How we cite our quotes: (Chapter: Verse)
Quote #1
Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." (NRSV 1 Corinthians 3:18-20)
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. (KJV 1 Corinthians 3:18-20)
You think you're so smart, don't you? Well, Paul says, get down off your high horse, Mr. and Ms. Know-It-All, because God has got a shocker for you. It's the meek that are gonna inherit the earth. Surprise, surprise.
Quote #2
Who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift? Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you! (NRSV 1 Corinthians 4:7-8)
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. (KJV 1 Corinthians 4:7-8)
Who knew there was sarcasm in the Bible? Apparently the Corinthians keep bragging about how awesome and holy they are. They have so many amazing gifts that they're like kings! *Cough* Not.
Quote #3
Indeed, I would rather die than [receive financial support from the congregation]—no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. (NRSV 1 Corinthians 9:15-17)
For it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (KJV 1 Corinthians 9:15-17)
Paul could be taking a salary for his work for Christ, but then he'd be obligated to do it—and who wants to turn Jesus into a boring desk job? Instead, he gets to walk around bragging about how he serves God for free. Is this circular logic, or does Paul get a bye?