I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to uncleanness, and to iniquity unto iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness unto sanctification.

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.

But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption,

But these speak evil of things they do not know; and whatever they understand naturally, like animals without reason, in these things they corrupt themselves.

And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples

And about that time there was no small disturbance about the Way;

He assembled them with the workers of similar occupation, and said: Men, you know that we have our wealth by this trade.

So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world revere.

So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions.

Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater.

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people.

And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?

For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.

But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened exceedingly, beyond strength, so that we despaired even of life.

who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us, in whom we hope that He will still deliver us,

For you say, What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?

Surely I have made my heart pure in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.

You have said, It is vain to serve God. And, What profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked as mourners before Jehovah of Hosts?

And now we are calling the arrogant blessed. Those that work wickedness are built up; they even test God, and escape.

For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or suffers loss?

Is it not good for a man to eat and drink and make his soul behold the good in his labor. This also, I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

Rejoice in your youth, young man; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things, God will bring you into judgment.

But behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine, saying, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!

They say, Come, let us get wine and binge on strong drink; and tomorrow shall be like today; much more abundant.

And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.