Bible Imperatives, The Do’s and Don’ts in 1 Corinthians
The Book of 1 Corinthians is filled with God-given instructions for Christian living — covering everything from church unity and holiness to love, marriage, and spiritual gifts. This page highlights every imperative in 1 Corinthians — everything God tells us to do, and not do — so that believers can walk in obedience, grow in maturity, and honor Christ in every area of life.
Note: Some of these Do’s and Don’ts (aka Bible Imperatives) are “Implied.” For any that are, it should have the word “Implied” in parenthesis next to it.
1 CORINTHIANS 1 – Imperatives
1. “Be thankful for the grace of God in others” (v. 4, implied) — Paul opens with gratitude for what God has done in the Corinthian believers. His example implies we should do the same.
I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which has been given to you through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:4 (MEV)
2. “Let there be no divisions among you” (v. 10) — A direct and urgent command to preserve unity within the church.
Now I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (MEV)
3. “Be perfectly joined together in mind and judgment” (v. 10b) — This completes Paul’s instruction for unity. Not only avoid division—pursue harmony.
…and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (MEV)
4. “Stop boasting in human leaders—boast in the Lord” (v. 31, implied) — Paul’s Old Testament quote implies a redirection of our allegiance: away from men, toward God alone.
Therefore, as it is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 2 – Imperatives
1. “Know nothing among people except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (v. 2, implied) — Paul’s example implies how ministers and believers should approach gospel-centered communication: not with worldly wisdom, but Christ-centered focus.
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (MEV)
2. “Let your faith rest not in human wisdom but in God’s power” (v. 5, implied) — Paul distinguishes between worldly and spiritual foundations for belief. The implication: place your trust in God’s power, not persuasive speech.
So that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5 (MEV)
3. “Interpret spiritual truths with spiritual words” (v. 13, implied) — Paul explains that true teaching must be Spirit-taught. The implied imperative: handle spiritual truth with Spirit-led understanding.
These things we also proclaim, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 3 – Imperatives
1. “Do not behave in a fleshly, immature way” (v. 3, implied) — Paul rebukes their jealousy and strife as signs of carnality. The clear implication: stop acting like the world.
For you are still worldly. For where there is envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not worldly and behaving as mere men? 1 Corinthians 3:3 (MEV)
2. “Let no one boast in men” (v. 21) — This is a direct command. Stop putting pride or identity in human leaders.
Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours. 1 Corinthians 3:21 (MEV)
3. “Let no one deceive himself” (v. 18a) — A clear and strong imperative. Stop fooling yourself about wisdom or status.
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18 (MEV)
4. “Become a fool (in the world’s eyes) so that you may become truly wise” (v. 18b) — This paradoxical command shows that embracing humility leads to true wisdom.
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 4 – Imperatives
1. “Regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries” (v. 1) — Paul gives a directive about how apostles and leaders should be viewed.
Let a man so regard us as the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1 (MEV)
2. “Do not judge before the time” (v. 5a) — A clear command to refrain from prematurely evaluating God’s servants or assigning final judgment.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time, until the Lord comes. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (MEV)
3. “Learn not to go beyond what is written” (v. 6) — Paul warns the Corinthians not to go beyond Scripture. This is a firm directive to limit opinions and actions to what God has revealed.
Now these things, brothers, I have figuratively applied to myself and to Apollos for your sakes, so that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up for one against another. 1 Corinthians 4:6 (MEV)
4. “Imitate me” (v. 16) — Paul directly urges the Corinthians to follow his example, especially in humility and suffering.
Therefore I urge you, be imitators of me. 1 Corinthians 4:16 (MEV)
5. “Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love?” (v. 21, implied) — Paul offers a rhetorical question that strongly implies: respond with repentance and humility, not rebellion.
What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and in the spirit of meekness? 1 Corinthians 4:21 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 5 – Imperatives
1. “Remove the immoral man from among you” (v. 2) — Paul issues this as a sharp rebuke and a direct instruction to the church. This is the primary imperative of the chapter.
And you are proud! Should you not rather mourn, so that he who has done this deed might be removed from among you? 1 Corinthians 5:2 (MEV)
2. “Deliver such a one to Satan” (v. 5) — Paul gives apostolic instruction for church discipline: putting the unrepentant offender out of fellowship so that he may be brought to repentance.
Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5 (MEV)
3. “Do not boast in your tolerance of sin” (v. 6, implied) — Paul rebukes the church for pride in their handling of the situation. The implied imperative: stop tolerating sin as if it were noble.
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 1 Corinthians 5:6 (MEV)
4. “Purge out the old leaven” (v. 7a) — A clear command to remove corrupting influence from within the church, both morally and symbolically.
Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new batch, since you are unleavened. 1 Corinthians 5:7 (MEV)
5. “Celebrate the feast with sincerity and truth, not malice and wickedness” (v. 8) — Paul uses Passover imagery to call believers to holiness.
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:8 (MEV)
6. “Do not associate with sexually immoral people claiming to be brothers” (v. 11) — This is a very direct instruction for church purity and discipline.
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone who is called a brother who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Do not even eat with such a person. 1 Corinthians 5:11 (MEV)
7. “Do not even eat with such a person” (v. 11b) — A further clarification and intensification of the separation command in verse 11.
…or an extortioner. Do not even eat with such a person. 1 Corinthians 5:11 (MEV)
8. “Judge those inside the church” (v. 12–13, implied) — Paul corrects a misunderstanding: the church’s job is not to judge the world but to maintain purity within. The strong implication: hold one another accountable.
For what have I to do with judging those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But God judges those who are outside. Therefore “put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” 1 Corinthians 5:12–13 (MEV)
9. “Put away the wicked person from among yourselves” (v. 13) — Paul closes the chapter by quoting Deuteronomy. This is both a direct imperative and a divine precedent for church discipline.
But God judges those who are outside. Therefore “put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” 1 Corinthians 5:13 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 6 – Imperatives
1. “Do not go to law before unbelievers” (v. 1) — Paul begins the chapter by rebuking believers for taking fellow Christians to secular courts.
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 1 Corinthians 6:1 (MEV)
2. “Appoint those who are least esteemed in the church to judge” (v. 4) — Paul sarcastically rebukes them and implies: if you’re going to do this, at least keep it within the church. It’s a form of corrective sarcasm—but still imperative.
If then you truly have judgments of things pertaining to this life, appoint those who are least esteemed in the church to judge. 1 Corinthians 6:4 (MEV)
3. “Stop wronging and cheating your brothers” (v. 8, implied) — Paul strongly condemns this behavior. The imperative is clear: stop defrauding fellow believers.
Instead, you yourselves do wrong and defraud, and you do this to your brothers. 1 Corinthians 6:8 (MEV)
5. “Flee sexual immorality” (v. 18) — One of the most urgent moral commands in the New Testament.
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man commits is outside the body. But he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18 (MEV)
6. “Glorify God in your body and in your spirit” (v. 20) — A summary command that captures the purpose of our redemption.
For you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 7 – Imperatives
1. “Let each man have his own wife, and each woman her own husband” (v. 2)
Nevertheless, to avoid sexual immorality, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 1 Corinthians 7:2 (MEV)
2. “Render marital duty to one another” (v. 3)
Let the husband render to the wife due affection, and likewise the wife to the husband. 1 Corinthians 7:3 (MEV)
3. “Do not deprive one another except by mutual consent” (v. 5a)
Do not deprive one another, except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer. 1 Corinthians 7:5 (MEV)
4. “Come together again so Satan does not tempt you” (v. 5b)
Then come together again, so that Satan does not tempt you for your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5 (MEV)
5. “Let the unmarried and widows remain single (if possible)” (v. 8, implied)
I say to the unmarried and widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I am. 1 Corinthians 7:8 (MEV)
6. “Marry if you cannot exercise self-control” (v. 9)
But if they cannot restrain themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:9 (MEV)
7. “Wives, do not depart from your husbands” (v. 10)
To the married I command, not I, but the Lord: A wife must not depart from her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:10 (MEV)
8. “If she departs, remain unmarried or be reconciled” (v. 11a)
But if she departs, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:11 (MEV)
9. “Husbands, do not divorce your wives” (v. 11b)
And the husband must not divorce his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:11 (MEV)
10. “If an unbelieving spouse consents to live with you, do not divorce them” (vv. 12–13, implied)
If any brother has a wife who is not a believer, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her.
If a woman has a husband who is not a believer, and he consents to live with her, she must not divorce him. 1 Corinthians 7:12–13 (MEV)
11. “Let the believing partner not be bound if the unbeliever leaves” (v. 15, implied)
But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. 1 Corinthians 7:15 (MEV)
12. “Walk in the calling in which you were called” (v. 17)
But as God has distributed to every man, and as the Lord has called every man, so let him walk. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (MEV)
13. “Remain in the condition you were in when called” (vv. 20, 24)
Let every man remain in the same calling in which he was called. 1 Corinthians 7:20 (MEV)
Brothers, let every man, in whatever way he was called, remain there with God. 1 Corinthians 7:24 (MEV)
14. “Do not seek to change your status unnecessarily (circumcision/slavery)” (vv. 18–21, implied)
Was a man called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised.
Was a man called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised.
Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it, but if you may be made free, use it. 1 Corinthians 7:18–21 (MEV)
15. “Let those who have wives live as though they had none (in terms of spiritual focus)” (v. 29, implied)
From now on, even those who have wives should be as though they had none. 1 Corinthians 7:29 (MEV)
16. “Those who use the world should not be engrossed by it” (v. 31, implied)
Those who use this world, as though they did not make full use of it. For the form of this world is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:31 (MEV)
17. “Let one who gives his virgin daughter in marriage do well” (v. 38, implied)
So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better. 1 Corinthians 7:38 (MEV)
18. “Let a widow marry only in the Lord (if she remarries)” (v. 39)
A wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever she will, only in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:39 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 8 – Imperatives
1. “Love others, not just puff yourself up with knowledge” (v. 1, implied) — Paul contrasts two ways of approaching Christian liberty. The implied imperative: don’t lead with ego—lead with love.
Now concerning food offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 1 Corinthians 8:1 (MEV)
2. “Do not let your liberty become a stumbling block to the weak” (v. 9) — A direct and serious warning to those with stronger consciences: don’t use your freedom recklessly.
But take heed, lest by any means this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 (MEV)
3. “Do not cause your brother to perish for whom Christ died” (v. 11, implied) — Paul calls attention to the destructive consequences of careless liberty. The implied command: value your brother’s soul over your freedom.
And through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 1 Corinthians 8:11 (MEV)
4. “Do not sin against your brothers or against Christ” (v. 12, implied) — Paul clarifies that harming a brother’s conscience is sin—both against them and against Christ. The implied call: protect others’ conscience.
When you thus sin against the brothers, wounding their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 1 Corinthians 8:12 (MEV)
5. “If food causes your brother to stumble, don’t eat it” (v. 13) — A model of sacrificial love in action. Paul makes a personal resolution that functions as an imperative example to follow.
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:13 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 9 – Imperatives
1. “Do not muzzle the ox while it treads out the grain” (v. 9, implied) — Paul quotes the Law to illustrate a principle about compensating laborers, especially ministers. While cited from Deuteronomy, it’s reinforced as a timeless ethical imperative.
For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it treads out the grain.” Is God concerned about oxen? 1 Corinthians 9:9 (MEV)
2. “Live from the gospel if you preach the gospel” (v. 14, implied) — Paul affirms the Lord’s command that gospel workers are entitled to material support. The imperative is implied: churches should support faithful ministers.
Even so, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14 (MEV)
3. “Run in such a way that you may obtain the prize” (v. 24) — A direct command to live the Christian life with intention, focus, and discipline.
Do you not know that all those who run in a race run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (MEV)
4. “Exercise self-control in all things” (v. 25, implied) — Paul speaks of the disciplined athlete, implying that believers must also master their desires and habits.
Everyone who strives for the prize exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. 1 Corinthians 9:25 (MEV)
5. “Do not run aimlessly or fight like one beating the air” (v. 26, implied) — Paul uses vivid athletic imagery to describe the focused Christian life. The implication: be purposeful in all spiritual pursuits.
Therefore I run not with uncertainty. Thus I fight, not as one who beats the air. 1 Corinthians 9:26 (MEV)
6. “Discipline your body and bring it into subjection” (v. 27, implied) — Paul explains how he keeps himself spiritually fit. The implied command is to follow his example in self-discipline.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 10 – Imperatives
1. “Do not desire evil as they did” (v. 6) — A direct moral warning based on Israel’s wilderness rebellion.
Now these things were our examples to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted. 1 Corinthians 10:6 (MEV)
2. “Do not be idolaters” (v. 7) — Paul quotes from Exodus and applies it directly to the Corinthians as a clear command.
Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 1 Corinthians 10:7 (MEV)
3. “Do not commit sexual immorality” (v. 8) — Another moral command based on judgment from Israel’s history.
Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, when twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 1 Corinthians 10:8 (MEV)
4. “Do not tempt Christ” (v. 9) — Warning from Numbers 21 where Israel tested the Lord and were punished.
Nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted Him and were destroyed by serpents. 1 Corinthians 10:9 (MEV)
5. “Do not grumble” (v. 10) — Paul warns against complaining, which brought God’s judgment in the wilderness.
Nor murmur, as some of them also murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer. 1 Corinthians 10:10 (MEV)
6. “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (v. 12) — A cautionary imperative: beware of pride and overconfidence.
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 (MEV)
7. “Flee from idolatry” (v. 14) — A strong and urgent command to run from idol worship or any form of spiritual compromise.
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14 (MEV)
8. “Judge for yourselves what I say” (v. 15) — Paul appeals to their maturity and reason to evaluate his words.
I speak to wise men. Judge for yourselves what I say. 1 Corinthians 10:15 (MEV)
9. “Do not participate in the table of demons” (v. 20, implied) — Paul is warning against joining pagan feasts; the implication is clear: avoid all association with demonic practices.
But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 1 Corinthians 10:20 (MEV)
10. “Do not provoke the Lord to jealousy” (v. 22, implied) — Paul uses a rhetorical question to warn against testing God’s tolerance.
Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? 1 Corinthians 10:22 (MEV)
11. “Let no one seek his own, but the good of others” (v. 24) — A direct relational imperative: put others ahead of yourself.
Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. 1 Corinthians 10:24 (MEV)
12. “Eat whatever is sold in the market without raising questions of conscience” (v. 25) — Paul grants freedom of conscience under certain conditions.
Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no question for the sake of conscience. 1 Corinthians 10:25 (MEV)
13. “If an unbeliever invites you, eat what is set before you” (v. 27) — This permission is also imperative: don’t ask unnecessary questions; walk in liberty unless it causes someone to stumble.
If any of those who do not believe invite you and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for the sake of conscience. 1 Corinthians 10:27 (MEV)
14. “Do not eat if it is revealed that the food was offered to idols” (v. 28, implied) — For the sake of the other’s conscience, you are to abstain. The command is implied in Paul’s logic.
But if someone says to you, “This was offered in sacrifice to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 1 Corinthians 10:28 (MEV)
15. “Do all to the glory of God” (v. 31) — This sweeping imperative governs everything: eating, drinking, daily life.
Therefore, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (MEV)
16. “Give no offense to Jews, Gentiles, or the church” (v. 32) — A relational command about living blamelessly for the sake of the gospel.
Give no offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God. 1 Corinthians 10:32 (MEV)
17. “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ” (11:1, closing of the thought) — Though technically in the next chapter, this verse concludes the argument of chapter 10 and functions as a final imperative.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 11 – Imperatives
1. “Imitate me as I imitate Christ” (v. 1) — Though connected to the end of chapter 10, this functions here as a standalone command to follow Paul’s Christ-centered example.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (MEV)
2. “Let every man who prays or prophesies keep his head uncovered” (v. 4, implied) — Paul gives the principle that a man dishonors Christ by covering his head in worship. The implied imperative: don’t do it.
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 1 Corinthians 11:4 (MEV)
3. “Let every woman who prays or prophesies have her head covered” (v. 5, implied) — Paul says the uncovered head dishonors her husband. The implied instruction: cover the head during public prayer or prophecy.
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for she is the same as if she were shaved. 1 Corinthians 11:5 (MEV)
4. “Judge for yourselves whether it is proper…” (v. 13) — Paul challenges them to think biblically and culturally about what is appropriate in worship.
Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 1 Corinthians 11:13 (MEV)
5. “Do not come together for the worse” (v. 17, implied) — Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for their chaotic and selfish gatherings. The implied imperative: do not gather in a way that dishonors the Lord.
Now in giving this instruction I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. 1 Corinthians 11:17 (MEV)
6. “Wait for one another when you come together to eat” (v. 33) — A direct corrective to their selfish, disorderly communion practice.
So, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 1 Corinthians 11:33 (MEV)
7. “If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home” (v. 34) — Paul instructs those treating the Lord’s Supper like a private meal to satisfy their appetite at home.
If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you may not come together into condemnation. 1 Corinthians 11:34 (MEV)
8. “Examine yourself before eating and drinking” (v. 28, implied) — Paul stresses the seriousness of the Lord’s Supper. The implication is clear: examine your heart before partaking.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 12 – Imperatives
1. “Do not be ignorant of spiritual gifts” (v. 1) — A direct instruction to the church to be informed about spiritual matters.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:1 (MEV)
2. “Let each one use the gift given to them for the common good” (v. 7, implied) — Paul states that gifts are given “for the common good.” The implication: don’t hoard your gift—use it for others.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (MEV)
3. “Do not say ‘I do not belong to the body’” (vv. 15–16, implied) — Paul personifies body parts, showing how believers must not think or say they’re not needed. The implication: never disown your place in Christ’s body.
If the foot says, “Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear says, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 1 Corinthians 12:15–16 (MEV)
4. “Do not despise or devalue other members of the body” (vv. 21–22, implied) — Paul rebukes attitudes of superiority within the church. The implication: value every member.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
No, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 1 Corinthians 12:21–22 (MEV)
5. “Earnestly desire the greater gifts” (v. 31) — A direct call to pursue the most helpful gifts, particularly those that build up the body.
But earnestly covet the greater gifts. Yet I show you a more excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 13 – Imperatives
1. “Do not speak, act, or give without love” (vv. 1–3, implied) — Paul gives extreme examples to show that any action without love is worthless. The implication: everything must be motivated by love.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (MEV)
2. “Let your love be patient, kind, humble, and enduring” (vv. 4–7, implied) — These verses define love’s character, not in command form, but the application is clearly imperative: this is how we must love.
Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not; love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up,
does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (MEV)
3. “Pursue love as the more excellent way” (v. 13, implied) — Paul concludes by showing that love surpasses even faith and hope. The implied imperative: make love your highest pursuit.
So now abide faith, hope, and love, these three. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 14 – Imperatives
1. “Pursue love” (v. 1a) — This carries forward the conclusion of chapter 13. Love remains the highest aim.
Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (MEV)
2. “Desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy” (v. 1b) — Paul directs the church to seek gifts that build others up.
Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (MEV)
3. “Seek to excel in gifts that build up the church” (v. 12) — A command to focus your zeal on gifts that edify others.
Since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 (MEV)
4. “Pray that you may interpret if you speak in tongues” (v. 13) — A practical instruction to ensure tongues are useful to the church.
Therefore, let him who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:13 (MEV)
5. “Do not be children in understanding—be mature” (v. 20) — Paul rebukes immaturity in handling spiritual matters.
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. In malice be as children, but in understanding be mature. 1 Corinthians 14:20 (MEV)
6. “Let all things be done for building up” (v. 26, implied) — After describing varied contributions in the church, Paul gives the unifying purpose. The implied command: every part of worship must build up the church.
How is it then, brothers? When you come together, each of you has a psalm, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 1 Corinthians 14:26 (MEV)
7. “Speak in tongues only two or three at most, in turn, and with interpretation” (v. 27) — A command for structured, understandable worship.
If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:27 (MEV)
8. “Keep silent in the church if there is no interpreter” (v. 28) — A command to avoid confusion when tongues cannot be interpreted.
But if there is no interpreter, let him remain silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 1 Corinthians 14:28 (MEV)
9. “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge” (v. 29) — Prophecy is to be delivered with spiritual accountability.
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 1 Corinthians 14:29 (MEV)
10. “If another receives a revelation, the first speaker should be silent” (v. 30) — Paul prioritizes orderly sharing of revelation.
If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 1 Corinthians 14:30 (MEV)
11. “All may prophesy one by one, so all may learn and be encouraged” (v. 31) — A guideline for participation in prophecy.
For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1 Corinthians 14:31 (MEV)
12. “Let women remain silent in the churches” (v. 34) — This instruction is widely debated, but in context, Paul is referring to judging prophecies (v. 29) or disruptive speaking. It was not a general ban on all speech, as women are described prophesying in 1 Corinthians 11.
Let your women remain silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but are to be in submission, as the law also says. 1 Corinthians 14:34 (MEV)
13. “If they desire to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home” (v. 35) — Again tied to the above point, Paul gives a culturally-situated solution to avoid disorder in public worship.
If they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 1 Corinthians 14:35 (MEV)
14. “Acknowledge that what I write is the Lord’s command” (v. 37, implied) — Paul states that a spiritual person will recognize apostolic authority. The implication: accept this teaching as from God.
If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the command of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:37 (MEV)
15. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (v. 40) — Paul’s final summary command to preserve order, clarity, and reverence in worship.
Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 15 – Imperatives
1. “Hold firmly to the gospel I preached to you” (v. 2) — A conditional imperative: the gospel saves, if you cling to it.
By it you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:2 (MEV)
2. “Stop sinning” (v. 34a) — A blunt and direct moral command. Some in Corinth were living carelessly while denying the resurrection.
Awake to righteousness and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:34 (MEV)
3. “Awake to righteousness” (v. 34a) — A strong spiritual wake-up call: get out of spiritual complacency and live rightly.
Awake to righteousness and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:34 (MEV)
4. “Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals” (v. 33) — While phrased as a proverb, it functions imperatively: guard your associations.
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (MEV)
5. “Do not say ‘With what kind of body will they come?’ with scorn” (v. 35, implied) — Paul rebukes the attitude behind the question. The implication is: don’t mock the doctrine of resurrection.
But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” Foolish one! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 1 Corinthians 15:35–36 (MEV)
6. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (v. 58) — One of the most well-known and powerful summary imperatives in Paul’s letters.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (MEV)
1 CORINTHIANS 16 – Imperatives
1. “Set aside a portion of your income on the first day of the week” (v. 2) — A clear command for systematic giving.
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, so that there will be no collections when I come. 1 Corinthians 16:2 (MEV)
2. “Receive Timothy without fear” (v. 10) — Paul instructs them to welcome his fellow worker with kindness and honor.
Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. 1 Corinthians 16:10 (MEV)
3. “Let no one despise Timothy” (v. 11a) — Another relational imperative tied to how they treat a younger leader.
Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 1 Corinthians 16:11 (MEV)
4. “Submit to people like Stephanas and others who labor in ministry” (v. 16) — A direct command about healthy spiritual leadership and church order.
Submit yourselves to such as these, and to everyone who helps and labors with us. 1 Corinthians 16:16 (MEV)
5. “Be watchful” (v. 13a) — The first of a series of short, punchy final commands. This one urges spiritual alertness.
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be bold like men and be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (MEV)
6. “Stand firm in the faith” (v. 13b) — Persevere in sound doctrine and gospel truth.
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be bold like men and be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (MEV)
7. “Be courageous” (v. 13c) — Often translated as “act like men,” the call is to spiritual boldness and bravery.
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be bold like men and be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (MEV)
8. “Be strong” (v. 13d) — An encouragement to spiritual fortitude in the face of opposition.
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be bold like men and be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (MEV)
9. “Let all that you do be done in love” (v. 14) — Paul ties every previous command to the heart of Christ-like love.
Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (MEV)
10. “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (v. 20) — A cultural expression of sincere brotherly affection.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Corinthians 16:20 (MEV)
List Of All The Do's & Don'ts in The Bible
Want to see a List of all the things God says to Do / Not do in Scripture?
Click below