1 Corinthians

16 chapters

Chapter summaries

The Douay-Rheims’ own argument for each chapter. Tap a number above to read.

1. 1After salutation, 4 having acknowledged the graces of their Church, 10 he dehorteth them from their Schismatical boasting against one another in their baptizers (telling them that they must boast only in Christ for their Baptism) 17 and in their preachers, who had the wisdom of words: telling them that it is the preaching of the Cross, whereby God saveth the world, and wherein only Christians should boast: 26 seeing God of purpose chose the contemptible, that so himself might have the glory.
2. 2That his own preaching among them, was in humble manner in the sight of men. 6 Howbeit it is most profound wisdom (as they should and would perceive, if they were not carnal) which is taught in the Church of Christ.
3. 3If they will not be carnal still, they must boast in God only, and not in their preachers, Which are but his ministers, 10 and need to look well how they preach: 12 because not all preaching, though it be Catholic, is meritorious: but rather it buildeth matter to be purged by fire, when it is vain and unfruitful (as also any other like works of other Catholics.) marry if it be heretical, destroying the temple of God, then it worketh damnation. 18 The remedy is, to humble themselves and refer all to God.
4. 4He requireth to be esteemed for his office, but regardeth not to be praised of man for his virtue: considering that neither his own conscience is a sufficient judge thereof, but only God who seeth all. 8 He toucheth them for contemning in their pride, the Apostles themselves as miserable: 18 threatening to come to those proud False-apostles who were the authors of all these schisms.
5. 5Sharply rebuking their Clergy's negligence, 3 himself absent excommunicateth that public incestuous person: 6 commanding that hereafter no Christian be so tolerated in any open crime, but excommunicated.
6. 6He rebuketh them for going to law before judges that were not Christians, 9 telling that extortion (as many other offences likewise) is a mortal sin. 12 And with divers reasons he inveigheth against fornication, bidding also to flee all occasion thereof.
7. 7That married folk may ask their debt, and must pay it, though it be better for them to contain, 8 as also for the unmarried and widows to continue single, though they may marry. 10 That the married may not depart from one another (nor in any case marry another, during the life of the former) 12 unless it be from one that is unbaptized, which yet he dissuadeth: 17 counseling also every one to be content with his state wherein he was Christened. 25 Virginity is not commanded, but counseled as the better and more meritorious than Marriage, 39 as also widowhood.
8. 8He rebuketh the learned who in pride of their knowledge did eat Idolothyta, that is things offered to Idols, using (as they said) their liberty: but not considering that the ignorant took their doing as an example for them to frequent such meats so, as they did before in their Paganism, with opinion that they did sanctify the eaters.
9. 9To them that so vaunted their liberty about Idolothyta, he bringeth his own example, to wit, that he also had liberty to live by the Gospel, but yet that he used it not, so to avoid scandal of the infirm, and because it was more meritorious. 24 Declaiming against their security, and showing them by similitudes and examples, 24 both of himself, 1 And of the Israelites, that salvation is not so lightly come by: 14 and so concludeth again against eating of Idolothyta. because it is also to commit idolatry, 22 and not only to give ill example to the infirm.
10. 10See the argument of the 9 Chapter, which comprehendeth the contents of this also.
11. 11He commendeth them for keeping his Traditions generally. 3. and in particular for this, that a man prayed and prophesied bareheaded, a woman veiled, he bringeth many reasons. 17. About another, he reprehendeth the rich that at the Charitable supper supped uncharitably, 23. telling them that they received therefore unworthily the B. Sacrament, and showing them what an heinous sin that is, seeing it is our Lord's body and the representation of his death, as he by tradition had taught them.
12. 12They must not make their diversity of Gifts an occasion of Schism, considering that all are of one Holy Ghost, and for the profit of the one body of Christ which is the Church: 12. Which also would not be a body, without such variety of members. 21. Therefore neither they that have the inferior gifts, must be disannulled, saying it is God's distribution: nor they that have the greater, contemn the other, considering they are no less necessary: 25. but all in all join together, 28. and every one keepeth his own place.
13. 13That above all other Gifts they should seek after Charity: as that without which nothing profiteth, 4 and which doth all as it is to be done, and remaineth also in heaven.
14. 14Against their vain childishness, that thought it a goodly matter to be able to speak (by miracle) strange languages in the Church, preferring those languages before prophecying, that is, opening of Scriptures: he declareth that this Gift of languages is inferior to the Gift of prophecy. 26 Giving order also how both gifts are to be used, to wit, the Prophet to submit himself to other Prophets: and the Speaker of languages not to publish his inspiration, unless there be an interpreter. 34 Provided always, that women speak not at all in the Church.
15. 15He proveth the Resurrection of the dead by the Resurrection of Christ, and with many other arguments: and 11 answereth also objections made against it. 49 And then exhorteth in respect of it, unto good life.
16. 16He prescribeth an order for their contributing to the Christians at Jerusalem, 5 promising to come unto them. 10 Of Timothee, and of Apollos coming thither. 13 and so with exhortation, and divers commendations, he endeth.