Study Desk

Wast thou called being a bondservant? care not for it: nay, even if thou canst become free, use it rather.

For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord's freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ's bondservant.

I think therefore that this is good by reason of the distress that is upon us, namely, that it is good for a man to be as he is.

and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

But I would have you to be free from cares. He that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

but he that is married is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his wife,

and is divided. So also the woman that is unmarried and the virgin is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married is careful for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

And this I say for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is seemly, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

A wife is bound for so long time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;

For if a man see thee who hast knowledge sitting at meat in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols?

For through thy knowledge he that is weak perisheth, the brother for whose sake Christ died.

Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.

If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth,

or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking.

But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.

For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me.

For though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.