. PROBABLE: the face-to-face/full-knowledge contrast points beyond the completion of a collection of writings. That conclusion alone does not settle the duration of every gift. Ephesians 2:20 does not itself state a cessation date, and the New Testament commands cannot simply be omitted. The main article preserves both the commands and the material question without declaring an owner position.
Further study: Thomas R. Schreiner · Andrew Wilson
Further examination: How does each argument account for both the church’s foundation and the commands and purposes in 1 Corinthians 14? Which steps are direct statements, and which depend on a wider inference?
What is being tested when a prophecy is judged?
Deuteronomy 18 requires truthfulness from one speaking for God. Acts 11 expressly reports fulfillment. Acts 21 predicts Jewish binding and delivery, narrates Roman binding, and distinguishes Agabus’s prediction from the hearers’ appeal; Acts 28:17 summarizes Paul as delivered into Roman hands. Paul requires judgment of prophetic speech.
- All true prophecy communicates an inerrant word from God; testing distinguishes genuine speech from false prophecy. Schreiner reads the Acts accounts as compatible and separates the warning of suffering from the hearers’ advice.
- The New Testament uses prophecy more broadly than foundational revelation. Wilson and Carson allow assessed, Spirit-prompted speech whose human expression is fallible, while preserving the authority of apostolic teaching.
UNRESOLVED concerning whether true New Testament prophecy can include human error. STRONG: an attributed spiritual source never exempts speech from examination or places it over the apostolic word. The wording through the Spirit in Acts 21:4 is a real difficulty for separating revelation from response; an account must explain it, not delete it. Israel’s judicial penalty is not transferred to Christian congregations.
Further study: Thomas R. Schreiner · Andrew Wilson · D. A. Carson
Further examination: Does judging a prophecy require that authentic prophecy can contain error, or can it distinguish the authentic from the false? How do the actual wording and narrative purposes of Acts 21 and 28 constrain either answer?
What does speaking in tongues describe, and what remains clear about its use?
Acts 2 identifies languages recognized by hearers. First Corinthians 14 describes speech not understood by others and requiring interpretation for their edification. The KJV’s unknown in 14:2 is a supplied word, not an additional Greek adjective. First Corinthians 13:1 introduces an expansive hypothetical comparison, not an explicit identification of every tongue as angelic.
- Corinthian tongues are human languages unknown to the speaker or those present; Acts 2 provides a concrete comparison.
- The Corinthian phenomenon may include utterance beyond ordinarily identified human languages. Poythress explores an even broader category of language-like vocalization, explicitly reasoning from possibility rather than a narrated occurrence.
UNRESOLVED as to the full linguistic classification and the identity of any modern instance. VERY_STRONG: assembly speech needs interpretation to edify; speakers take turns, and without an interpreter they keep silence in the assembly. The gift is not said to be possessed by every member. The main article teaches these constraints without validating a present claim.
Further study: Vern S. Poythress · Biblical Studies Press
Further examination: What can be concluded from the identified languages in Acts and from the need for interpretation in Corinth? Which further claims would require evidence the texts do not supply?
How do the instructions about women’s speech belong together?
First Corinthians 11:5 regulates a woman praying or prophesying. First Corinthians 14:34–35 requires silence and submission and directs questions to husbands at home. First Timothy 2:11–14 commands learning, restricts teaching/authority over a man, and appeals to creation. Titus and Acts positively describe particular teaching and prophetic participation.
- A restriction on authoritative evaluation of prophecy, favored by Carson and the NET notes, relates the silence to 14:29 while retaining women’s prophecy.
- A restriction on particular questions or disruptive speech takes 14:35 as its closest explanation; the exact social reconstruction is disputed and the text does not say all women were uneducated.
- A wider prohibition of public teaching or assembly speech distinguishes the setting or nature of the activity in 11:5. A total silence reading must explain why that earlier activity is regulated.
- Some scholars propose a later interpolation, as reported and opposed in the inspected textual discussions; this package retains the complete pinned passage and does not assume omission resolves interpretation.
PROBABLE: the restriction concerns a specified kind of speech rather than eliminating every form of female verbal ministry, given 11:5 and the other selected units. The precise scope remains UNRESOLVED here. The command is stated openly; no particular denomination’s comprehensive office policy is attributed to the owner. The full argument must explain both passages and their stated reasons.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · D. A. Carson
Further examination: Which interpretation best accounts for questions at home, submission, the immediate prophecy context, and the women praying or prophesying in 11:5 without assuming an unstated cultural story?
Who performs the work of ministry in Ephesians 4:12?
Verse 11 names Christ’s gifts of persons; verse 12 relates them to preparation, ministry, and building. Verses 13–16 explain the goal in knowledge, maturity, truth in love, and each part’s contribution.
- The gifted leaders equip all believers for the work of ministry and building up the body.
- The phrases identify several connected tasks of the leaders, including equipping and ministry.
- Windsor proposes that the saints here are early Jewish believers who bring the gospel to the nations, with the whole body’s shared truth and love following in verses 15–16.
PROBABLE: the equip-for-ministry connection fits the progression from each recipient of grace to each part working. STRONG: the body’s shared contribution is explicit in verse 16 regardless of the narrower syntax debate. The main article therefore explains the stated goal and shared growth without making a disputed Greek-word definition carry a complete structure of offices.
Further study: Lionel J. Windsor
Further examination: How do verses 7, 13, and 16 help assess the scope of the saints and ministry in verse 12? What shared responsibility is clear even before that grammatical question is settled?
How should gifts be recognized without turning the lists into a rigid inventory?
The lists differ, join various forms of service, and direct recipients to use what they receive. The Spirit distributes; Timothy practices and progresses; Apollos learns; appointed leaders require qualifications.
- Treat the lists as a complete taxonomy and require an individual to identify one fixed label before beginning service.
- Treat them as concrete descriptions and instructions that establish varied grace and useful service without supplying an exhaustive diagnostic method.
- Treat every ordinary ability as automatically identical to one of the listed gifts.
STRONG: the second approach keeps the actual instructions. The passages do not prescribe a questionnaire, one lifetime gift per person, or a prerequisite private experience for every form of help. Nor do they deny that God can use developed abilities. Begin with known duties, attend to real needs, practice, receive correction and communal recognition, and respect the qualifications of particular responsibilities.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Frank L. Crouch
Further examination: What do these texts actually ask the recipient to do? How can usefulness, character, understanding, and other believers’ judgment contribute without being made a new biblical test or guarantee?
Does Jesus’ example require a continuing practice of literal footwashing?
Jesus actually washes feet and explicitly tells the disciples that they ought to wash one another’s feet and do as he has done. His explanation rests on the servant not being greater than the Lord.
- The instruction institutes a continuing practice of literal footwashing that also teaches humble service.
- The action and command establish a pattern of humble mutual care, expressed through needs and occasions rather than a universally required rite.
UNRESOLVED concerning a universal ritual requirement; STRONG concerning the required humility and actual care. The main article retains the concrete action and command rather than silently substituting an abstraction. No external historical or denominational survey is claimed for this narrower question.
Further examination: How does the phrase do as I have done relate the particular action to Jesus’ stated reason? What obligation is shared by both readings, and what further evidence would establish a universal rite?
- NET Bible: 1 Peter 4:10, translator note 1
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Explains mutual serving as continuing the command begun in verse 7.
What was reviewed
Verse and complete note 1. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Brief grammatical note; the KJV unit supplies the article’s fuller argument.
- NET Bible: Romans 12:6, translator note 1
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Connects gifts with grace; renders the prophecy qualification in relation to the individual’s faith.
What was reviewed
Verse, displayed translations, and complete note 1. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
No full lexical work was read; the note does not settle every interpretation of proportion of faith.
- Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Frank L. Crouch · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2025-01-19
Relates the one giver and common benefit to Corinth’s factionalism.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body and Epilogue. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Its extension of common good to the whole creation exceeds this unit’s immediate scope. Galatians 5’s fruit is not treated as another interchangeable gifts list.
- Commentary on 1 Corinthians 12:12–31a
Frank L. Crouch · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2025-01-26
Emphasizes differing members, mutual honor, and care in suffering.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body and Epilogue. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Contemporary illustrations are not borrowed. Its collective 12:14–19 locator is narrowed to verse 21 for the eye/hand statement; fellowship is at 1:9, not its 1:8 citation.
- The Work of Ministry in Ephesians 4:12
Lionel J. Windsor · In Tend My Sheep: The Word of God and Pastoral Ministry, ed. Keith G. Condie; Latimer Trust, pp. 1–25 · 2016
Distinguishes word meaning from ethical context; compares the syntax of 4:12 and proposes early Jewish believers as the saints.
What was reviewed
Author-hosted PDF: opening pp. 1–9; sections 1.3.1–1.3.2, pp. 11–15; section 1.5 and opening of 1.6, pp. 18–21; concluding paragraph p. 23. Author publication page checked for edition. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Partial chapter reading. His restricted identification of saints is not adopted; the main teaching rests also on 4:15–16. Collins, Robinson, and cited commentaries were not independently read.
- NET Bible: 1 Corinthians 14:2, note and translation comparison
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Checks the supplied word unknown and records the Spirit/spirit rendering alternative.
What was reviewed
Verse, KJV supplied-word display, displayed translations, and complete note 1. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
The note does not establish which modern phenomena correspond to Corinthian tongues.
- The Boundaries of the Gift of Tongues: With Implications for Cessationism and Continuationism
Vern S. Poythress · Themelios 44/1 · 2019
Distinguishes recognized languages from proposed wider categories and labels his reconstruction tentative.
What was reviewed
Sections 1–4, 5.1–5.2 and opening of 5.3 through its first discussion of differing effects. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
His inference that modern-like vocalization may have occurred at Corinth is a possibility, not recorded history. Linguistic studies he cites were not separately read.
- It All Depends Upon Prophecy: A Brief Case for Nuanced Cessationism
Thomas R. Schreiner · Themelios 44/1 · 2019
Argues from truthful prophecy and the church’s foundation to cessation; grants that the perfect in 1 Corinthians 13 most naturally concerns Christ’s return.
What was reviewed
Complete introduction, numbered sections 1–8, and notes 1–10, retrieved directly from the public article after the web reader returned 403. Accessed 2026-09-25.
A defended position, not consensus. His cited books and historical claim about gradual cessation were not independently verified; no denial of God’s present power to heal is attributed to him.
- The Continuation of the Charismata
Andrew Wilson · Themelios 44/1 · 2019
Argues from repeated commands, the last-days setting, and the varied uses of prophecy for continuing gifts.
What was reviewed
Complete sections 1–4 and notes 1–17. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Patristic reports and the Spurgeon story are cited by him but not independently read or used as established events here. The guide does not adopt his claim that the foundation argument is decisively defeated.
- NET Bible: 1 Corinthians 14:34, notes 1–2
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Compares women/wives and prefers restriction on evaluating prophecy in relation to 11:2–16.
What was reviewed
Verse and both complete translator/study notes. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
The preferred scope is an interpretation; it is not inserted into Paul’s wording as an explicit statement.
- NET Bible: 1 Corinthians 14:35, textual note 1
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Records the displacement evidence and the competing interpolation proposal.
What was reviewed
Verse and opening of note 1 through the discussion of an early marginal gloss and comparison with other variants. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Partial note. Manuscripts and Fee/Payne publications were not independently inspected; no claim to an original textual-critical study.
- Silent in the Churches: On the Role of Women in 1 Corinthians 14:33b–36
D. A. Carson · Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, chapter 6; Bible.org republication · 2005-04-12
Defends the prophecy-evaluation reading through the chapter’s sequence and compares alternative restrictions.
What was reviewed
Sections I–II; section III items 1–5; section IV and its concluding observations; notes 1 and 42–50. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Partial chapter reading. Historical generalizations and his cited books are not adopted as independently verified evidence. His interpretation of prophecy is itself disputed.
