Study Desk

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head (authority over) of every man, and man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ.

A man ought not have his head covered [during worship], since he is the image and [reflected] glory of God; but the woman is [the expression of] man's glory.

For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man;

for indeed man was not created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man.

but if a woman has long hair, it is her ornament and glory? For her long hair is given to her as a covering.

But in giving this next instruction, I do not praise you, because when you meet together it is not for the better but for the worse.

But a person must [prayerfully] examine himself [and his relationship to Christ], and only when he has done so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

But if we evaluated and judged ourselves honestly [recognizing our shortcomings and correcting our behavior], we would not be judged.

But when we [fall short and] are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined [by undergoing His correction] so that we will not be condemned [to eternal punishment] along with the world.

Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers].

And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served].

And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them].

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.

For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs].

But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function].

But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body.

But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary;

while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it,

so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another.

But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal]. And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].