Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Body » The body of Christ
Now I rejoice in my sufferings on behalf of you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ, on behalf of his body which is the church,
For just as in one body we have many members, but all the members do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ, and {individually} members of one another, but having different gifts according to the grace given to us: if [it is] prophecy, according to the proportion of [his] faith; read more.
if [it is] service, by service; if [it is] one who teaches, by teaching; if [it is] one who exhorts, by exhortation; one who gives, with sincerity; one who leads, with diligence; one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
if [it is] service, by service; if [it is] one who teaches, by teaching; if [it is] one who exhorts, by exhortation; one who gives, with sincerity; one who leads, with diligence; one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Therefore, shall I take away the members of Christ [and] make [them] members of a prostitute? May it never be! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body [with her]? For it says, "The two will become one flesh." But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit [with him].
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread.
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. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free [persons], and all were made to drink one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. read more.
If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not [a part] of the body," not because of this is it not [a part] of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not [a part] of the body, not because of this is it not [a part] of the body. If the whole body [were] an eye, where [would] the hearing [be]? If the whole [were] hearing, where [would] the sense of smell [be]? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body just as he wanted. And if they all were one member, where [would] the body [be]? But now [there are] many members, but one body. Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, "I do not have need of you," or again, the head to the feet, "I do not have need of you." But by much more the members of the body which are thought to be weaker are necessary, and [the parts] of the body which we think to be less honorable, these we clothe with more abundant honor, and our unpresentable [parts] come to have more abundant presentability, but our presentable [parts] do not have need [of this]. Yet God composed the body by giving more abundant honor to the part which lacked [it], in order that there not be a division in the body, but the members would have the same concern for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer together; if a member is honored, all the members rejoice with [it]. Now you are the body of Christ, and members {of it individually}, and whom God has appointed in the church: first, apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues. 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]? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not [a part] of the body," not because of this is it not [a part] of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not [a part] of the body, not because of this is it not [a part] of the body. If the whole body [were] an eye, where [would] the hearing [be]? If the whole [were] hearing, where [would] the sense of smell [be]? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body just as he wanted. And if they all were one member, where [would] the body [be]? But now [there are] many members, but one body. Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, "I do not have need of you," or again, the head to the feet, "I do not have need of you." But by much more the members of the body which are thought to be weaker are necessary, and [the parts] of the body which we think to be less honorable, these we clothe with more abundant honor, and our unpresentable [parts] come to have more abundant presentability, but our presentable [parts] do not have need [of this]. Yet God composed the body by giving more abundant honor to the part which lacked [it], in order that there not be a division in the body, but the members would have the same concern for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer together; if a member is honored, all the members rejoice with [it]. Now you are the body of Christ, and members {of it individually}, and whom God has appointed in the church: first, apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues. 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]? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
and what [is] the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength which he has worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating [him] at his right hand in the heavenly [places], above all rule and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this age but also in the coming one, read more.
and he subjected all [things] under his feet and gave him [as] head over all [things] to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all [things] in every [way].
and he subjected all [things] under his feet and gave him [as] head over all [things] to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all [things] in every [way].
Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; read more.
one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling), one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who [is] over all, and through all, and in all. Now to each one of us was given this grace, according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "Ascending on high he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men." Now "he ascended," what is [it], except that he also descended to the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended himself is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all [things]. And he himself gave some [as] apostles and some [as] prophets and some [as] evangelists and some [as] pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed about by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, by the trickery of people, by craftiness with reference to the scheming of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him [with reference to] all [things], who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.
one body and one Spirit (just as also you were called with one hope of your calling), one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who [is] over all, and through all, and in all. Now to each one of us was given this grace, according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "Ascending on high he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men." Now "he ascended," what is [it], except that he also descended to the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended himself is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all [things]. And he himself gave some [as] apostles and some [as] prophets and some [as] evangelists and some [as] pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be infants, tossed about by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, by the trickery of people, by craftiness with reference to the scheming of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow into him [with reference to] all [things], who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, joined together and held together by every supporting ligament, according to the working by measure of each single part, the growth of the body makes for the building up of itself in love.
--wives to their own husbands as to the Lord, because [the] husband is [the] head of the wife, as also Christ [is the] head of the church (he himself [being the] Savior of the body). But as the church is subject to Christ, thus also wives [should be subject] to their husbands in everything. read more.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her; in order that he might sanctify her by cleansing [her] with the washing of water by the word; in order that he might present to himself the church glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such [thing], but that she may be holy and blameless. Thus also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one who loves his own wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also Christ [does] the church, because we are members of his body. "For this [reason] a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." (This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.) Only you also, each one [of you], must thus love his own wife as himself, and the wife {must respect} her husband.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her; in order that he might sanctify her by cleansing [her] with the washing of water by the word; in order that he might present to himself the church glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such [thing], but that she may be holy and blameless. Thus also husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. The one who loves his own wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also Christ [does] the church, because we are members of his body. "For this [reason] a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." (This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.) Only you also, each one [of you], must thus love his own wife as himself, and the wife {must respect} her husband.
And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
Church » Sacraments of sacraments of, baptism » Sacrament of the lord's supper
Now [while] they were eating Jesus took bread and, [after] giving thanks, he broke [it], and giving [it] to the disciples, he said, "Take, eat, this is my body."
And [while] they were eating, he took bread [and], [after] giving thanks, he broke [it] and gave [it] to them and said, "Take [it], this is my body."
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread,
Communion » With Christ with God » The sacrament of
Now [while] they were eating Jesus took bread and, [after] giving thanks, he broke [it], and giving [it] to the disciples, he said, "Take, eat, this is my body."
And [while] they were eating, he took bread [and], [after] giving thanks, he broke [it] and gave [it] to them and said, "Take [it], this is my body."
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread,
Communion of the lord's supper » Is the communion of the body and blood of Christ
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
Communion with God » Saints » Have, in the lord's supper
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
Lord's » Days » Supper, the
Now [while] they were eating Jesus took bread and, [after] giving thanks, he broke [it], and giving [it] to the disciples, he said, "Take, eat, this is my body."
And [while] they were eating, he took bread [and], [after] giving thanks, he broke [it] and gave [it] to them and said, "Take [it], this is my body."
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread,
Meat » Sacrificed
I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing [is] unclean of itself, except to the one who considers something to be unclean; to that person [it is] unclean. For if because of food, your brother is grieved, you are no longer living according to love. Do not destroy by your food that person for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be slandered. read more.
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this [way] [is] well-pleasing to God and approved by people. So then, let us pursue {what promotes peace} and {what edifies one another}. Do not destroy the work of God on account of food. All [things] [are] clean, but [it is] wrong for the person {who eats and stumbles in the process}. [It is] good not to eat meat or to drink wine or [to do anything] by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is weakened. The faith that you have, have with respect to yourself before God. Blessed [is] the one who does not pass judgment on himself by what he approves. But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not [do so] from faith, and everything that [is] not from faith is sin.
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this [way] [is] well-pleasing to God and approved by people. So then, let us pursue {what promotes peace} and {what edifies one another}. Do not destroy the work of God on account of food. All [things] [are] clean, but [it is] wrong for the person {who eats and stumbles in the process}. [It is] good not to eat meat or to drink wine or [to do anything] by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is weakened. The faith that you have, have with respect to yourself before God. Blessed [is] the one who does not pass judgment on himself by what he approves. But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not [do so] from faith, and everything that [is] not from faith is sin.
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols, we know that "we all have knowledge." Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows anything, he has not yet known as it is necessary to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by him. read more.
Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that "an idol [is] nothing in the world" and that "[there is] no God except one." For even if after all [there] are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as [there] are many gods and many lords, yet to us [there is] one God, the Father, from whom [are] all [things], and we [are] for him, and [there is] one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all [things], and we [are] through him. But this knowledge [is] not in everyone. But some, being accustomed until now to the idol, eat [this food] as food sacrificed to idols, and their conscience, [because it] is weak, is defiled. But food does not bring us close to God. For neither if we eat do we have more, nor if we do not eat do we lack. But watch out lest somehow this right of yours becomes a cause for stumbling to the weak. For if someone should see you who has knowledge reclining for a meal in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, [because it] is weak, be strengthened so that [he] eats the food sacrificed to idols? For the one who is weak--the brother for whom Christ died--is destroyed by your knowledge. Now [if you] sin in this way against the brothers and wound their conscience, which is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat {forever}, in order that I may not cause my brother to sin.
Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that "an idol [is] nothing in the world" and that "[there is] no God except one." For even if after all [there] are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as [there] are many gods and many lords, yet to us [there is] one God, the Father, from whom [are] all [things], and we [are] for him, and [there is] one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all [things], and we [are] through him. But this knowledge [is] not in everyone. But some, being accustomed until now to the idol, eat [this food] as food sacrificed to idols, and their conscience, [because it] is weak, is defiled. But food does not bring us close to God. For neither if we eat do we have more, nor if we do not eat do we lack. But watch out lest somehow this right of yours becomes a cause for stumbling to the weak. For if someone should see you who has knowledge reclining for a meal in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, [because it] is weak, be strengthened so that [he] eats the food sacrificed to idols? For the one who is weak--the brother for whom Christ died--is destroyed by your knowledge. Now [if you] sin in this way against the brothers and wound their conscience, which is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat {forever}, in order that I may not cause my brother to sin.
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I am speaking as to sensible [people]; you judge what I am saying. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? read more.
Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: are not the ones who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? Therefore, what am I saying? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? [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. You are not able to drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You are not able to share the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or are we attempting to provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than he [is, are we]? All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] are profitable. All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] build up. Let no one seek {his own good} but the [good] of the other. Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience, for "the earth [is] the Lord's, and its fullness." If any of the unbelievers invites you, and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience. But if someone says to you, "This is offered to idols," do not eat [it], for the sake of that one who informed [you] and the conscience. Now I am not speaking about your own conscience, but the [conscience] of the other [person]. For why [is] my freedom judged by another's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or you drink or whatever you do, do all [things] for the glory of God. {Give no offense} both to Jews and to Greeks and to the church of God, 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.
Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: are not the ones who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? Therefore, what am I saying? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? [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. You are not able to drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You are not able to share the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or are we attempting to provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than he [is, are we]? All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] are profitable. All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] build up. Let no one seek {his own good} but the [good] of the other. Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience, for "the earth [is] the Lord's, and its fullness." If any of the unbelievers invites you, and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience. But if someone says to you, "This is offered to idols," do not eat [it], for the sake of that one who informed [you] and the conscience. Now I am not speaking about your own conscience, but the [conscience] of the other [person]. For why [is] my freedom judged by another's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or you drink or whatever you do, do all [things] for the glory of God. {Give no offense} both to Jews and to Greeks and to the church of God, 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.
Partaking » Who partakes with the lord
Endure [it] for discipline. God is dealing with you as sons. For what son [is there] whom a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, in which all [legitimate sons] have become participants, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had {our earthly fathers} who disciplined [us], and we respected [them]. Will we not much rather subject ourselves to the Father of spirits and live? read more.
For they disciplined [us] for a few days according to what seemed [appropriate] to them, but he [does so] for our benefit, in order that [we] can have a share in his holiness.
For they disciplined [us] for a few days according to what seemed [appropriate] to them, but he [does so] for our benefit, in order that [we] can have a share in his holiness.
On account of this I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles --if indeed you have heard [about] the stewardship of God's grace given to me for you. According to revelation the mystery was made known to me, just as I wrote beforehand in brief, read more.
so that you may be able when you read to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ (which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit): [that] the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
so that you may be able when you read to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ (which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit): [that] the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
Therefore I say, God has not rejected his people, has he? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, from the descendants of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people, whom he foreknew! Or do you not know, in [the passage about] Elijah, what the scripture says--how he appeals to God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life!" read more.
But what does the divine response say to him? "I have left for myself seven thousand people who have not bent the knee to Baal." So in this way also at the present time, there is a remnant {selected by grace}. But if by grace, [it is] no longer by works, for otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? What Israel was searching for, this it did not obtain. But the elect obtained [it], and the rest were hardened, just as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear, until this very day." And David says, "Let their table become a snare and a trap, and a cause for stumbling and a retribution to them; let their eyes be darkened so that they do not see, and cause their backs to bend {continually}." I say then, they did not stumble so that they fell, [did they]? May it never be! But by their trespass, salvation [has come] to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them [to jealousy]. And if their trespass [means] riches for the world and their loss [means] riches for the Gentiles, how much more [will] their fullness [mean]? Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Therefore, inasmuch as I am apostle to the Gentiles, I promote my ministry, if somehow I may provoke my people to jealousy and save some of them. For if their rejection [means] the reconciliation of the world, what [will] their acceptance [mean] except life from the dead? Now if the first fruits [are] holy, [so] also [is] the [whole] batch of dough, and if the root [is] holy, [so] also [are] the branches. Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, [although you] were a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and became a sharer of the root of the olive tree's richness,
But what does the divine response say to him? "I have left for myself seven thousand people who have not bent the knee to Baal." So in this way also at the present time, there is a remnant {selected by grace}. But if by grace, [it is] no longer by works, for otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? What Israel was searching for, this it did not obtain. But the elect obtained [it], and the rest were hardened, just as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear, until this very day." And David says, "Let their table become a snare and a trap, and a cause for stumbling and a retribution to them; let their eyes be darkened so that they do not see, and cause their backs to bend {continually}." I say then, they did not stumble so that they fell, [did they]? May it never be! But by their trespass, salvation [has come] to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them [to jealousy]. And if their trespass [means] riches for the world and their loss [means] riches for the Gentiles, how much more [will] their fullness [mean]? Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Therefore, inasmuch as I am apostle to the Gentiles, I promote my ministry, if somehow I may provoke my people to jealousy and save some of them. For if their rejection [means] the reconciliation of the world, what [will] their acceptance [mean] except life from the dead? Now if the first fruits [are] holy, [so] also [is] the [whole] batch of dough, and if the root [is] holy, [so] also [are] the branches. Now if some of the branches were broken off, and you, [although you] were a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and became a sharer of the root of the olive tree's richness,
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I am speaking as to sensible [people]; you judge what I am saying. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? read more.
Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: are not the ones who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?
Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: are not the ones who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?
Because of this also we, from the day we heard about [it], did not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled [with] the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight, so that you may live in a manner worthy of the Lord, {to please [him] in all respects}, bearing fruit in every good deed and increasing in the knowledge of God, enabled with all power, according to his glorious might, for all steadfastness and patience with joy, read more.
giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you for a share of the inheritance of the saints in light, who has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred [us] to the kingdom of the Son {he loves}, in whom we have the redemption, the forgiveness of sins,
giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you for a share of the inheritance of the saints in light, who has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred [us] to the kingdom of the Son {he loves}, in whom we have the redemption, the forgiveness of sins,
All those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, lest the name of God and the teaching be slandered. And those who have believing masters must not look down on [them] because they are brothers, but rather they must serve, because those who benefit by their service are believers and dearly loved.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, [when it] takes place to test you, as [if] [something] strange were happening to you. But to the degree that you share in the sufferings of Christ, rejoice, so that also at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice [and] be glad. If you are reviled on account of the name of Christ, [you are] blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Simeon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith equal in value to ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, because his divine power has bestowed on us all [things] [that are] necessary for life and godliness, through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence of character, read more.
through which things he has bestowed on us his precious and very great promises, so that through these you may become sharers of the divine nature [after] escaping from the corruption [that is] in the world because of evil desire,
through which things he has bestowed on us his precious and very great promises, so that through these you may become sharers of the divine nature [after] escaping from the corruption [that is] in the world because of evil desire,
Sacrifice » Meat » Idols
I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing [is] unclean of itself, except to the one who considers something to be unclean; to that person [it is] unclean. For if because of food, your brother is grieved, you are no longer living according to love. Do not destroy by your food that person for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be slandered. read more.
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this [way] [is] well-pleasing to God and approved by people. So then, let us pursue {what promotes peace} and {what edifies one another}. Do not destroy the work of God on account of food. All [things] [are] clean, but [it is] wrong for the person {who eats and stumbles in the process}. [It is] good not to eat meat or to drink wine or [to do anything] by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is weakened. The faith that you have, have with respect to yourself before God. Blessed [is] the one who does not pass judgment on himself by what he approves. But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not [do so] from faith, and everything that [is] not from faith is sin.
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this [way] [is] well-pleasing to God and approved by people. So then, let us pursue {what promotes peace} and {what edifies one another}. Do not destroy the work of God on account of food. All [things] [are] clean, but [it is] wrong for the person {who eats and stumbles in the process}. [It is] good not to eat meat or to drink wine or [to do anything] by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is weakened. The faith that you have, have with respect to yourself before God. Blessed [is] the one who does not pass judgment on himself by what he approves. But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not [do so] from faith, and everything that [is] not from faith is sin.
Now concerning food sacrificed to idols, we know that "we all have knowledge." Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows anything, he has not yet known as it is necessary to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by him. read more.
Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that "an idol [is] nothing in the world" and that "[there is] no God except one." For even if after all [there] are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as [there] are many gods and many lords, yet to us [there is] one God, the Father, from whom [are] all [things], and we [are] for him, and [there is] one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all [things], and we [are] through him. But this knowledge [is] not in everyone. But some, being accustomed until now to the idol, eat [this food] as food sacrificed to idols, and their conscience, [because it] is weak, is defiled. But food does not bring us close to God. For neither if we eat do we have more, nor if we do not eat do we lack. But watch out lest somehow this right of yours becomes a cause for stumbling to the weak. For if someone should see you who has knowledge reclining for a meal in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, [because it] is weak, be strengthened so that [he] eats the food sacrificed to idols? For the one who is weak--the brother for whom Christ died--is destroyed by your knowledge. Now [if you] sin in this way against the brothers and wound their conscience, which is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat {forever}, in order that I may not cause my brother to sin.
Therefore, concerning the eating of food sacrificed to idols, we know that "an idol [is] nothing in the world" and that "[there is] no God except one." For even if after all [there] are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as [there] are many gods and many lords, yet to us [there is] one God, the Father, from whom [are] all [things], and we [are] for him, and [there is] one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom [are] all [things], and we [are] through him. But this knowledge [is] not in everyone. But some, being accustomed until now to the idol, eat [this food] as food sacrificed to idols, and their conscience, [because it] is weak, is defiled. But food does not bring us close to God. For neither if we eat do we have more, nor if we do not eat do we lack. But watch out lest somehow this right of yours becomes a cause for stumbling to the weak. For if someone should see you who has knowledge reclining for a meal in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, [because it] is weak, be strengthened so that [he] eats the food sacrificed to idols? For the one who is weak--the brother for whom Christ died--is destroyed by your knowledge. Now [if you] sin in this way against the brothers and wound their conscience, which is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat {forever}, in order that I may not cause my brother to sin.
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I am speaking as to sensible [people]; you judge what I am saying. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? read more.
Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: are not the ones who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? Therefore, what am I saying? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? [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. You are not able to drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You are not able to share the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or are we attempting to provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than he [is, are we]? All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] are profitable. All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] build up. Let no one seek {his own good} but the [good] of the other. Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience, for "the earth [is] the Lord's, and its fullness." If any of the unbelievers invites you, and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience. But if someone says to you, "This is offered to idols," do not eat [it], for the sake of that one who informed [you] and the conscience. Now I am not speaking about your own conscience, but the [conscience] of the other [person]. For why [is] my freedom judged by another's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or you drink or whatever you do, do all [things] for the glory of God. {Give no offense} both to Jews and to Greeks and to the church of God, 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.
Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh: are not the ones who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? Therefore, what am I saying? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? [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. You are not able to drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You are not able to share the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or are we attempting to provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than he [is, are we]? All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] are profitable. All [things] are permitted, but not all [things] build up. Let no one seek {his own good} but the [good] of the other. Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience, for "the earth [is] the Lord's, and its fullness." If any of the unbelievers invites you, and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, {asking no questions} for the sake of the conscience. But if someone says to you, "This is offered to idols," do not eat [it], for the sake of that one who informed [you] and the conscience. Now I am not speaking about your own conscience, but the [conscience] of the other [person]. For why [is] my freedom judged by another's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or you drink or whatever you do, do all [things] for the glory of God. {Give no offense} both to Jews and to Greeks and to the church of God, 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.
Union with Christ » Saints » Enjoy, in the lord's supper
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because [there is] one bread, [we] who [are] many are one body, for [we] all share from the one bread.