Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Body » The body of Christ
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
For as in one body we have many members, and all the members have not the same office: so we who are many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of each other. But having different gifts, according to the grace conferred upon us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith: read more.
or ministry, let us attend to the ministry: or he that teacheth, on teaching: or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that distributeth, let him do it with integrity: he that presideth, with diligence: he that sheweth mercy, with chearfulness.
or ministry, let us attend to the ministry: or he that teacheth, on teaching: or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that distributeth, let him do it with integrity: he that presideth, with diligence: he that sheweth mercy, with chearfulness.
Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of an harlot? God forbid! What! know ye not that he who is joined to an harlot is one body with her? for these two, saith he, shall be one flesh. And he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit.
---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread.
For as the body is one, and hath many members; but all the parts of this one body, though many, are but one body: so also is the mystical body of Christ; for by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, (whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free) and are all made to drink into one Spirit: for the body is not one member, but many. read more.
If the foot should say, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? and if the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now God hath placed the members, every one of them in the body, as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where were the body? whereas now there are many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. But those parts of the body, which seem to be weaker, are much more necessary: and those which we judge the less honorable parts we clothe with more abundant honor; and so our less comely parts have more comeliness added to them, of which our comely ones have no need. But God hath so blended the several parts of the body, giving greater honor to that which was deficient, that there might be no schism in the body; but that all the members might have the same care one for another. And so if one member suffer all the members suffer with it; and if one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and his members each of you in particular. And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all miraculous powers? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak many languages? do all interpret? but ye are all zealous for the best gifts. Though I will shew you a way yet more excellent.
If the foot should say, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? and if the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now God hath placed the members, every one of them in the body, as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where were the body? whereas now there are many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. But those parts of the body, which seem to be weaker, are much more necessary: and those which we judge the less honorable parts we clothe with more abundant honor; and so our less comely parts have more comeliness added to them, of which our comely ones have no need. But God hath so blended the several parts of the body, giving greater honor to that which was deficient, that there might be no schism in the body; but that all the members might have the same care one for another. And so if one member suffer all the members suffer with it; and if one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and his members each of you in particular. And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? have all miraculous powers? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak many languages? do all interpret? but ye are all zealous for the best gifts. Though I will shew you a way yet more excellent.
and what the exceeding greatness of his power towards us who believe, according to the energy of his mighty strength; which He exerted in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at his own right hand in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: read more.
and hath put all things under his feet, and given Him to be head over all things to the church; which is his body, the complete work of Him, who filleth all in all.
and hath put all things under his feet, and given Him to be head over all things to the church; which is his body, the complete work of Him, who filleth all in all.
I therefore, a prisoner for the sake of the Lord, exhort you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all humility and meekness; and with long-suffering forbear one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit, read more.
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. But grace is given to each of us, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore it is said, "When he ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." Now this expression "He ascended" what does it mean, but that He descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry, to the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all arrive in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at perfect maturity, even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we may be no longer children fluctuating and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the artful insinuations of men, and their crafty methods of deceiving; but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. But grace is given to each of us, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore it is said, "When he ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." Now this expression "He ascended" what does it mean, but that He descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry, to the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all arrive in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at perfect maturity, even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we may be no longer children fluctuating and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the artful insinuations of men, and their crafty methods of deceiving; but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord: for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and the saviour of that body. As the church then is subject to Christ, so also should wives be to their own husbands in every thing. read more.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it: to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable. Men ought so to love their wives, as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord also doth the church: for we are members of his body, as if taken out of his flesh, and of his bones, as Eve was out of Adam's. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This mystery is great: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and let the wife reverence her husband.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it: to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable. Men ought so to love their wives, as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord also doth the church: for we are members of his body, as if taken out of his flesh, and of his bones, as Eve was out of Adam's. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This mystery is great: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and let the wife reverence her husband.
And let the peace of God preside in your hearts, to which ye are also called as united in one body: and be thankful for it.
Church » Sacraments of sacraments of, baptism » Sacrament of the lord's supper
Now as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body:
And as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and when He had blessed it He brake it, and gave it to them, and said, Take, eat, This is my body:
---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
For I received from the Lord, that which I also delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:
Communion » With Christ with God » The sacrament of
Now as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body:
And as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and when He had blessed it He brake it, and gave it to them, and said, Take, eat, This is my body:
---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
For I received from the Lord, that which I also delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same 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 the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
Communion with God » Saints » Have, in the lord's supper
---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
Lord's » Days » Supper, the
Now as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body:
And as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and when He had blessed it He brake it, and gave it to them, and said, Take, eat, This is my body:
---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
For I received from the Lord, that which I also delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:
Meat » Sacrificed
I know and have been taught by the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: only to him that thinketh any thing unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved by thy food, thou dost not herein walk in love. Do not by thy food destroy him, for whom Christ died. Let not your liberty then be evil-spoken of: for the kingdom of God consists not in meat and drink; read more.
but in righteousness and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost: for he, that in these serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men. Let us then pursue peace, and mutual edification. Do not for the sake of meat destroy thy brother who is the work of God: all things indeed are pure; but to the man that eateth with offence it is evil. It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do any thing at which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or weakened. Thou who hast faith, have it to thyself before God: and happy is he that condemneth not himself in what he alloweth himself to do. But he that hath any scruple, is condemned if he eat; because he doth it not with faith: and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.
but in righteousness and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost: for he, that in these serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men. Let us then pursue peace, and mutual edification. Do not for the sake of meat destroy thy brother who is the work of God: all things indeed are pure; but to the man that eateth with offence it is evil. It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do any thing at which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or weakened. Thou who hast faith, have it to thyself before God: and happy is he that condemneth not himself in what he alloweth himself to do. But he that hath any scruple, is condemned if he eat; because he doth it not with faith: and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.
Now as to things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge about them. Knowledge however puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any one be conceited of his knowledge, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, he is owned by Him. read more.
As to the eating therefore of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For though there be some that are called Gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are among the heathen gods many, and lords many,) yet to us there is but one God the Father, from whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him. But there is not in all men this knowledge: and some with a consciousness of the idol unto this day, eat it as a thing sacrificed to an idol, and so their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat does not recommend us to God; for neither, if we eat, are we the better; nor the worse, if we eat not. But see that this liberty of yours be not by any means a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one see thee, who hast knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him that is weak be encouraged to eat of the things sacrificed to idols? and so the weak brother, for whom Christ died, shall perish by thy knowledge? But in thus sinning against your brethren, and wounding their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ: wherefore if meat make my brother to offend, I will never eat flesh while I breathe, least I make my brother to offend.
As to the eating therefore of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For though there be some that are called Gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are among the heathen gods many, and lords many,) yet to us there is but one God the Father, from whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him. But there is not in all men this knowledge: and some with a consciousness of the idol unto this day, eat it as a thing sacrificed to an idol, and so their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat does not recommend us to God; for neither, if we eat, are we the better; nor the worse, if we eat not. But see that this liberty of yours be not by any means a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one see thee, who hast knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him that is weak be encouraged to eat of the things sacrificed to idols? and so the weak brother, for whom Christ died, shall perish by thy knowledge? But in thus sinning against your brethren, and wounding their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ: wherefore if meat make my brother to offend, I will never eat flesh while I breathe, least I make my brother to offend.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, flee from idolatry. I speak to you as to men of understanding: and judge ye what I say, ---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? read more.
For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh, Are not they, that eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that what is sacrificed to an idol is in itself any thing to stumble at? No: but this I say, that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. And I would not have you partakers with demons. Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He? If all things be lawful for me, yet all things are not expedient: all things may be lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own only, but every one another's benefit. Eat then whatever is sold in the shambles, asking no questions for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: and if any of the unbelievers invite you to an entertainment, and ye have a mind to go, whatever is set before you, eat, asking no questions for conscience-sake. But if any one say to you, This hath been sacrificed to an idol,---eat it not; for his sake who informed thee, and for conscience-sake: for, as I said, the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, so that thou mayst have food enough without it. Conscience I say, not thy own, but the other's; for why is my liberty to be judged by another man's conscience? And if I partake with thankfulness, why am I blamed for that, for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Behave inoffensively both to the Jews, and to the Greeks, and to the church of God. Even as I also endeavour to please all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh, Are not they, that eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that what is sacrificed to an idol is in itself any thing to stumble at? No: but this I say, that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. And I would not have you partakers with demons. Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He? If all things be lawful for me, yet all things are not expedient: all things may be lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own only, but every one another's benefit. Eat then whatever is sold in the shambles, asking no questions for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: and if any of the unbelievers invite you to an entertainment, and ye have a mind to go, whatever is set before you, eat, asking no questions for conscience-sake. But if any one say to you, This hath been sacrificed to an idol,---eat it not; for his sake who informed thee, and for conscience-sake: for, as I said, the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, so that thou mayst have food enough without it. Conscience I say, not thy own, but the other's; for why is my liberty to be judged by another man's conscience? And if I partake with thankfulness, why am I blamed for that, for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Behave inoffensively both to the Jews, and to the Greeks, and to the church of God. Even as I also endeavour to please all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Partaking » Who partakes with the lord
If ye endure chastening, God treateth you as sons; for what son is there, whom the father doth not chastise? But if ye be without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons. Now if we had fathers of our flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? read more.
For they indeed corrected us for a while, as seemed good to them; but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.
For they indeed corrected us for a while, as seemed good to them; but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness.
For this cause I Paul am the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the sake of you Gentiles: as ye have heard the dispensation of the grace of God, which was given me to preach unto you: that by immediate revelation He made known to me the mystery, (as I wrote before in brief, by which, read more.
when ye read it, ye may perceive my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,) which in other generations was not made known to men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, and of the same body, and joint-partakers of his promise in Christ, by the gospel:
when ye read it, ye may perceive my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,) which in other generations was not made known to men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, and of the same body, and joint-partakers of his promise in Christ, by the gospel:
I say then, Hath God cast off his people? God forbid! for I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast off his people, whom He foreknew. Do ye not know what the scripture saith of Elias? how he complains to God against Israel, saying, "Lord, they have slain thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life." read more.
But what saith the oracle of God to him? "I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." And so in the present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, it is no more of works: for then grace is no longer grace. But if of works, it is no more grace: for then work is no longer work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he sought: but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded, (according as it is written, God hath given them a spirit of slumber, that their eyes could not see and their ears could not hear,) even unto this day. And David saith, Let their table become a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling-block, and a recompence unto them. Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and always bow down their back. Say I then, Have they stumbled, that they should fall irrecoverably? God forbid! but this I say, that by their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles to excite them to emulation. Now if their fall be the riches of the world, and their diminution be the riches of the Gentiles, how much more will their fulness be? For I speak to you Gentiles: inasmuch indeed as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I extol my office, that if possible I may excite to emulation my brethren according to the flesh, and may save some of them: for if the rejecting of them be the reconciling of the world, what will the receiving them again be but life from the dead? Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole heap: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou a wild-olive wert grafted in among them, and art made a partaker together with them of the root and fatness of the olive; boast not against the branches:
But what saith the oracle of God to him? "I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal." And so in the present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, it is no more of works: for then grace is no longer grace. But if of works, it is no more grace: for then work is no longer work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he sought: but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded, (according as it is written, God hath given them a spirit of slumber, that their eyes could not see and their ears could not hear,) even unto this day. And David saith, Let their table become a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling-block, and a recompence unto them. Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and always bow down their back. Say I then, Have they stumbled, that they should fall irrecoverably? God forbid! but this I say, that by their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles to excite them to emulation. Now if their fall be the riches of the world, and their diminution be the riches of the Gentiles, how much more will their fulness be? For I speak to you Gentiles: inasmuch indeed as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I extol my office, that if possible I may excite to emulation my brethren according to the flesh, and may save some of them: for if the rejecting of them be the reconciling of the world, what will the receiving them again be but life from the dead? Now if the first-fruits be holy, so is the whole heap: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou a wild-olive wert grafted in among them, and art made a partaker together with them of the root and fatness of the olive; boast not against the branches:
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, flee from idolatry. I speak to you as to men of understanding: and judge ye what I say, ---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? read more.
For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh, Are not they, that eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar?
For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh, Are not they, that eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar?
For this cause we also, from the day that we heard it, cease not to pray for you, and to request that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: that ye may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joy; read more.
giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet for a portion of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son: in whom we have redemption by his blood, even the remission of sins.
giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet for a portion of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son: in whom we have redemption by his blood, even the remission of sins.
Let as many as are servants under the yoke account their own masters worthy of all honor; that the name of God and his doctrine may not be blasphemed: and let not those who have believing masters, despise them, because they are brethren; but serve them more readily, because they are faithful and beloved by God, partakers of his grace.
Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery trial coming upon you, which is to try you, as if some strange thing befel you: but rejoice in that ye are partakers in the sufferings of Christ; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may also rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: and though as to them He is blasphemed, yet as to you He is glorified.
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God, and of our saviour Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied unto you, in the acknowledgement of God, and of Jesus our Lord; as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who hath called us by that glory and virtue, read more.
by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
by which are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye may become partakers of a divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Sacrifice » Meat » Idols
I know and have been taught by the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: only to him that thinketh any thing unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved by thy food, thou dost not herein walk in love. Do not by thy food destroy him, for whom Christ died. Let not your liberty then be evil-spoken of: for the kingdom of God consists not in meat and drink; read more.
but in righteousness and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost: for he, that in these serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men. Let us then pursue peace, and mutual edification. Do not for the sake of meat destroy thy brother who is the work of God: all things indeed are pure; but to the man that eateth with offence it is evil. It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do any thing at which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or weakened. Thou who hast faith, have it to thyself before God: and happy is he that condemneth not himself in what he alloweth himself to do. But he that hath any scruple, is condemned if he eat; because he doth it not with faith: and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.
but in righteousness and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost: for he, that in these serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men. Let us then pursue peace, and mutual edification. Do not for the sake of meat destroy thy brother who is the work of God: all things indeed are pure; but to the man that eateth with offence it is evil. It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do any thing at which thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or weakened. Thou who hast faith, have it to thyself before God: and happy is he that condemneth not himself in what he alloweth himself to do. But he that hath any scruple, is condemned if he eat; because he doth it not with faith: and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.
Now as to things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge about them. Knowledge however puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any one be conceited of his knowledge, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, he is owned by Him. read more.
As to the eating therefore of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For though there be some that are called Gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are among the heathen gods many, and lords many,) yet to us there is but one God the Father, from whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him. But there is not in all men this knowledge: and some with a consciousness of the idol unto this day, eat it as a thing sacrificed to an idol, and so their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat does not recommend us to God; for neither, if we eat, are we the better; nor the worse, if we eat not. But see that this liberty of yours be not by any means a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one see thee, who hast knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him that is weak be encouraged to eat of the things sacrificed to idols? and so the weak brother, for whom Christ died, shall perish by thy knowledge? But in thus sinning against your brethren, and wounding their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ: wherefore if meat make my brother to offend, I will never eat flesh while I breathe, least I make my brother to offend.
As to the eating therefore of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. For though there be some that are called Gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are among the heathen gods many, and lords many,) yet to us there is but one God the Father, from whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him. But there is not in all men this knowledge: and some with a consciousness of the idol unto this day, eat it as a thing sacrificed to an idol, and so their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat does not recommend us to God; for neither, if we eat, are we the better; nor the worse, if we eat not. But see that this liberty of yours be not by any means a stumbling-block to the weak. For if any one see thee, who hast knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him that is weak be encouraged to eat of the things sacrificed to idols? and so the weak brother, for whom Christ died, shall perish by thy knowledge? But in thus sinning against your brethren, and wounding their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ: wherefore if meat make my brother to offend, I will never eat flesh while I breathe, least I make my brother to offend.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, flee from idolatry. I speak to you as to men of understanding: and judge ye what I say, ---The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? read more.
For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh, Are not they, that eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that what is sacrificed to an idol is in itself any thing to stumble at? No: but this I say, that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. And I would not have you partakers with demons. Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He? If all things be lawful for me, yet all things are not expedient: all things may be lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own only, but every one another's benefit. Eat then whatever is sold in the shambles, asking no questions for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: and if any of the unbelievers invite you to an entertainment, and ye have a mind to go, whatever is set before you, eat, asking no questions for conscience-sake. But if any one say to you, This hath been sacrificed to an idol,---eat it not; for his sake who informed thee, and for conscience-sake: for, as I said, the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, so that thou mayst have food enough without it. Conscience I say, not thy own, but the other's; for why is my liberty to be judged by another man's conscience? And if I partake with thankfulness, why am I blamed for that, for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Behave inoffensively both to the Jews, and to the Greeks, and to the church of God. Even as I also endeavour to please all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread. Consider Israel according to the flesh, Are not they, that eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that what is sacrificed to an idol is in itself any thing to stumble at? No: but this I say, that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. And I would not have you partakers with demons. Ye cannot drink of the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than He? If all things be lawful for me, yet all things are not expedient: all things may be lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own only, but every one another's benefit. Eat then whatever is sold in the shambles, asking no questions for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: and if any of the unbelievers invite you to an entertainment, and ye have a mind to go, whatever is set before you, eat, asking no questions for conscience-sake. But if any one say to you, This hath been sacrificed to an idol,---eat it not; for his sake who informed thee, and for conscience-sake: for, as I said, the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, so that thou mayst have food enough without it. Conscience I say, not thy own, but the other's; for why is my liberty to be judged by another man's conscience? And if I partake with thankfulness, why am I blamed for that, for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Behave inoffensively both to the Jews, and to the Greeks, and to the church of God. Even as I also endeavour to please all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, 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 the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread.