Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Corinthians 13

The church in Corinth focused too much on the gift of speaking in tongues (see 14:1–25, 27; compare the lists in 12:8–10, 28, where Paul lists tongues last). Paul offers advice to correct their understanding of the value and use of spiritual gifts.

Paul pauses his discussion of spiritual gifts (which he continues in chapter 14) to stress that love is more important than any spiritual gift (see 8:1–3). The most important goal for Christians is to become deeply and consistently loving individuals.

Spiritual gifts do not determine our worth to God or the church. Without love, spiritual gifts have no value.

tongues of men and of angels: The Corinthians valued the spiritual gift of tongues the most (see also 12:10, 28; 14:1–25, 27). Some believed tongues were the language of angels. In Acts, Luke uses the same term for natural human languages (see Acts 2:4–13).

If I … can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge: might refer to the gift of "special knowledge" (12:8).

• exult in the surrender of my body: Some manuscripts say sacrificed my body to be burned. A copyist could have easily changed the text by accident, as in Greek, the two readings differ by only one letter. It is unclear which reading is better. However, the manuscripts supporting the reading exult in instead of sacrificed are generally more reliable.

• I gain nothing: Even the most impressive sacrificial acts mean nothing if not motivated by love.

This description of Christian love highlights the readiness to sacrifice personal desires for the benefit of others (see also 8:1–10:33; Romans 5:6–8; 15:3; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:4–8).

it is not self-seeking: Love is not self-centered and does not focus only on its own interests (see Philippians 2:4–8).

Love, unlike spiritual gifts, will endure forever.

Love will last forever, because God is love (compare 1 John 4:7–12, 16).

None of the spiritual gifts provides complete understanding. Unlike love, their benefits are limited.

• The difference between now and the future is between this age and the coming age.

• Now, we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror. In Paul's time, mirrors were usually made of polished bronze, so the view was unclear. Our perception in this life is limited, and our understanding is incomplete.

• Then, when the end comes and Christ establishes his eternal kingdom, we will see everything clearly. At that time, the spiritual gifts that provide knowledge will no longer be needed.

Faith, hope, and love are more important than spiritual gifts because they last forever (see also Romans 5:1–5; Galatians 5:5–6; Colossians 1:4–5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 5:8). Of the three, the greatest is love, because love is the essential nature of God himself (see 1 John 4:7–12, 16–21). Therefore, love should define our relationship with him and others.