And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.