Study Desk

The secret things in their hearts will be made known. So they will bow down and worship God saying, "Truly, God is with you."

When you meet together, if anyone speaks in a different language, it should be only two, or not more than three, who speak. They should speak one after the other, and someone should interpret.

But if there is no interpreter, then those who speak in a different language should be quiet in the church meeting. They should speak only to themselves and to God.

Only two or three prophets should speak, and the others should judge what they say.

and if it seems good for me to go also, they will go along with me.

You know that the family of Stephanas were the first believers in Southern Greece and that they have given themselves to the service of God's people. I ask you, brothers and sisters,

I am happy that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come. You are not here, but they have filled your place.

They have refreshed my spirit and yours. You should recognize the value of people like these.

But their minds were closed, and even today that same covering hides the meaning when they read the old agreement. That covering is taken away only through Christ.

But we have turned away from secret and shameful ways. We use no trickery, and we do not change the teaching of God. We teach the truth plainly, showing everyone who we are. Then they can know in their hearts what kind of people we are in God's sight.

Christ died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from the dead so that they would live for him.

The temple of God cannot have any agreement with idols, and we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live with them and walk with them. And I will be their God, and they will be my people."

They have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But they gave much because of their great joy.

I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do it.

But they begged and pleaded with us to let them share in this service for God's people.

And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. This is what God wants.

At this time you have plenty. What you have can help others who are in need. Then later, when they have plenty, they can help you when you are in need, and all will be equal.

Now about Titus—he is my partner who is working with me to help you. And about the other brothers—they are sent from the churches, and they bring glory to Christ.

So I thought I should ask these brothers to go to you before we do. They will finish getting in order the generous gift you promised so it will be ready when we come. And it will be a generous gift—not one that you did not want to give.

And when they pray, they will wish they could be with you because of the great grace that God has given you.