But what was the divine response to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand people who have not bent the knee to Baal.”

What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was diligently seeking, but the elect obtained it. The rest were hardened,

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.

For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

For even Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”

who risked their own necks for my life. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony of God.

Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing.

None of the rulers of this age understood it. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.

For who concedes you any superiority? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as though you did not?

For though you may have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, because I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I will find out not only the talk of these arrogant people, but also their power.

In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world.

Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent to settle trivial suits?

I say this to your shame! Is there no one among you wise enough to settle disputes between fellow Christians?

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!

Or do you not know that anyone who is united with a prostitute is one body with her? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

With regard to the question about people who have never married, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one shown mercy by the Lord to be trustworthy.

I am saying this for your benefit, not to place a limitation on you, but so that without distraction you may give notable and constant service to the Lord.