which none of the rulers of this age knew. For if they had known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."

Now I say to the unmarried and to the widows: [It is] good for them if they remain as I [am].

But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn [with sexual desire].

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the brother, since otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy.

But I say this, brothers: the time is shortened, that from now on even those who have wives should be as [if they] do not have [wives],

and those who weep as [if they] do not weep, and those who rejoice as [if they] do not rejoice, and those who buy as [if they] do not possess,

and those who make use of the world as [if they] do not make full use of [it]. For the present form of this world is passing away.

And everyone who competes exercises self-control in all [things]. Thus those [do so] in order that they may receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable [one].

and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed [them], and the rock was Christ.

But God was not pleased with the majority of them, for they were struck down in the desert.

[No], but that [the things] which they sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to become sharers with demons.

just as I also please all [people] in all [things], not seeking my own benefit, but the [benefit] of the many, in order that they may be saved.

Likewise also the cup, after they had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink [it], in remembrance of me."

For just as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of the body, [although they] are many, are one body, thus also Christ.

And if they all were one member, where [would] the body [be]?

Not all [are] apostles, [are they]? Not all [are] prophets, [are they]? Not all [are] teachers, [are they]? Not all [are workers of] miracles, [are they]?

Not all have gifts of healing, [do they]? Not all speak with tongues, [do they]? Not all interpret, [do they]?

Love never ends. But if [there are] prophecies, they will pass away. If [there are] tongues, they will cease. If [there is] knowledge, it will pass away.

Likewise, the inanimate things which produce a sound, whether flute or lyre, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the lyre?

In the law it is written: "By those who speak a foreign language and by the lips of others I will speak to this people, and not even in this way will they obey me," says the Lord.

Therefore, if the whole church comes together at the same [time] and all speak with tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?

the women must be silent in the churches, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but they must be in submission, just as the law also says.

But if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

Otherwise, why do they do [it], those who are being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why indeed are they being baptized on behalf of them?

But someone will say, "How are the dead raised? And with what sort of body do they come?"

And if it is worthwhile for me to go also, they will travel with me.

Now I urge you, brothers--you know about the household of Stephanas, that they are the first fruits of Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the ministry for the saints--

for they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people.