Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 13

Verse 31b introduces ch. 13. Love is the most excellent way for Christians to use their spiritual gifts. The word “love” (agape GK 27) is used in the NT of the deep and abiding affection of God and Christ for each other (17:26) and for us . It is also used of Christians in their relationship with one another (e.g., Jn 13:34-35). Christians are to love, because they belong to God, and “God is love” .

In referring to tongues and prophecy (13:1–3), Paul is apparently trying to counteract the excessive emphasis the Corinthians were evidently placing on these gifts to the detriment of love for Christ and for their fellow believers. “Tongues of men and of angels” are obviously the languages humans and angels use. (On occasion, angels spoke to people in human language; e.g., Lk 1:13-20, 26-38.) It was in the temple worship that the “resounding gong” and “clanging cymbal” were struck (2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 150:5).

Also prophecy, understanding mysteries and knowledge, and possessing dynamic faith are nothing apart from love. Both “mysteries” (GK 3696) and “knowledge” (GK 1194) mean the deep, secret things to be discovered about God’s redemptive works. “Faith” (GK 4411) refers to special acts of faith (e.g., performing miracles), as the reference to the moving of mountains shows (cf. Matthew 21:21). Moreover, Paul says that giving all one’s material wealth to the poor can be done without love and that one can even be martyred or submit voluntarily to torture without a sense of love for others.

Verse 31b introduces ch. 13. Love is the most excellent way for Christians to use their spiritual gifts. The word “love” (agape GK 27) is used in the NT of the deep and abiding affection of God and Christ for each other (17:26) and for us . It is also used of Christians in their relationship with one another (e.g., Jn 13:34-35). Christians are to love, because they belong to God, and “God is love” .

In referring to tongues and prophecy (13:1–3), Paul is apparently trying to counteract the excessive emphasis the Corinthians were evidently placing on these gifts to the detriment of love for Christ and for their fellow believers. “Tongues of men and of angels” are obviously the languages humans and angels use. (On occasion, angels spoke to people in human language; e.g., Lk 1:13-20, 26-38.) It was in the temple worship that the “resounding gong” and “clanging cymbal” were struck (2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 150:5).

Also prophecy, understanding mysteries and knowledge, and possessing dynamic faith are nothing apart from love. Both “mysteries” (GK 3696) and “knowledge” (GK 1194) mean the deep, secret things to be discovered about God’s redemptive works. “Faith” (GK 4411) refers to special acts of faith (e.g., performing miracles), as the reference to the moving of mountains shows (cf. Matthew 21:21). Moreover, Paul says that giving all one’s material wealth to the poor can be done without love and that one can even be martyred or submit voluntarily to torture without a sense of love for others.

Verse 31b introduces ch. 13. Love is the most excellent way for Christians to use their spiritual gifts. The word “love” (agape GK 27) is used in the NT of the deep and abiding affection of God and Christ for each other (17:26) and for us . It is also used of Christians in their relationship with one another (e.g., Jn 13:34-35). Christians are to love, because they belong to God, and “God is love” .

In referring to tongues and prophecy (13:1–3), Paul is apparently trying to counteract the excessive emphasis the Corinthians were evidently placing on these gifts to the detriment of love for Christ and for their fellow believers. “Tongues of men and of angels” are obviously the languages humans and angels use. (On occasion, angels spoke to people in human language; e.g., Lk 1:13-20, 26-38.) It was in the temple worship that the “resounding gong” and “clanging cymbal” were struck (2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 150:5).

Also prophecy, understanding mysteries and knowledge, and possessing dynamic faith are nothing apart from love. Both “mysteries” (GK 3696) and “knowledge” (GK 1194) mean the deep, secret things to be discovered about God’s redemptive works. “Faith” (GK 4411) refers to special acts of faith (e.g., performing miracles), as the reference to the moving of mountains shows (cf. Matthew 21:21). Moreover, Paul says that giving all one’s material wealth to the poor can be done without love and that one can even be martyred or submit voluntarily to torture without a sense of love for others.

Christian love is now described positively and negatively. Its positive characteristics are patience (slow to become resentful), kindness, delight in the truth, and a protective, trusting, hopeful, and persevering attitude. Verses 4b-6a state love’s characteristics negatively. “Is not rude” may refer obliquely to the disorderly conduct at worship (11:2–16; 14). Love “keeps no record of wrongs”; indeed, for love to keep a record of wrongs violates its nature. Love does not rejoice in evil, in which it has no part; but it does “rejoice with” the truth, with which it does have a part.

Furthermore, love covers the faults of others rather than delighting in them (v.7). It is trusting, optimistic, and willing to endure persecution (cf. Romans 5:3–4). In short, it “perseveres” (GK 5702).

Christian love is now described positively and negatively. Its positive characteristics are patience (slow to become resentful), kindness, delight in the truth, and a protective, trusting, hopeful, and persevering attitude. Verses 4b-6a state love’s characteristics negatively. “Is not rude” may refer obliquely to the disorderly conduct at worship (11:2–16; 14). Love “keeps no record of wrongs”; indeed, for love to keep a record of wrongs violates its nature. Love does not rejoice in evil, in which it has no part; but it does “rejoice with” the truth, with which it does have a part.

Furthermore, love covers the faults of others rather than delighting in them (v.7). It is trusting, optimistic, and willing to endure persecution (cf. Romans 5:3–4). In short, it “perseveres” (GK 5702).