Letters to the Churches

Yea, much, more those that seem to be the more feeble members of the body are more necessary

And such as we think to be the less honourable members of the body, about these we put more abundant honour: and those that are our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

But our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, giving to that which wanted the more abundant honour.

That there might be no schism in the body: but the members might be mutually careful one for another.

And if one member suffer any thing, all the members suffer with it: or if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and members of member.

And God indeed hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly doctors: after that miracles: then the graces of healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretations of speeches.

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?

Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

But be zealous for the better gifts. And I shew unto you yet a more excellent way.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up,

Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil:

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth:

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed.

For we know in part: and we prophesy in part.

But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.

We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known.

And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

Follow after charity, be zealous for spiritual gifts; but rather that you may prophesy.

For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man heareth. Yet by the Spirit he speaketh mysteries.