A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:1

"Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy." — 1 Corinthians 14:1 (ASV)

Follow after love (διωκετε την αγαπην). As if a veritable chase. Paul comes back to the idea in 12:31 (same use of ζηλουτε) and proves the superiority of prophecy to the other spiritual gifts not counting faith, hope, love of 13:13.

But rather that ye may prophesy (μαλλον δε ινα προφητευητε). Distinct aim in view as in verse 5. Old verb from προφητης, common in N.T. Present subjunctive, "that ye may keep on prophesying."