2 Corinthians 1:1-24 Apostle Paul Tells Believers in Corinth of His Plans to Return There

 

Apostle Paul Tells Believers in Corinth of His Plans to Return There

2 Corinthians 1:1-24   Paul's 2nd Epistle to the Corinthians [in Smaller Chunks]

[From:] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, [through] the will of God, [plus] Timothy, our brother, [a.k.a. fellow-believer,] to the church of God [that] is [in] Corinth, with all the [Lord God's] saints, [who] are in all [of] Achaia. Grace & peace be to you from God our Father, & from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed [is] God, the God of all comfort, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies; Who [comforts] us in all our tribulations, [a.k.a. troubles, so] that we may be able to comfort [those, who] are in any trouble, by the comfort, [with which] we, ourselves, are comforted [by] God.

[Since,] the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation, [a.k.a. comfort,] also [abounds, a.k.a. becomes abundant, through] Christ. And whether we [are] afflicted, it is for your: consolation & salvation. Which is [effective] in enduring the same sufferings, which we also suffer.

Or [if] we [are] comforted, it is for your: consolation, [a.k.a. comfort,] & salvation. [1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God [has sent] us, apostles, [out] last, as [if we] were appointed to death. For we are made a spectacle, [a.k.a. example,] to the: world, angels, & to men.]

And our hope [for] you is [steadfast, a.k.a. unwavering,] knowing, that [like] you are [participants] of the sufferings, so shall you also be [participants] of the consolation. [Revelation 3:5-6 He, [who overcomes,] the same [person] shall be clothed in white [clothing.] And I won't blot out his name [from] the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father, & before His Angels. He, [who] has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit [says] to the churches.]

For brethren, [a.k.a. fellow-believers,] we [don't want] you [to be] ignorant, [a.k.a. unaware,] of our trouble, [that happened] to us in Asia. That we were pressed, [a.k.a. pushed beyond:] measure, & [beyond our] strength, [in] that, we despaired even [for our own] [lives.]

[Acts 19:28-32 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, & cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion. And having caught, [a.k.a. seized,] Gaius & Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord, into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered into the people, the disciples [didn't allow] him [to do so.] And certain of the [officials from] Asia, [who] were [Paul's] friends, sent to him, desiring that he wouldn't [venture] himself into the theatre. Therefore, some cried [out] one thing, & some another. For the [crowd] [assembled,] was confused. For the [majority didn't know why] they [had] come together.]

[Although] we had [a] sentence of death [for] ourselves, we [knew] we shouldn't trust in ourselves, but [should trust] in God, [Who raises] the dead. Who delivered us from such a great death, & [does] deliver. [The Lord God,] in Whom we trust that He will [still] deliver us.

You also [helped] [by] [praying] together for us, [so] that the gift [of food & money] bestowed upon, [a.k.a. presented to] us, by the means, [a.k.a. ability,] of many [people.] May [thanks] be given [to] many on our behalf.

For our rejoicing is this, [that on Christ's behalf we] [testify] in simplicity, & godly sincerity [from] our conscience, & not with fleshly, [a.k.a. worldly or human] wisdom, but by the grace of God. We have [communicated within] the world, & more abundantly [toward] you.

[Acts 20:19-21 [I] [served] the Lord with all humility, [a.k.a. humbleness,] of mind, & with many tears, & temptations, [a.k.a. trials,] which [happened] [to] me, by the Jews [who] [lie] in wait, [a.k.a. to ambush] [me.] And how I kept back nothing that was [beneficial] to you, & have taught you [publicly,] & [went] from house to house, testifying [about] repentance [through] God & faith [in] our Lord Jesus Christ, to both: the Jews & also to the Greeks, [a.k.a. Gentiles.]

We [only] write to you, what you read or acknowledge. And I trust [that] you shall acknowledge [the Lord Jesus Christ,] even, to the end. As you also have [partially] acknowledged us, [so] that we are your [reason for] rejoicing, even [like] you are also ours, [on] the day the Lord Jesus [comes.]

And [with] this confidence, I [thought] to come to you before, [a.k.a. earlier, so] that you might have a second, [a.k.a. additional] benefit; & to pass [near] you, [on my way] into Macedonia, & come to you again, [when we leave] out of Macedonia. And to be [sent] on my way toward Judaea, [a.k.a. Judea, by] you.

Therefore, when I [thought this,] did I [plan this] [lightly?] Or the things that I [plan,] do I [plan] according to [worldly] flesh, [so] that there should be [both] [yes, yes,] & [no, no, within] me? But [like] God is True, our word, [a.k.a answer, to] you wasn't [yes & no.]

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who was preached among you, by us, even by me & Sivanus, & Timotheus, [a.k.a. Timothy,] wasn't [yes & no.] But [through Jesus Christ,] [the answer] was, [Yes.] For all the promises of God, in Him, are, [Yes,] & [within] Him, Amen, by us to the Glory of God.

Now, God is He, [Who establishes] us with you in Christ, & [has] anointed us. Who [has] also sealed, [a.k.a. put His seal on,] us, & [has] given [us] the earnest, [a.k.a. down payment or collateral, from] the [Holy] Spirit, [within] our hearts.

Additionally,] I call [on] God for a record, [of] my [soul's] [intention] to spare you, [so] I [didn't come] to Corinth yet. Not that we have dominion [a.k.a. control,] over your faith, but are helpers, [to assist you in] your joy. [So] you stand [strong through your] faith [in Jesus Christ.]

1 Corinthians 16:1-24 Paul Urges Them to Donate Food for Galatians Who Do Lord's Work

 

Paul Urges Them to Donate Food for Galatians Who Do Lord's Work

1 Corinthians 16:1-24   Paul's 1st Epistle to the Corinthians [in Smaller Chunks]

Now, [about] the collection, [a.k.a. donations,] for the [Lord God's] saints, even you [shall] do [like] I have [sent orders] to the churches of Galatia. Let everyone of you [on] the 1st day of the week, lay by him, [a.k.a. set aside,] [from what he has] in store, [a.k.a. stored up, like] God [has] [allowed] him [to prosper, so] that, [it doesn't have to] be [gathered] when I come.

And when I come, [whomever] you shall approve [through] your letters, I will send them to bring [word of] your liberality, [a.k.a. generosity,] to Jerusalem. And if it [is appropriate] that I [shall] also go, they shall go with me.

Now, when I shall pass through Macedonia; I will come to you, for I [will] pass through Macedonia. And it may be, that I will abide, [stay,] & [yes,] winter with you, [so] that you may bring, [a.k.a. send,] me on my journey, [wherever] I go.

For I won't see you by the [roadside] now; but I trust to tarry, [a.k.a. stay] a while with you, if the Lord [permits.] But I will [stay] at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a [large & beneficial] door is opened to me. [Acts 14:27 And when they [had] come, & gathered the church together, they rehearsed, [a.k.a. practiced saying,] all that God had done with them, & how He opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.]

And there are many adversaries, [a.k.a. enemies.] [Philippians 3:18 (For many of whom I have often told you [about,] & now tell you, [while] weeping, walk, [a.k.a. follow those, who] are the enemies of the cross of Christ.]

Now, if Timotheus, [a.k.a. Timothy, comes] see that he may [stay] with you without fear. For he [labors] [at] the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore, let no man despise [Timothy,] but conduct, [a.k.a. send] him [on his way,] in peace, [so] that he may come to me. For I look for [Timothy] [along] with the brethren, [a.k.a. fellow-believers.]

As [related to] our brother, Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brethren. But [he didn't want] to come at all, at this time; but he will come when he shall have [a more] convenient time.

You, watch; stand fast, [a.k.a. persevere,] in the faith, [be brave,] like men, & be strong. Let all your things be done with charity, [a.k.a. love.] I [urge] you, brethren, (you know the house of Stephanas, [who] is the first-fruits of, [a.k.a. first Christian converts from,] Achaia, & that they have [devoted] themselves to the ministry of the [Lord God's] saints.)

[So] that, you submit yourselves, [a.k.a. yield your control,] to such, & to everyone, [who helps, a.k.a. assists,] & [works] with us, [sharing the Gospel of the Lord God.]

I'm glad [about Stephanas', Fortunatus', & Achaicus'] coming. For they have supplied, [what] was lacking on your part. For they have refreshed my spirit & yours.

Therefore, you acknowledge [those, who] are such, [a.k.a. like this.] The churches of Asia salute, [a.k.a. greet,] you. Aquila & Priscilla, with the church that is in their house, salute, [a.k.a. welcome,] you much in the Lord.

All the brethren greet you. You, greet one another with [an] holy kiss. The salutation, [a.k.a. closing of a letter,] [was written by] me, Paul, with [my] own hand.

If any man [doesn't] love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha, [a.k.a. cursed.] [May,] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

My love [is] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Paul Tells Others He's Not Worthy to Be Called an Apostle

 

Paul Tells Others He's Not Worthy to Be Called an Apostle

1 Corinthians 15:1-58   Paul's 1st Epistle to the Corinthians [in Smaller Chunks]

[Also,] brethren, [a.k.a. fellow-believers,] I declare to you the Gospel [that] I preach to you, which you have also received, & [in which] you stand, [a.k.a. in agreement.] [This Gospel:] by which you are also saved, if you [remember] what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain. [Acts 13:46-48 Then, Paul & Barnabas [grew] bold, & said, It was necessary that the Word of God should 1st have been spoken to you. But [since] you put it from you, & judge yourselves unworthy of Everlasting Life, [look,] we turn to the Gentiles. *For the Lord [has] commanded us so, saying, I have [put] you to be a light [for] the Gentiles, [so] that you [should] be for salvation to the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, & glorified the Word of the Lord. And as many as believed, were ordained, [a.k.a. appointed,] to Eternal Life.]

*For I first delivered to you, all [of] [what] I also received, & how Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures. [Isaiah 53:5-7 *But He was wounded for our [sins,]  & He was bruised for our iniquities. The [discipline for] our peace was upon Him. And we are healed with His stripes, [a.k.a. whip marks.] *All we, like sheep, have gone astray. We have, everyone, turned to his own [ways.] And the Lord [has] laid the [sin] of us all on Him. *He was oppressed, & He was afflicted, & [still] He [didn't] open His mouth. He is brought [like] a lamb to the slaughter. And like a sheep is dumb, [a.k.a. mute,] before [its] shearers, so He [didn't] open His mouth.]

And that [Christ] was buried & He rose again the 3rd day, according to the Scriptures. [Psalm 16:9-10 Therefore, My heart is glad, & My glory [rejoices.] My flesh shall also rest in hope. *For You [won't] leave My soul in hell. Neither [will] You [allow] Your Holy One to see corruption, [a.k.a. decay.]

And that [Jesus Christ] was seen [by] Cephas, [a.k.a. Simon Peter;] & then [by] the 12. After that, He was seen [by over] 500 brethren at once; of whom the greater part, [a.k.a. the majority,] remain [until] this [day,] but some [have] fallen asleep, [a.k.a. died.] [Acts 1:1-3 I have made the [previous report], O Theophilus [about] all that Jesus began to do & teach, until the day in which He was taken up through the Holy Ghost, [a.k.a. Holy Spirit,] after He had given commandments to the apostles, whom He had chosen. To whom, He also [demonstrated] Himself [to be] alive by many infallible proofs, being seen [by] them 40 days, & speaking [about] the things [related] to the Kingdom of God, after His passion, [a.k.a. suffering.]

After that, He was seen [by] James, & then [by] all the apostles. And last of all, He was also seen [by] me, [like] one born out of due time, [a.k.a. like a baby that is past due.] For I am the least of the apostles, that [I'm] not fit, [a.k.a. worthy,] to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [Acts 8:13-16 Then, Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many [about] this man, & how much evil he [has] done to Your saints [in] Jerusalem. And [Saul] has authority here from the chief priests to bind, [a.k.a. tie up,] all, [who] call upon Your Name. But the Lord said to him, Go [on] your way: for [Saul, a.k.a. Paul,] is a chosen vessel [for] Me, to bear, [a.k.a. carry,] My Name before the Gentiles; kings; & the children, [a.k.a. people,] of Israel. For I will [declare] [to] him, [what] great things he must suffer for My Name's sake.]

But [through] the grace of God, I am what I am. And His grace bestowed, [a.k.a. presented to,] me, wasn't in vain, [a.k.a. ineffective.] But I abundantly [labored] more than all [of] [them.] [Still,] not I, but [this was accomplished through] the grace of God, [Who] was with me. Therefore, whether I [preach,] or [it's] they [who preach this Gospel to you,] we preach [this,] so [that] you believed.

Now, if [it] is preached that Christ rose from the dead, how [do] some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if [there's] no resurrection of the dead, then Christ isn't risen. And if Christ [hasn't] risen, then our preaching is vain, [a.k.a. worthless,] & your faith is also vain.

[Yes,] & we [would] [be] found false witnesses of God; because we have testified [about] God, & that He raised up Christ. [If] [God [didn't raise Christ] up, if [that's] so, [it would] be that the dead [don't] rise.

For if the dead [don't] rise, then Christ is not raised. And if Christ [is] not raised, your faith is vain; & you are [still] in your sins. Then, also all [those, who have] fallen asleep, [a.k.a. have died,] in Christ, [have] perished.

If we only have hope in Christ in, [a.k.a. during,] this life, we are all [very] miserable, [a.k.a. distressed,] men. [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But brethren, [a.k.a. fellow-believers,] I wouldn't have you to be ignorant, [a.k.a. unaware, about those, who] are asleep, [a.k.a. dead,] [so] that you [aren't sowrrowful,] even [like] others, [who] have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died & rose again, even so [those] [who believe] in Jesus, & also sleep, [a.k.a. have died,] God will bring with Him. For we say this to you [through] the Word of the Lord, [so] that we [who] are alive, & remain [until] the Lord [comes,] shall not prevent [those, who] are [dead.] For the Lord, Himself, shall descend from heaven with a shout, & with the voice of the Archangel, & with the trump of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then, we, [a.k.a. believers in Christ, who] are alive & remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And we shall [always] be so with the Lord. [For this reason,] comfort one another with these words.]

[Since] Christ is now risen from the dead, & [became] the first-fruits, [a.k.a. the first of the whole harvest,] of [those, who] slept, [a.k.a. died.] For since death came [through] man, also the resurrection of the dead came [through] Man.

For [like] in [Adam's] [sin,] all die, even so all, [who believe,] shall be made alive in Christ. But every man in his own order, [a.k.a. time.] Christ the first-fruits; [afterwards, those who] are Christ's, at His coming.

*[When] the end [comes,] then He shall have delivered up the kingdom: to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all: [rulers; authorities; & powers.] [1 Peter 3:22 [Christ,] Who [has] gone into heaven, & is on the right hand [side] of God. Angels, authorities, & powers being made subject to, [a.k.a. under the authority of Jesus Christ.]

*For [Jesus Christ] must rule, [until] He [has] put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. *For [God] has put all things under [Jesus Christ's] feet. But when He [says] all things are put under Him, it is manifest, [a.k.a. apparent,] that He is [excluded, Who puts] all things under Him. [Ephesians 1:22-23 *And [God] [has] put all things under [Jesus Christ's] feet, & gave Him to be the head over all things [connected] to the church, which is His body, & the fulness of Him, [Who fulfills] all [things] in all.]

*And when all things shall be subdued to Him, [a.k.a. under His control,] then shall the Son, Himself, also be subject to Him, [Who] put all things under Him, [so] that God may be all, in all. [1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head [over] every man is Christ. And the head [over] the woman is the man. And the head [over] Christ is God.]

Else, what shall [those, who] are baptized do for the dead, if the dead [don't] rise at all? Then, why are they baptized for [the resurrection of] the dead? And why [do] we stand in jeopardy every hour? [2 Corinthians 11:24-26 I received [39] stripes, [a.k.a. whip marks, from] the Jews 5 times. [Three times,] I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned, & [three times] I suffered shipwreck. I have been in the deep [waters] 1 night & 1 day. Often [I've been] [on journeys,] & in perils, [a.k.a. in danger, from;] robbers; my own countrymen; the heathen; in the city; in the wilderness; in the sea; & among false brethren, [a.k.a. fellow-believers.]

I protest, [at] your rejoicing, [a.k.a. boasting,] [about your faith] in Christ Jesus our Lord, which I [also] have, & I die, [a.k.a. risk my life,] daily [in order to share my faith in Him.]

What [does] it [benefit] me, [even] after I have fought [in the] [custom] of men, with [wild animals] at Ephesus, if the dead [don't] rise. Let's eat & drink; for tomorrow we [may] die.

[Don't] be deceived by evil communications, [a.k.a. wicked talk,] [which] [corrupts] good manners, [a.k.a. habits.] Awake to righteousness, & [don't] sin. For some [don't] have the knowledge [about] God. I speak, [a.k.a. say,] this to your shame. [Ephesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupt communication, [a.k.a. words, come from] your mouth, but [only] [what] is good to use [for] edifying, [a.k.a. enlightening, so] that it may minister grace to the hearers. And [don't] grieve the Holy Ghost, [a.k.a. Holy Spirit,] of God, [by Whom] you are sealed [until] the Day of Redemption.]

But some [men] will say, How are the dead raised up? And with what [type of] body do they [have when they] come? You fool, [what] you [sow, a.k.a. scatter seeds] isn't quickened, [a.k.a. made alive, unless] it [dies.] [John 12:24 [Very, truly, I say to you, [Unless] a [kernel] of wheat [falls] into the ground & [dies,] it  [remains] alone. But if it [dies,] it [brings] forth, [a.k.a. produces,] much fruit, [a.k.a. more wheat.]

And [what] you [sow,] isn't [in] that [same] body [which] it shall be, but [still] [produces] grain, [perhaps] of wheat, or some other grain. But God gives it a body as it [has] pleased Him, & to every seed [its] own body.

All flesh is not the same flesh. But there is one kind of flesh [for] men, another flesh [for] [animals,] another [for] [fish,] & another [for] birds.] There are also celestial, [a.k.a. heavenly,] bodies, & terrestrial, [a.k.a. earthly,] bodies, but the glory [for] the celestial is one [type,] the glory of the terrestrial is another.

There is one glory [for] the sun, & another glory [for] the moon, & [yet] another [for] the stars: [because] 1 star [differs] from another star in glory. Also, so is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, [a.k.a. decay;] & it  is raised [without corruption.]

It is sown in dishonor; & it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; & it is raised in power. It is sown a natural, [a.k.a. earthly,] body; & it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural, [a.k.a. earthly] body, & there is a spiritual body.

And it was written so [in the Scriptures,] The first man, Adam, was made a living soul. The last Adam was made [back alive,] [with a] [spiritual] [body.] [However, what] [was] first, wasn't spiritual, but [was] [what] is natural, [a.k.a. earthly,] & afterward [what] is spiritual.

The first man is [from] the earth, & is [earthly, a.k.a. worldly.] [Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, [according to] Our likeness. And let them have dominion, [a.k.a. control,] over the: fish of the sea; [birds] of the air; the cattle, [a.k.a. livestock;] & over all the earth; & over every creeping thing that [creeps] upon the earth. So, God created man in His Own image, & in the image of God, He created him. He created them male & female.]

The second Man, is the Lord, from heaven. [John 3:13 And no man [has] ascended up, [a.k.a. gone up,] to heaven, but He, [Who] came down from heaven, even the Son of Man, [Who] is in heaven.]

[Like] [Adam] is [earthly,] such are [those, a.k.a. descendants of Adam, who] also are [earthly.] And [like] [Jesus Christ] is heavenly, also such are [those, who] are heavenly. [Ephesians 2:4-6 But God, Who is rich in mercy, & for His great love, [with which] He loved us, even when we were dead in [our] sins, [has] quickened us, [a.k.a. made us alive,] together with Christ. (You are saved by grace.) And [has] raised us up together, [through] Christ Jesus; & made us sit together in heavenly places.]

And [like] we have borne, [a.k.a. carried,] the image of the [earthly, a.k.a. Adam,] we shall also bear, [a.k.a.carry,] the image of the heavenly, [a.k.a. Jesus Christ.] Now, brethren, [a.k.a. fellow-believers,] I say this, that flesh & blood can't inherit the Kingdom of God. Neither [does] [what is] [corruptible, a.k.a. can decay,] inherit [what  is without] [corruption.]

[Look,] I [declare] a mystery [to] you. We shall not all sleep, [a.k.a. die,] but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last tump. For the trumpet shall sound, & the dead shall be raised incorruptible, [a.k.a. without corruption,] & we shall be changed, [a.k.a. transformed.]

For [what is] corruptible, must put on incorruption, [a.k.a. what can't decay.] And [what is] mortal, [a.k.a. perishable,] shall put on immortality, [a.k.a. what won't perish.]

So, when this corruptible [man,] shall put on [what isn't corruptible,] & this mortal [man,] shall put on immortality, then the saying that is written [in the Scriptures,] shall [happen,] Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? The sting of death [is because of] sin; & the strength of sin, [has made sin apparent through] the Law.

But thanks be to God, [Who gives] us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, my beloved brethren, you, be [steadfast, a.k.a. devoted;] unmoveable; always abounding, [a.k.a. flourishing,] in the work of the Lord, [since] you know that your [labor] [of sharing your faith in Jesus Christ,] isn't [done] in vain [through] the Lord.