Paul is engaged in dialogue with the Corinthians, sometimes quoting things that they have said to him and then responding to them. His response qualifies or rejects the Corinthian viewpoint that he has just described.
Click on each underlined verse reference below to see what the Corinthians say and then Paul’s response.
| The Corinthians Say | Paul Responds | |
| 6:12 | “All things are lawful.” |
“Not all things are beneficial.” |
| 6:13 | “Food is meant for the body, and the body for food” (i.e., it is only natural to satisfy one’s appetites). |
“God will destroy both” (i.e., God will judge people who satisfy sinful appetites). |
| 7:1–5 | “It is well for a man not to touch a woman” (i.e., even married persons should practice celibacy) |
Husbands and wives should grant each other “conjugal rights,” lest there be temptation to sexual immorality. |
| 8:1 | “All of us possess knowledge.” |
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” |
| 14:22–23 | Tongues are a sign for unbelievers. |
Unbelievers who hear you speaking in tongues will think that you are crazy. |