1 Corinthians 13

13:1-13 Paul interrupts his discussion of spiritual gifts (resumed in ch 14) to emphasize that love is more important than any spiritual gift (cp. 8:1-3). The most important thing for Christians is to become deeply and consistently loving people.13:1-3 Spiritual gifts in themselves do not define our worth to God or to the church. In fact, apart from the expression of love, spiritual gifts are of no value.13:1 all the languages of earth (literally the tongues of men) and of angels: Tongues was the spiritual gift most highly prized by the Corinthians (see also 12:10, 28; 14:1-25, 27). Some may have thought tongues to be the language of angels; in Acts, Luke uses the same term to refer to natural human languages (see Acts 2:4-13).

13:2 If I . . . possessed all knowledge possibly refers to the gift of “special knowledge” (12:8).

13:3 sacrificed my body, I could boast about it: Some manuscripts read sacrificed my body to be burned; it would have been easy for a copyist to change the text accidentally, because in Greek the two readings differ only by one letter. It is unclear which reading is to be preferred; however, the manuscripts supporting the reading I could boast are generally better. • I would have gained nothing: Even the most impressive sacrificial acts mean nothing if not motivated by love.

13:4-7 This description of Christian love emphasizes the willingness to give up one’s own desires for the good of others (see also 8:1–10:33; Rom 5:6-8; 15:3; 2 Cor 8:9; Phil 2:4-8).

13:5 It does not demand its own way: Love is not self-centered, not concerned simply with its own interests (see Phil 2:4-8).

13:8-13 Love, in contrast to spiritual gifts, will last forever.13:8 Love will last forever, because God is love (cp. 1 Jn 4:7-12, 16).

13:9 None of the spiritual gifts gives us full understanding; unlike love, they are all limited in their benefits.

13:12 The contrast between now and then is between this age and the coming age. • Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror: In Paul’s day, mirrors were usually made of polished bronze, so the view was imperfect. Our perception in this life is limited and our understanding is partial and incomplete. • then: When the end comes and Christ establishes his eternal kingdom, we will see everything with perfect clarity. Then the spiritual gifts that give knowledge will be unnecessary.

13:13 Faith, hope, and love are more important than spiritual gifts because they last forever (see also Rom 5:1-5; Gal 5:5-6; Col 1:4-5; 1 Thes 1:3; 5:8). Of the three, the greatest . . . is love, because love is the quintessential nature of God himself (see 1 Jn 4:7-12, 16-21). So love should epitomize our relationship with him and others.