Some of you seem to think that I am not coming to visit you, and are putting on airs about it.

but if the Lord pleases, I will visit you very soon; and then I shall try, not what these boasters can say, but what they can do:

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

For even if there are so-called gods in heaven or on earth -- as there are, indeed, a vast number of gods and lords --

However, God was not pleased with the vast majority of them, for their bodies were scattered over the desert [See Num. 14:29ff].

[So], do not worship idols as some of them did, as it is written [Ex. 32:6], "The people sat down to feast and drink, then got up and played." [Note: This refers to the Israelites engaging in an orgy of dancing and sex. See Ex. 32:17-19].

If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.

NOW I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I have preached unto you, and which ye have received, in which also ye have stood fast;

by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.

I will visit you after I go through Macedonia, for I am only passing through Macedonia;

and I shall likely stay over with you some time, or maybe spend the winter with you, so that you may help me on to whatever points I may visit.

I do not want to visit with you now just in passing, because I hope to spend a longer time with you if the Lord permits.

But I shall stay on in Ephesus until the time of Harvest Feast.

If Timothy pays you a visit, see that he is free from fear in his relations with you; for he is engaged in the Master's work just as I am.

As for our brother Apollos, I have strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. It was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.