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The Love Chapter

(1 Corinthians 13:1–13)

Introduction:

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and we always associate the month of February and Valentine’s Day with the concept of love, but I’ve thought this week about a song that was written in 1984 by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle. The song was released and went to the top of the charts. It was a song recorded by Tina Turner that asks the question, “What’s love got to do with it? What`s love but a second hand emotion?”

I don’t think that love is a second hand emotion, but to ask “What’s love got to do with it?” is a good question, even with regard to the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. In the Catholic calendar, this was a day that honored two or three martyred Catholic saints all named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the time of Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Of course, now St. Valentine’s Day has become a widely accepted celebration of love. In fact, the U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. So now, Valentine’s Day has everything to do with love. Similarly, 1 Corinthians chapter 13 has everything to do with love because that is the theme of the whole chapter.

G. Campbell Morgan wrote…

From the standpoint of literature this is one of the most remarkable passages that ever came from the pen of man. In the apostolic teaching, however, this whole chapter is a parenthesis, and of great importance and value in its relation to all his teaching. We saw the close connection between the last verse of chapter 12 and first clause of chapter 14. “Desire earnestly the greater gifts. And the most excellent way show I unto you. … Follow after love.” The words, “FolIow after love” contain the declaration of what is the most excellent way. We therefore see that this chapter 13 is a parenthesis. Paul is showing them directly how to follow after love. Now he takes time here in this thirteenth chapter to show what love really is.

Tom Hayes wrote…

In both Chapter 12 and Chapter 14, the Corinthian church is indoctrinated, reproved, corrected, and instructed (see 2 Tim. 3:16) concerning their unusual gifts. And while gifts have their place in Christian ministry and are not to be overlooked, the truth of love, set forth in Chapter 13, is the real heart and strength of all ministry. We are taught that “it is better to have this grace without gifts, than to have gifts without this grace” (W. Graham Scroggie).

In his book “The Doctrine Of Brotherly Love,” W. G. Broadbent agreed when he said…

Agapee is the love of the love chapter 1 Corinthians 13. This love is greater than the gifts, and it abides forever.

James Packer, in his book, Your Father Loves You, wrote…

The Greek word agape (love) seems to have been virtually a Christian invention – a new word for a new thing (apart from about twenty occurrences in the Greek version of the Old Testament, it is almost non-existent before the New Testament). Agape draws its meaning directly from the revelation of God in Christ. It is not a form of natural affection, however, intense, but a supernatural fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is a matter of will rather than feeling (for Christians must love even those they dislike – Matthew 5:44-48). It is the basic element in Christ-likeness. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and note what these verses have to say about the primacy (vv. 1-3) and permanence (vv. 8-13) of love; note too the profile of love (vv. 4-7) which they give.

Paul magnifies the importance of “charity” or love in this chapter. And in thinking about the concept of love, I was reminded that kids sometimes have an interesting perspective on love…

When some were asked what falling in love is like…

Roger, age 9 said, “Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life.”

Leo, age 7, said, “If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don’t want to do it. It takes too long.”

When asked what role having good looks plays in love…

Jeanne, age 8, said, “If you want to be loved by somebody who isn’t already in your family, it doesn’t hurt to be beautiful.”

Gary, age 7, said, “It isn’t always just how you look. Look at me. I’m handsome like anything and I haven’t got anybody to marry me yet.”

Christine, age 9, said, “Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time.”

When asked to share some confidential opinions about love…

Anita, age 6, said, “I’m in favor of love as long as it doesn’t happen when ‘The Simpsons’ is on TV.”

Bobby, age 8, said, “Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.”

Regina, age 10, said, “I’m not rushing into being in love. I’m finding fourth grade hard enough.”

Floyd, age 9, said, “Love is foolish … but I still might try it sometime.”

When asked to share some surefire ways to make a person fall in love with you…

Del, age 6, said, “Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores.”

Alonzo, age 9, said, “Don’t do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain’t the same thing as love.”

Manuel, age 8, said, “Yell out that you love them at the top of your lungs … and don’t worry if their parents are right there.”

Bart, age 9, said, “One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me.”

Camille, age 9, said, “Shake your hips and hope for the best.”

Some of those ideas about love are interesting to say the least, but I want to share with you some things that the Bible has to say about love. The apostle Paul gives us a virtually full treatment of the subject in the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians. In fact, A. T. Robertson said, “‎Plato and many others have written on love, but Paul has here surpassed them all in this marvelous prose-poem.”

As we study this portion of scripture, we discover that…

Part I: In This Great Chapter, Paul Mentions The Absence Of Love

(1 Corinthians 13:1–3)

John MacArthur wrote…

In verses 1-2 Paul uses considerable hyperbole. To make his point he exaggerates to the limits of imagination. Using various examples, he says, “If somehow I were able to do or to be … to the absolute extreme, but did not have love, I would be absolutely nothing.” In the spirit of the love about which he is talking, Paul changes to the first person. He wanted to make it clear that what he said applied as fully to himself as to anyone in Corinth.

Warren Wiersbe puts the passage in context for us when he says…

Spiritual gifts, no matter how exciting and wonderful, are useless and even destructive if they are not ministered in love. … The main evidence of maturity in the Christian life is a growing love for God and for God’s people, as well as a love for lost souls. It has well been said that love is the “circulatory system” of the body of Christ. … Many people fail to see that Paul was still dealing with the Corinthians’ problems when he wrote these words: the abuse of the gift of tongues, division in the church, envy of others’ gifts, selfishness … impatience with one another in the public meetings, and behavior that was disgracing the Lord. The only way spiritual gifts can be used creatively is when Christians are motivated by love.

Again, Paul is showing them the “more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 13:31), which involves not merely spiritual gifts but spiritual gifts exercised with love. As A. T. Robertson said…

‎Paul is not condemning these great gifts. He simply places love above them and essential to them.

Hugh Kane said…

Love is the divine lubricant in which all the wheels of the Church’s activities are to move, and her varied “gifts” be exercised. The lack of this heavenly element has caused friction, faction and failure in the past. How much we need Love today!

Paul says…

A. Without Love, Our Message Has No Vitality

(1 Corinthians 13:1) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1. Paul Refers To Communication Involving Great Eloquence

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels

tongues – Greek 1100. glossa, gloce'-sah; of uncert. affin.; the tongue; by implication a language (specifically one naturally unacquired):--tongue.

John MacArthur said…

In the context there is no doubt that Paul here includes the gift of speaking in languages (see 12:10, 28; 14:4-6, 13-14; etc.). That is the gift the Corinthians prized so highly and abused so greatly… Paul’s basic point in 13:1, however, is to convey the idea of being able to speak all sorts of languages with great fluency and eloquence, far above the greatest linguist or orator. That the apostle is speaking in general and hypothetical terms is clear from the expression “tongues of angels.” There is no biblical teaching of a unique or special angelic language or dialect. In the countless records of their speaking to men in Scripture, they always speak in the language of the person being addressed. There is no indication that they have a heavenly language of their own that men could learn. Paul simply is saying that, were he to have the ability to speak with the skill and eloquence of the greatest men, even with angelic eloquence, he would only become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal if he did not have love. The greatest truths spoken in the greatest way fall short if they are not spoken in love. Apart from love, even one who speaks the truth with supernatural eloquence becomes so much noise.

2. Paul Refers To Communication Involving Great Emptiness

have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal

sounding – Greek 2278. echeo, ay-kheh’-o; from G2279; to make a loud noise, i.e. reverberate:--roar, sound.

brass – Greek 5475. chalkos, khal-kos’; perh. from G5465 through the idea of hollowing out as a vessel (this metal being chiefly used for that purpose); copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it):--brass, money.

tinkling – Greek 214. alalazo, al-al-ad’-zo; from alale (a shout, “halloo”); to vociferate (shout), i.e. (by implication) to wail; fig. to clang:--tinkle, wail.

cymbal – Greek 2950. kumbalon, koom’-bal-on; from a der. of the base of G2949; a “cymbal” (as hollow):--cymbal.

A. T. Robertson explains the phrases this way…

Sounding brass ‎chalchos ‎‎eechoon‎. Old words. Brass was the earliest metal that men learned to use. Our word echoing is ‎eechoon‎. Used in Luke 21:25 of the roaring of the sea. Only two examples in the New Testament.

Clanging cymbal ‎kumbalon ‎‎alalazon‎. Cymbal, an old word, a hollow basin of brass. ‎Alalazoo‎, an old onomatopoetic word (a word that sounds like the action) to ring loudly, in lament (Mark 5:38), for any cause as here.

Cf. (Mark 5:38) And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed (alalazo – same as tinkling) greatly.

G. Campbell Morgan said…

Paul says, If I speak with tongues of men and angels, what does it all amount to? Noise. That is all. I can make a noise if I am quite eloquent, but it is all noise, sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. But if there is no love behind my speech, then what am I? I am an instrument like brass or a cymbal, without personality; nothing, emptiness, void of power. … A big noise!

MacArthur says…

In New Testament times, rites honoring the pagan deities Cybele, Bacchus, and Dionysus included speaking in ecstatic noises that were accompanied by smashing gongs, clanging cymbals, and blaring trumpets. Paul’s hearers clearly got his point: unless it is done in love, ministering the gift of languages, or speaking in any other human or angelic way, amounts to no more than those pagan rituals. It is only meaningless gibberish in a Christian guise.

B. Without Love, Our Ministry Has No Value

(1 Corinthians 13:2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1. He Describes A Ministry That Is Categorically Varied

Albert Barnes said…

This word (prophecy) properly means to predict future events, but it also means to declare the divine will; to interpret the purposes of God; or to make known in any way the truth of God, which is designed to influence people. … The name in the New Testament is commonly connected with teachers; Acts 13:1. … In 1 Corinthians 12:28-29, prophets are mentioned as a class of teachers immediately after apostles, “And God hath set some in the church; first apostles, secondly prophets; thirdly teachers, etc.”

MacArthur said of the words “all mysteries and all knowledge” that…

Paul uses that comprehensive phrase to picture ultimate human understanding. Mysteries may represent divine spiritual understanding and knowledge may represent factual human understanding. In Scripture the term mystery always signifies divine truth that God has hidden from men at some time. Most often it refers to truths hidden to Old Testament saints that have been revealed in the New Testament. If he could perfectly understand all unrevealed divine mysteries, along with all the mysteries that are revealed, Paul insists that he could still be nothing. … Adding all knowledge would not help. One could fathom all the observable, knowable facts of the created universe, be virtually omniscient, and he would still be nothing without love. In other words, if somehow he could comprehend all of the Creator and all of the creation, he would be zero without love.

‎A. T. Robertson states…

Equally futile is wonder-working faith “so as to remove mountains” ‎hooste ‎‎oree ‎‎methistanein ‎without love. This may have been a proverb or Paul may have known the words of Jesus (Matthew 17:20; 21:21).

You can say great things; you can see great things; you can sanction great things … but without love, it is “nothing.”

Illustration: I remember the story of the man who was in a campmeeting underneath an open tabernacle. And he had gotten very excited during the course of the service and stood to his feet saying, “I see something. I see something.” Unbeknownst to him, a raccoon had gotten up in the rafters, and just as he had stood to his feet looking towards heaven, the raccoon scampered across the beam above his head. And when he saw it he said, “I do see something.” Paul said we can see things in the spiritual realm and the physical realm, but it means nothing without love.

2. He Described A Ministry That Is Completely Vain

(1 Corinthians 13:2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

A. T. Robertson said that the word here does not indicate “nobody,” but it indicates nothing, “an absolute zero.” The word has the idea of “absolutely nothing whatsoever at all in any case.”

nothing – Greek 3762. oudeis, oo-dice'; includ. fem. oudemia, oo-dem-ee'-ah; and neut. ouden, oo-den'; from G3761 and G1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing:--any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought.

Matthew Henry said…

‎Had a man ever so clear an understanding of the prophecies and types under the old dispensation, ever so accurate a knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity, nay, and this by inspiration, from the infallible dictates and illumination of the Spirit of God, without charity he would be nothing; all this would stand him in no stead. Note: a clear and deep head is of no signification, without a benevolent and charitable heart.

Paul says, “I would really be something with all these ministry gifts … Not!” Not without love.

C. Without Love, Our Magnanimity Has No Virtue

(1 Corinthians 13:3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

magnanimity – to be magnanimous – an adjective that means courageously noble in mind and heart; very generous, kind, or forgiving; unselfish.

1. Notice The Benevolence That Is Mentioned

Barnes says…

The Greek word used here (for bestow) meant properly to break off, and distribute in small portions; to feed by morsels; and may be applicable here to distributing one’s property in small portions. Charity or alms to the poor, was usually distributed at one’s gate (Luke 16:20,) or in some public place. Of course, if property was distributed in this manner, many more would be benefitted than if all were given to one person. There would be many more to be thankful, and to celebrate one’s praises. This was regarded as a great virtue; and was often performed in a most ostentatious manner. It was a gratification to wealthy men who desired the praise of being benevolent, that many of the poor flocked daily to their houses to be fed; and against this desire of distinction, the Saviour directed some of his severest reproofs; see Matthew 6:1-4.

“Goods” are defined as…

goods – Greek 5224. huparchonta, hoop-ar'-khon-tah; neut. plur. of pres. part. act. of G5225 as noun; things extent or in hand, i.e. property or possessions:--goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast.

The scene would be like the one in Gary Cooper’s movie, “Mr. Deeds Goes To Town,” when he is giving away portions of his 20 million dollar inheritance to hundreds of needy men.

The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary says…

Give my body to be burned – (means) literally give up my body to such a degree as that I should be burned. As the three youths (Daniel 3:28) “yielded their bodies.”

(Daniel 3:28) Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

Note: A. T. Robertson said that the Greek word that is here translated “be burned” could have the idea of “that I may glory.” So that one may “give their body so that they may glory” in that sacrifice.

2. Notice The Benefit That Is Missing

MacArthur said…

Agapeô love is always self-sacrificing, but self-sacrifice does not necessarily come from love.

A. T. Robertson said that the phrase “It profiteth me nothing,” is “literally, ‘I am helped nothing’.”

The Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says of this word “profiteth” (NT:5623 – oofeloúmai) that it means…

‎to assist to be useful or advantageous, to help or profit one in a thing. And with the accusative ‎ouden (nothing) it means to be of no use, to effect nothing;

Illustration: D. L. Moody shared the following story…

Show me a church where there is love, and I will show you a church that is a power in the community. In Chicago a few years ago a little boy attended a Sunday school I know of. When his parents moved to another part of the city the little fellow still attended the same Sunday school, although it meant a long, tiresome walk each way. A friend asked him why he went so far, and told him that there were plenty of others just as good nearer his home. “They may be as good for others, but not for me,” was his reply. “Why not?” she asked. “Because they love a fellow over there,” he replied. If only we could make the world believe that we loved them there would be fewer empty churches, and a smaller proportion of our population who never darken a church door. Let love replace duty in our church relations, and the world will soon be evangelized. (From Moody’s Anecdotes)

Cf. (Jude 1:22) And of some have compassion, making a difference:

It has been said that people do not care how much we know until they know how much we care.

Part II: In This Great Chapter, Paul Mentions The Attributes Of Love

(1 Corinthians 13:4–7)

Author, motivational speaker, and professor, Leo Buscaglia told the story of being invited by a neighbor to go to their church, which they said was a place where “beautiful, spiritual things went on” and they wanted him to go and experience it with them. He agreed to go, and he said that as soon as they entered the door of this little church everybody took his hand and patted his shoulder (and, he said “felt his hair”). He said, “It was an absolute freak out right at the door!”

He said there was a lot of singing and a lot of moving around, a real celebration; sort of the kind of religious experience that some of us think about and dream about but don’t very often experience. He said the high point came when the minister came and said, “Friends, Brother Jonathan is going to give the sermon today and his subject is going to be Faith.” He said, “Little Brother Jonathan stood up and he was about 5 foot 4, and he had no hair, and he had two beady, wonderful, Kris Kringle eyes. And he stood before everybody for a minute … and then he folded his hands. And he said, ‘Faith, faith, faith, faith, faith, faith.’ And then he sat down. And the minister stood up, and with a big smile on his face, he said, ‘Thank you Brother Jonathan for that beautiful (message) on faith’.”

Buscaglia, who when he told this was lecturing on love then said that “someday, I’m gonna wise up, and when I go to talk to people … about love, I’m gonna fold my hands and I’m gonna say, ‘Love, love, love, love, love, love, love.’ And then I’m gonna go home. And it’ll be the most beautiful evening we’ve had. And you can stand up and say, ‘Oh, that Buscaglia really knows his way around love’.”

Well, Paul had a lot more to say than that, but he really knew his way around this subject of love.

Warren Wiersbe said…

Many people fail to see that Paul was still dealing with the Corinthians’ problems when he wrote these words: the abuse of the gift of tongues, division in the church, envy of others’ gifts, selfishness (remember the lawsuits?), impatience with one another in the public meetings, and behavior that was disgracing the Lord. The only way spiritual gifts can be used creatively is when Christians are motivated by love.

So Paul is discussing love, more as a solution than a subject. It is an ingredient in the context more than an isolated concept. However, I think there is much we can learn from this chapter even in approaching it on the basis of the subject and concept of love.

The theme of the chapter is “charity,” although the better rendering is “love.” And this repeated word is translated from the Greek term agape.

John MacArthur said…

Agapē (love) is one of the rarest words in ancient Greek literature, but one of the most common in the New Testament. Unlike our English love, it never refers to romantic or sexual love, for which erōs was used, and which does not appear in the New Testament. Nor does it refer to mere sentiment, a pleasant feeling about something or someone. It does not mean close friendship or brotherly love, for which philia is used. Nor does agapē mean charity, a term the King James translators carried over from the Latin and which in English has long been associated only with giving to the needy. This chapter is itself the best definition of agapē.

Self-giving love, love that demands something of us, love that is more concerned with giving than receiving, is as rare in much of the church today as it was in Corinth. The reason, of course, is that agapē love is so unnatural to human nature. Our world has defined love as “romantic feeling” or “attraction,” which has nothing to do with true love in God’s terms.
The supreme measure and example of agapē love is God’s love. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Love is above all sacrificial. …

MacArthur says that in this chapter…

Paul shines love through a prism and we see 15 of its colors and hues, the spectrum of love. Each ray gives a facet, a property, of agape love. Unlike most English translations, which include several adjectives, the Greek forms of all those properties are verbs. They do not focus on what love is so much as on what love does and does not do. Agapē love is active, not abstract or passive. It does not simply feel patient, it practices patience. It does not simply have kind feelings, it does kind things. It does not simply recognize the truth, it rejoices in the truth. Love is fully love only when it acts.

While this list of 15 facets of love may be actions rather than adjectives, I want to approach this by saying that love seems to be personified here, and that verses 4 thru 7 represents a list of attributes that describe our friend Agape Love.

Albert Barnes said…

Paul now proceeds to illustrate the “nature” of love, or to show how it is exemplified. His illustrations are all drawn from its effect in regulating our conduct toward others, or our contact with them. The “reason” why he made use of this illustration, rather than its nature as evinced toward “God,” was, probably, because it was especially necessary for them to understand in what way it should be manifested toward each other. There were contentions and strifes among them … and Paul therefore evidently designed to correct these evils, and to produce a different state of things by showing them what would be produced by the exercise of love.

A. Notice Some Of The Obvious Attributes Assocated With This Agape Love

(1 Corinthians 13:4) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1. There Is A Gracious Quality Involved

The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary says that love, “Suffereth long – under provocations of evil from others.”

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament indicates that this phrase “suffereth long” (NT:3114 – makrothumeí) is used for God's “longsuffering” or “forbearance”…

The majestic God graciously restrains His righteous wrath. … God’s forbearance pledges Christians to a similar forbearance. … Love itself is forbearing (1 Corinthians 13:4). Forbearance is a necessary quality in the service of God. … It is a spiritual force that has its origin in the divine glory and works itself out in joyful endurance.

And even the word “kind” (NT:5541 – chreesteúetai), is used to refer to God’s proofs of grace to those who call upon him. And this kindly conduct is derived from divine goodness.

So because God has been lovingly gracious to us, gracious love, longsuffering love, should be a part of our Christian character.

2. There Is A Gentle Quality Involved

A. T. Robertson said of the term “kind” (‎chreesteuetai‎), that it is “From ‎chreestos ‎(useful, gracious, kind).” The word means “Gentle in behavior.”

kind – Greek 5541. chresteuomai, khraste-yoo'-om-ahee; mid. from G5543; to show oneself useful, i.e. act benevolently:--be kind.

U. R. Thomas said of the kindness of love…

The thing he here indicates is rather the fragrance of the whole flower of love than any one of its petals, the luster of the entire diamond rather than any one of its facets. Kindness is a charm of the Christian life. The word is a beautiful word, and is the expression of a beautiful grace; sometimes being rendered gentleness, goodness. … It is not simply a manner, but a moral loveliness that shines through all manner. (This kindness is) an obligation of the Christian life. It is not an ornament to be worn at option, but the constant garb of our life, not a work of supererogation (going beyond what is expected), but a necessary, essential, and elemental duty.

(From The Biblical Illustrator)

You’ve probably seen the GEICO commercial where the customer is sitting in the back yard with the host from “Inside the Actors Studio,” James Lipton. Both of them have their feet soaking in a pool. At the end, the customer says that it was refreshing to talk to an actual human being, and Lipton says, “Human beings behaving humanly. Brilliant.” I think Paul is suggesting that the kind of love we need for others is love like Christ has for us. And I want to say, “Christians behaving like Christ. Brilliant!”

B. Notice Some Of The Opposite Attributes Associated With This Agape Love

(1 Corinthians 13:4-6) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {5} Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; {6} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

1. Ego Is Not A Part Of This Kind Of Love – It Is Not Selfish or Rude

All of the descriptive points that we are dealing with under this heading have to do with self

● charity envieth not

MacArthur, in speaking the envy, relates it to Paul’s own life…

When love sees someone who is popular, successful, beautiful, or talented, it is glad for them and never jealous or envious. While Paul was imprisoned, probably in Rome, some of the younger preachers who then served where he had ministered were trying to outdo the apostle out of envy. They were so jealous of Paul’s reputation and accomplishments that, with their criticism, they intended to cause him additional “distress” while he suffered in prison.

Listen to this verse from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase “The Message”…

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head,

● charity vaunteth not itself

vaunteth – Greek 4068. perpereuomai, per-per-yoo'-om-ahee; mid. from perperos, (braggart; perh. by redupl. of the base of G4008); to boast:--vaunt itself. This has the idea of being braggadocios.

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says that this word “vaunteth” (NT:4068 – perpereúomai) meaning “to boast”…

Relates to arrogance in speech, being associated with such concepts as loquacity, bluster, bragging, etc. It suggests a literary or rhetorical form of boasting. In 1 Corinthians 13:4 it carries such varied nuances as arrogance, pretension, and impotent chatter. … We do not set aside ‎perpereúesthai ‎by practice etc., as in Stoicism; love itself sets it aside in us when we take this more excellent way.

MacArthur said…

Love does not parade its accomplishments. Bragging is the other side of jealousy. Jealousy is wanting what someone else has. Bragging is trying to make others jealous of what we have. Jealousy puts others down; bragging builds us up. It is ironic that, as much as most of us dislike bragging in others, we are so inclined to brag ourselves.

● charity… is not puffed up

‎puffed up – Greek 5448. phusioo, foo-see-o'-o; from G5449 in the prim. sense of blowing; to inflate, i.e. (fig.) make proud (haughty):--puff up.

Albert Barnes said of this phrase “puffed up”…

It perhaps differs from the preceding word, inasmuch as that word denotes the expression of the feelings of pride, vanity, etc., and this word the feeling itself. A man may be very proud and vain, and not express it in the form of boasting. That state is indicated by this word. If he gives expression to this feeling, and boasts of his endowments, that is indicated by the previous word. Love would prevent this, as it would the former. It would destroy the feeling, as well as the expression of it. It would teach a man that others had good qualities as well.

To vaunt is the expression of pride; to be puffed up is the pride itself.

● charity… doth not behave itself unseemly

behave … unseemly – Greek 807. aschemoneo, as-kay-mon-eh'-o; from G809; to be (i.e. act) unbecoming:--behave self uncomely (unseemly).

A. T. Robertson said that this indicates that love is “not indecent.” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon suggests that this word has to do with being deformed or disgraceful. The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary says that it indicates that love “is not uncourteous.” MacArthur said, “The principle here has to do with poor manners, with acting rudely.”

● charity… seeketh not her own

MacArthur said, “Here is probably the key to everything. The root evil of fallen human nature is in wanting to have its own way.”

A. T. Robertson said that this refers to seeking “its own interests,” and he cites 1 Corinthians 10:24 and 33 as cross references.

Barnes said…

There is, perhaps, not a more striking or important expression in the New Testament than this; or one that more beautifully sets forth the nature and power of that love which is produced by true religion. Its evident meaning is that it is not selfish; it does not seek its own happiness exclusively or mainly.

Surely this is the teaching in another of Paul’s epistles…

(Philippians 2:1-4) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, {2} Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. {3} Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. {4} Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

2. Evil Is Not A Part Of This Kind Of Love – It Is Not Sinful or Retaliatory

(1 Corinthians 13:5-6) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; {6} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

provoked – Greek 3947. paroxuno, par-ox-oo'-no; from G3844 and a der. of G3691; to sharpen alongside, i.e. (fig.) to exasperate:--easily provoke, stir.

Barnes said…

The meaning of the phrase in the Greek is that a man who is under the influence of love or religion is not “prone” to violent anger or exasperation.

He is not “sharp-tempered” or “sharp-tongued.”

● charity… thinketh no evil

Tom Hayes wrote…

The idea in the words “thinketh no evil,” is that love doesn’t hold grudges. As one has explained, “Love doesn’t enter into the account book wrongs and injuries and unkindness” (J. D. Jones).

A. T. Robertson said…

Taketh not account of evil (“thinketh no evil”) ‎ou ‎‎logizetai ‎‎to ‎‎kakon‎. An old verb from ‎logos‎, to count up, to take account of as in a ledger or note-book, “the evil” (‎to ‎‎kakon) done to love with a view to settling the account.

So it has the idea of holding grudges or getting even.

● charity… rejoiceth not in iniquity

iniquity – Greek 93. adikia, ad-ee-kee'-ah; from G94; (legal) injustice (prop. the quality, by impl. the act); mor. wrongfulness (of character, life or act):--iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.

Adam Clarke said this indicates the idea of rejoicing in falsehood.

MacArthur said, “Love never takes satisfaction from sin, whether our own sin or that of others.”

Barnes explains…

[Rejoiceth not in iniquity] Does not rejoice over the “vices” of other people; does not take delight when they are guilty of crime, or when, in any manner, they fall into sin. It does not find pleasure in hearing others accused of sin, and in having it proved that they committed it. It does not find a malicious pleasure in the “report” that they have done wrong; or in following up that report, and finding it established. … It neither loves the wrong, nor the fact that it has been done.

A heart of Christian love doesn’t want to give somebody their “come-uppance” and it doesn’t get happy when they do get their “come-uppance.”

C. Notice Some Of The Optimistic Attributes Associated With This Agape Love

(1 Corinthians 13:6-7) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {7} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1. Love Gives Us Optimism In The Spiritual (or Needy) Realms Of Life

● charity… rejoiceth in the truth

Barnes said…

[Rejoiceth in the truth] The word “truth” here stands opposed to “iniquity,” and means virtue, piety, goodness. It does not rejoice in the “vices,” but in the “virtues” of others. It is pleased, it rejoices when they “do well.” It is pleased when those who differ from us conduct themselves in any manner in such a way as to please God, and to advance their own reputation and happiness. They who are under the influence of that love rejoice that good is done, and the truth defended and advanced, whoever may be the instrument; rejoice that others are successful in their plans of doing good, though they do not act with us; rejoice that other people have a reputation well earned for virtue and purity of life, though they may differ from us in opinion, and may be connected with a different denomination.

● charity… beareth all things

beareth – Greek 4722. stego; to roof over, i.e. (fig.) to cover with silence (endure patiently):-- forbear, suffer.

MacArthur said…

Stegoô (to bear) basically means to cover or to support and therefore to protect. Love bears all things by protecting others from exposure, ridicule, or harm. Genuine love does not gossip or listen to gossip. Even when a sin is certain, love tries to correct it with the least possible hurt and harm to the guilty person. Love never protects sin but is anxious to protect the sinner. (How like the love of Christ!)

A. T. Robertson said…

Beareth all things ‎panta ‎‎stegei‎. ‎Stegoo ‎is an old verb from ‎stegee‎, roof. … Love covers, protects, forbears. See 1 Peter 4:8 “because love covers a multitude of sins,” throws a veil over.

2. Love Gives Us Optimism In The Struggling (or Negative) Relationships Of Life

● charity… believeth all things

believeth – Greek 4100. pisteuo, pist-yoo'-o; from G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by impl. to entrust (espec. one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.

Barnes said…

[Believeth all things] The whole scope of the connection and the argument here requires us to understand this of the conduct of others. It cannot mean, that the man who is under the influence of love is a man of “universal credulity;” that he makes no discrimination in regard to things to be believed; and is as prone to believe a falsehood as the truth; or that he is at no pains to inquire what is true and what is false, what is right and what is wrong. But it must mean, that in regard to the conduct of others, there is a disposition to put the best construction on it; to believe that they may be actuated by good motives, and that they intend no injury; and that there is a willingness to suppose, as far as can be, that what is done is done consistently with friendship, good feeling, and virtue.

In other words, love causes us to believe the best about someone, to give them the benefit of the doubt.

● charity… hopeth all things

A. T. Robertson explained the phrase “Hopeth all things” (‎panta ‎‎elpizei‎) as “Sees the bright side of things. Does not despair.”

MacArthur wrote…

Even when belief in a loved one’s goodness or repentance is shattered, love still hopes. When it runs out of faith it holds on to hope. As long as God’s grace is operative human failure is never final. God would not take Israel’s failure as final. Jesus would not take Peter’s failure as final. Paul would not take the Corinthians’ failure as final. There are more than enough promises in the Bible to make love hopeful.

The parents of backslidden children, the spouse of an unbelieving marriage partner, the church that has disciplined members who do not repent – all hope in love that the child, the spouse, or the erring brother or sister will be saved or restored. Love refuses to take failure as final. The rope of love’s hope has no end. As long as there is life, love does not lose hope.

Love looks beyond failure and believes that it is not final.

● charity… endureth all things

endureth – Greek 5278. hupomeno, hoop-om-en'-o; from G5259 and G3306; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; fig. to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere:--abide, endure, (take) patient (-ly), suffer, tarry behind.

Barnes said of this phrase “endureth all things” that love…

Bears up under, sustains, and does not complain. Bears up under all persecutions at the hand of man; all efforts to injure the person, property, or reputation; and hears all that may be laid upon us in the providence and by the direct agency of God. The connection requires us to understand it principally of our treatment at the hands of our fellow-men.

Illustration: In his book on “Courage – You Can Stand Strong in the Face of Fear,” Jon Johnston shares the following story…

Ted Stallard undoubtedly qualifies as the one of “the least.” Turned off by school. Very sloppy in appearance. Expressionless. Unattractive. Even his teacher, Miss Thompson, enjoyed bearing down her red pen—as she placed Xs beside his many wrong answers.

If only she had studied his records more carefully. They read:

1st grade: Ted shows promise with his work and attitude, but (has) poor home situation.

2nd grade: Ted could do better. Mother seriously ill. Receives little help from home.

3rd grade: Ted is good boy but too serious. He is a slow learner. His mother died this year.

4th grade: Ted is very slow, but well-behaved. His father shows no interest whatsoever.

Christmas arrived. The children piled elaborately wrapped gifts on their teacher’s desk. Ted brought one too. It was wrapped in brown paper and held together with Scotch Tape. Miss Thompson opened each gift, as the children crowded around to watch. Out of Ted’s package fell a gaudy rhinestone bracelet, with half of the stones missing, and a bottle of cheap perfume. The children began to snicker. But she silenced them by splashing some of the perfume on her wrist, and letting them smell it. She put the bracelet on too.

At day’s end, after the other children had left, Ted came by the teacher’s desk and said, “Miss Thompson, you smell just like my mother. And the bracelet looks real pretty on you. I’m glad you like my presents.” He left. Miss Thompson got down on her knees and asked God to forgive her and to change her attitude.

The next day, the children were greeted by a reformed teacher—one committed to loving each of them. Especially the slow ones. Especially Ted. Surprisingly—or maybe, not surprisingly, Ted began to show great improvement. He actually caught up with most of the students and even passed a few.

Time came and went. Miss Thompson heard nothing from Ted for a long time. Then, one day, she received this note:

Dear Miss Thompson:

I wanted you to be the first to know. I will be graduating second in my class.

Love, Ted

Four years later, another note arrived:

Dear Miss Thompson:

They just told me I will be graduating first in my class. I wanted you to be first to know. The university has not been easy, but I liked it.

Love, Ted

And four years later:

Dear Miss Thompson:

As of today, I am Theodore Stallard, M.D. How about that? I wanted you to be the first to know. I am getting married next month, the 27th to be exact. I want you to come and sit where my mother would sit if she were alive. You are the only family I have now; Dad died last year.

Miss Thompson attended that wedding, and sat where Ted’s mother would have sat. The compassion she had shown that young man entitled her to that privilege.



Love is something very special. Ted Stallard understood that. Miss Thompson understood that. Paul understood that. And we need to understand that and love others as Christ loves us. After all, that is Christ’s commandment for us…

(John 13:34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Gospel Songwriter (Dottie Rambo):

I’m a prisoner of love, a slave to the Master

I willingly toil through the heat and the cold

I seek no reward in this life below

For payday will come when the pearly gates unfold.

When I came to Jesus I settled it all

I gave Him my life to control

Neither fear nor persuasion could draw me to Christ

But His love has captured my soul.

He holds me secure with His love strong and true

I’m happy His servant to be

In bondage to Jesus forever I’ll stay

My soul doesn’t want to be free.

Part III: In This Great Chapter, Paul Mentions The Abiding Of Love

(1 Corinthians 13:8–13)

About the time I graduated from high school in 1986, a movie came out that I really enjoyed at the time; The Karate Kid 2. And at the time, the theme song of the movie became a big hit. I was reminded of this as I was watching PBS the other night and they were broadcasting a tribute concert for the man who wrote the song along with many others. The title of the song was “Glory of Love,” and the last part of the chorus says…

We’ll live forever knowing together that we did it all for the glory of love

To be honest with you, I hope that I will be able to say while I’m living forever that everything that I did was motivated by love, because Paul said that “Charity,” or love, “never faileth” (1 Corinthians 13:8). A. T. Robertson said that the phrase means, “Love survives everything.”

Albert Barnes, in explaining this phrase, wrote…

Paul here proceeds to illustrate the value of love, from its “permanency” as compared with other valued endowments. It is valuable, and is to be sought because it will always abide; may be always exercised; is adapted to all circumstances, and to all worlds in which we may be placed, or in which we may dwell. The word rendered “faileth” ‎ekpiptei ‎denotes properly to fall out of, to fall from or off; and may be applied to the stars of heaven falling (as in Mark 13:25), or to flowers that fall or fade (as in James 1:11 and 1 Peter 1:24), or to chains falling from the hands (as in Acts 12:7). Here it means to fall away, to fail; to be without effect, to cease to be in existence. The expression may mean that it will be adapted to all the situations of life, and is of a nature to be always exercised; or it may mean that it will continue to all eternity, and be exercised in heaven forever.

I read a story about a funeral parlor and crematorium. As they do in most places like this, the families were allowed to choose the music that would be playing as they entered the service. And one particular family asked to have the song “Love Me Tender” playing as they came into the service.

The day of the funeral arrived and the music was started ready for the family to walk in to the service. Unfortunately the wrong track number was entered into the CD player, and the family found themselves walking in while, “Return to Sender” was playing over the sound system.

“Love Me Tender” may have failed, but Paul said love never fails.

In verse 13, Paul further said that “charity,” along with faith and hope, “abideth.” The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says of “abideth” (NT:3306 – meno) that…

This word means a. “to stay in a place,” figuratively “to remain in a sphere,” b. “to stand against opposition,” “to hold out,” “to stand fast,” c. “to stay still,” and d. “to remain,” “to endure,” “to stay in force.”

Barnes says that the word “abideth” means…

“Remains” (‎menei‎). The word means properly to remain, continue, abide; and is applied to persons remaining in a place, in a state or condition, in contradistinction from removing or changing their place, or passing away. Here it must be understood to be used to denote “permanency,” when the other things of which he had spoken had passed away; and the sense is, that faith, hope, and love would “remain” when the gift of tongues should cease, and the need of prophecy, etc.; that is, these should survive them all.

And even among these three great things, Paul said, “the greatest of these is (love).”

Thornley Smith said…

The apostle had been speaking of temporary gifts. Supernatural endowments were granted to the Church for a season only. The apostle intimates that there is a gift of richer value, and that the time would come when these would be bestowed no longer, and when that only would remain.

What a catastrophe would it be were it to become extinct! But it cannot fail. So wide a channel was made for it by the mission of the Son of God, that to stop its onward flow were as impossible as to prevent the rolling of the ocean’s waves. … Hence it is a gift which never fails.

The gift of charity will never fail on earth, how then is it possible that it should fail in heaven? The period will arrive when not only miracles will cease, but even the ordinary means for the edification of the Church. But love will even then abide. Upon the blessed inhabitant of the upper sanctuary it will stream in richest plenitude, direct from the eternal throne. (From The Biblical Illustrator)

As we come to this final section in Paul’s “Love Chapter”…

A. He Points Us To The Fading Activities Of Spiritual Experience And Thus Reminds Us That Love Is Enduring

1. These Gifts Have A Passing Quality

(1 Corinthians 13:8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

* Concerning Prophecy…

Gil Rugh, Senior Pastor of Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln, NE wrote…

Basically, a prophet had the ability to receive direct revelation from God and then to communicate that revelation to men. Some identify the gift of prophecy with the gift of preaching today, but that is not correct because the key element is missing – a preacher does not get his messages directly from God. A pastor gets his message from the Word of God (hopefully), but God does not appear to him in dreams and visions or by speaking directly to him. … The gift of prophecy is only necessary when God wants to give additional revelation (when He wants to reveal more of Himself than He has revealed up to that point in time).

John MacArthur said…

Like that of the apostles, and unlike that of pastors and teachers, however, the unique office of prophet ceased to exist while the church was still very young. Judging from Paul’s pastoral epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus), prophets ceased to function in the church even before the end of the apostolic age. In those letters he makes considerable mention of church leadership – elders, deacons, deaconesses, and bishops—but makes no mention of prophets. Along with the apostles, prophets were a part of the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20), and are the first office to have disappeared from the New Testament church. But when Paul wrote this letter to Corinth, prophets were still very central to the work of that church.

* Concerning Knowledge…

Gil Rugh says of this gift of “knowledge”…

The knowledge referred to here is a supernatural knowledge. In 1 Corinthians 13:8, we are told that knowledge shall pass away. The knowledge has to mean supernatural or special knowledge from God because knowledge in a general sense will never cease to exist. … Before men had the New Testament, they needed those who had special knowledge from God so they would know about God and know what they were to do and not to do. … The gift of knowledge is closely related to the gift of prophecy in that both involved the reception of direct revelation from God. However, prophecy is presented as a more important and prominent gift. It evidently included revelation on a broader scale (including future events) as well as having a greater emphasis on the proclamation of the revelation received. … The word of knowledge was a special supernatural knowledge, not the knowledge that comes as a result of studying the Bible.

* Concerning Tongues and the Cessation of These Gifts…

MacArthur said…

Paul strengthens his emphasis on the supreme nature of love by comparing love’s permanence to the impermanence of three spiritual gifts: prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. Each of those gifts eventually will fall and disappear, but love will continue.

Though we are told here that all three gifts would someday cease to exist, two different verbs are used to indicate their cessation. Prophecy and knowledge will be done away, whereas tongues will cease.

Done away is from katargeō, which means “to reduce to inactivity,” or “to abolish.” The gifts of prophecy and knowledge one day will be made inoperative. Both forms of this verb in verse 8, as well as its form in verse 10, are passive; that is, something or someone will cause them to stop. As will be discussed below that something is the coming of “the perfect” (v. 10).

Cease is from pauō, which means “to stop, to come to an end.” Unlike katargeō, this verb is here used in the Greek middle voice, which, when used of persons, indicates intentional, voluntary action upon oneself. Used of inanimate objects it indicates reflexive, self-causing action. The cause comes from within; it is built in. God gave the gift of tongues a built-in stopping place. “That gift will stop by itself,” Paul says. Like a battery, it had a limited energy supply and a limited life span. When its limits were reached, its activity automatically ended. Prophecy and knowledge will be stopped by something outside themselves, but the gift of tongues will stop by itself. This distinction in terms is unarguable.

The question remains as to when and how these gifts will end. Prophecy and knowledge are said to end “when the perfect comes” (vv. 9-10).

2. These Gifts Have A Partial Quality

(1 Corinthians 13:9-10) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. {10} But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

John Phillips said…

The emphasis here is on in part, which is repeated four times in verses 9-12. At best, the early church had to get along with a partial revelation. The expression ek merous (in part) means “bit by bit.” This “bit by bit” state of affairs would continue until the goal of these gifts of communication was reached.

The word “perfect” in verse 10 means complete.

Illustration: Several years ago, Angie and I were members at Midway Baptist Church in Brevard. And there at that church, they had a very small selection of books that people could go in and use or borrow. They had a set of the Barnes Notes commentary, which is one of my favorites now. But I could only use perhaps one volume at a time, and then in a limited way and for a limited time. Eventually, I acquired a complete set for myself. But I’ve discovered that there was much more in the way of commentaries than just that set. Over the subsequent years, I’ve built not only an actual library of books, but a digital study library consisting of several Bible Study software programs containing hundreds, perhaps even thousands of books, all accessed quickly and easily. What I had before was passing and partial. But what I have now is so much more. Similarly, knowledge and prophecy and tongues was passing and partial, but what we will have in the eternal state is so much more.

B. He Points Us To The Fitting Analogies Of Spiritual Experience And Thus Reminds Us That Love Is Enlarging

1. There Is The Analogy Of The Growth Of A Man

(1 Corinthians 13:11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

When a Jewish son has their bar mitzvah (meaning “son of the law”), according to Jewish custom they become responsible for their actions. They also gain the privilege of participating in all areas of Jewish religious and community life. MacArthur said…

Perhaps Paul was comparing His present spiritual state to his boyhood, as a child. A Jewish male was considered a boy until his bar mitzvah (“son of the law”), after which he was considered a man. One moment he was a boy; the next he was a man. Our perfection in Christ will be a type of spiritual bar mitzvah, a coming into immediate, complete, and eternal spiritual adulthood and maturity. At that moment everything childish will be done away with. All immaturity, all childishness, all imperfection, and all limitations of knowledge and understanding will be forever gone.

2. There Is The Analogy Of The Glass Of A Mirror

(1 Corinthians 13:12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Notice how Barnes explains these components of verse 12…

[For now we see through a glass] Paul here makes use of another illustration to show the imperfection of our knowledge here. Compared with what it will be in the future world, it is like the imperfect view of an object which we have in looking through an obscure and opaque medium compared with the view which we have when we look at it “face to face.” The word “glass” here ‎esoptron ‎means properly a mirror, a looking-glass. The mirrors of the ancients were usually made of polished metal (as in Exodus 38:8 and Job 37:18). Many have supposed that the idea here is that of seeing objects by reflection from a mirror, which reflects only their imperfect forms. But this interpretation does not well accord with the apostle’s idea of seeing things obscurely. The most natural idea is that of seeing objects by an imperfect medium, by looking “through” something in contemplating them. …

[Darkly] Margin, “In a riddle” ‎en ‎‎ainigmati‎. The word means a riddle; an enigma; then an obscure intimation. In a riddle a statement is made with some resemblance to the truth; a puzzling question is proposed, and the solution is left to conjecture. Hence, it means, as here, obscurely, darkly, imperfectly. Little is known; much is left to conjecture; a very accurate account of most of that which passes for knowledge. Compared with heaven, our knowledge here much resembles the obscure intimations in an enigma compared with clear statement and manifest truth.

[But then] In the fuller revelations in heaven.

[Face to face] As when one looks upon an object openly, and not through an obscure and dark medium. It here means, therefore, “clearly, without obscurity.”

Illustration: The idea here is like a two-way mirror. We had such a panel of glass in a nursery at the back of one of the churches that I pastored. It allowed the folks in the nursery to see into the sanctuary, but those in the sanctuary could only make out dim figures of those in the nursery, and only then if the light was turned on.

C. He Points Us To The Finest Aspects Of Spiritual Experience And Thus Reminds Us That Love Is Excelling

(1 Corinthians 13:13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1. Notice The Companions Of Love In This Verse

Tom Hayes asserted that…

While faith and hope are essential to time, they will not be needed in eternity. Faith will become sight, and hope will be turned into reality. Love, however, will never cease to be love in the eternal day.

But as Adam Clarke notes…

Some say love is the greatest because it remains throughout eternity, whereas faith and hope proceed only through life; hence, we say that there faith is lost in sight, and hope in fruition. But does the apostle say so? Or does any man inspired by God say so? I believe not. Faith and hope will as necessarily enter into eternal glory as love will.

MacArthur, I think, explains it best by joining both ideas as he says…

Actually faith and hope are encompassed by love, which “believes all things,” and “hopes all things” (v. 7).

Wiersbe also states…

Even though “faith will become sight and hope will be fulfilled.” But the greatest of these graces is love; because when you love someone, you will trust him and will always be anticipating new joys. Faith, hope, and love go together, but it is love that energizes faith and hope.

2. Notice The Conclusion About Love In This Verse

(1 Corinthians 13:13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

greatest – Greek 3187. meizon, mide'-zone; irreg. comparative of G3173 (megas – big); larger (lit. or fig., spec. in age):--elder, greater (-est), more.

A. T. Robertson commented that…

‎The form of ‎meizoon ‎ (“greatest”) is comparative, but it is used as superlative. … ‎It is quite worth while to call attention to Henry Drummond’s famous sermon “The Greatest Thing in the World” and to Dr. J. D. Jones’ able book “The Greatest of These.”

Though the chapter ends with this verse, the apostle’s treatise on the subject does not end. But he continues his thought into 14:1, saying…

(1 Corinthians 14:1) Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

follow – Greek 1377. dioko, dee-o'-ko; a prol. (and caus.) form of a prim. verb dio (to flee; comp. the base of G1169 and G1249); to pursue (lit. or fig.); by impl. to persecute:--ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute (-ion), press toward.

Conclusion: I did a quick search on the phrase “love one another,” and I was amazed to find that the phrase is used 13 times in the course of 12 verses in the King James version of the Bible.

(John 13:34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

(John 15:12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

(John 15:17) These things I command you, that ye love one another.

(Romans 13:8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

(1 Thessalonians 4:9) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

(1 Peter 1:22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

(1 John 3:11) For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

(1 John 3:23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

(1 John 4:7) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

(1 John 4:11-12) Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. {12} No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

(2 John 1:5) And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Jesus said this is the distinguishing quality of being His disciple…

(John 13:35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Today’s installment of the Our Daily Bread devotional says, “We show our love for God when we share His love with others.”

What is a situation that adequately illustrates this love that Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 13?

There was a story recounted in the October 4, 1992, issue of Our Daily Bread that magnifies this kind of love…

During World War II, Hitler commanded all religious groups to unite so that he could control them. Among the Brethren assemblies, half complied and half refused. Those who went along with the order had a much easier time. Those who did not, faced harsh persecution. In almost every family of those who resisted, someone died in a concentration camp. When the war was over, feelings of bitterness ran deep between the groups and there was much tension. Finally they decided that the situation had to be healed. Leaders from each group met at a quiet retreat. For several days, each person spent time in prayer, examining his own heart in the light of Christ’s commands. Then they came together.

Francis Schaeffer, who told of the incident, asked a friend who was there, “What did you do then?” “We were just one,” he replied. As they confessed their hostility and bitterness to God and yielded to His control, the Holy Spirit created a spirit of unity among them. Love filled their hearts and dissolved their hatred.

When love prevails among believers, especially in times of strong disagreement, it presents to the world an indisputable mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ. 

(From )

As Henry Drummond said, this love is “The Greatest Thing in the World”!

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