Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 14:1

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

In making his transition from the beautiful thirteenth chapter (14:1a), Paul uses a strong verb—“pursue” (“follow the way of” in NIV; GK 1503; cf. Php 3:12, 14)—as he charges the Corinthians to seek love. This verb is stronger than the following one (“eagerly desire”; GK 2420), which he applies to seeking spiritual gifts. So love must have the priority; after that the gift of prophecy must particularly be sought.