1 Corinthians 13:2
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I have the gift of prophecy
The Greek word for "prophecy" is "prophēteia," which refers to the ability to speak forth the mind and counsel of God. In the early church, prophecy was a highly esteemed gift, often associated with revealing divine truths and guidance. Historically, prophets were seen as God's mouthpieces, delivering messages that could guide, correct, and edify the community. However, Paul emphasizes that possessing this gift without love renders it ineffective. The essence of prophecy is not just in the revelation but in the love that should accompany its delivery.

and can fathom all mysteries
The term "mysteries" comes from the Greek "mystēria," which denotes hidden truths or divine secrets. In the biblical context, mysteries often refer to God's redemptive plan, which was once hidden but is now revealed through Christ. The ability to understand these mysteries is a profound gift, suggesting deep spiritual insight. Yet, Paul underscores that even with such profound understanding, without love, this knowledge is incomplete and lacks true value.

and all knowledge
The Greek word "gnōsis" is used here, indicating a comprehensive understanding or intellectual grasp of spiritual truths. Knowledge, in the biblical sense, is not merely intellectual but also relational, involving a deep connection with God. Historically, knowledge was highly prized in Greek culture, and Paul acknowledges its importance. However, he cautions that knowledge, devoid of love, can lead to arrogance and division rather than unity and edification.

and if I have a faith that can move mountains
This phrase echoes Jesus' teaching in the Gospels about faith's power (Matthew 17:20). The Greek word for "faith" is "pistis," which implies trust, belief, and confidence in God. The imagery of moving mountains signifies overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through faith. In a historical context, such faith was seen as a hallmark of true discipleship. Yet, Paul insists that even this extraordinary faith is meaningless without love, highlighting love's supreme importance in the Christian life.

but do not have love
The Greek word for "love" here is "agapē," which is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. Agapē is the highest form of love, reflecting God's nature and character. In the scriptural context, love is the greatest commandment and the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 22:37-40). Paul places love above all spiritual gifts, emphasizing that it is the foundation and motivation for all Christian actions and relationships.

I am nothing
This stark conclusion underscores the futility of spiritual gifts and achievements without love. The Greek word "ouden" translates to "nothing," indicating a complete lack of value or significance. Historically, this would have been a radical statement, challenging the Corinthian church's emphasis on spiritual gifts and status. Paul reminds believers that love is the true measure of spiritual maturity and worth in God's kingdom. Without love, even the most impressive spiritual feats are empty and devoid of eternal significance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Apostle Paul
The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and moral challenges. He wrote to correct issues and guide the church in spiritual maturity.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts.

3. Prophecy
A spiritual gift mentioned by Paul, involving the ability to speak God's truth. In the context of the Corinthian church, prophecy was highly valued but often misunderstood.

4. Faith
In this context, faith refers to a deep trust in God, capable of achieving great things, such as "moving mountains," a metaphor for overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles.

5. Love (Agape)
The Greek word "agape" refers to selfless, sacrificial love, which Paul emphasizes as the most important virtue, surpassing all spiritual gifts.
Teaching Points
The Supremacy of Love
Spiritual gifts, no matter how impressive, are meaningless without love. Love should be the guiding principle in the use of all gifts.

Understanding True Faith
True faith is not just about miraculous acts but is deeply connected to love. Faith that moves mountains is ineffective without love.

The Nature of Agape Love
Agape love is selfless and sacrificial. It seeks the good of others above oneself and is the hallmark of Christian maturity.

Evaluating Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity is not measured by the possession of gifts or knowledge but by the presence and practice of love.

Practical Love in Action
Love should be evident in our daily interactions, guiding our actions, words, and attitudes towards others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the emphasis on love in 1 Corinthians 13:2 challenge your understanding of spiritual gifts and their purpose?

2. In what ways can you cultivate agape love in your relationships, especially when using your spiritual gifts?

3. How does the connection between faith and love in this verse influence your approach to challenges and obstacles in your life?

4. Reflect on a time when you prioritized knowledge or spiritual achievements over love. What did you learn from that experience?

5. How can the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13:2 be applied to foster unity and growth within your local church community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 17:20
Jesus speaks about faith as small as a mustard seed being able to move mountains, highlighting the power of genuine faith.

1 John 4:8
This verse states that God is love, reinforcing the idea that love is central to the Christian faith and identity.

Galatians 5:22-23
Lists the fruit of the Spirit, with love being the first mentioned, indicating its foundational role in the life of a believer.

James 2:14-17
Discusses faith without works being dead, paralleling Paul's message that spiritual gifts without love are meaningless.
Faith and CharityStopford A. Brooke, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:2
Faith and LoveJ. H. Newman, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:2
Intellect Without LoveJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:2
Knowledge Without LoveCanon Liddon.1 Corinthians 13:2
Love and FaithJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 13:2
Love and KnowledgeJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 13:2
Love Superior to GiftsA. H. Coolidge.1 Corinthians 13:2
Man-WorthD. Thomas, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:2
Strong LoveJ. Vaughan, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:2
The Life of the AffectionsA. Peabody, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:2
The Worthlessness of Gifts Without LoveDean Alford.1 Corinthians 13:2
Charity Puts the Acceptableness on All Gifts and WorksR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Life Without LoveE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Negative View of LoveC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
CharityF. W. Robertson, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
CharityA. F. Barfield.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
CharityJ. Garbett, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity Difficult of AttainmentDr. Duff.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Emblem Of1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Regard ForJ. Thomson.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Want Of, not Confined to Theological CirclesJ. Parker1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Worthlessness of Gifts WithoutJ. B. Wilkinson, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian CharityJ. Parsons.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian Charity1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian LoveD. C. Hughes, A.M.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian LoveW. M. Blackburn, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Eloquence Without CharityD. Thomas, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Far, But not Far EnoughBp. Ryle.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love is God-LikeE. H. Bradby, M. A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, Charm OfW. Jay.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, Comprehensiveness OfJ. Cross, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, the Essence of Christianity1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, the Essence of ReligionJohn Wesley.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Extent OfBaldwin Brown, B.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: from God the SourceJ. Cross, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Gifts Compared WithJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Growth and Power OfH. W. Beecher.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Importance OfJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Indispensableness OfU. R. Thomas.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: no Gift Like ItM. Dods, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Power and Office OfPrincipal Edwards.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Gauge of True ManhoodH. W. Beecher.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Importance OfTryon Edwards, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Life of the SoulR. South, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Sum of All VirtueJonathan Edwards1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Test of ReligionJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Apostolic Doctrine of LoveDean Stanley.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Importance of CharityR. Watson.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Unreality of Religion Without LoveF. St. John Corbett.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Absolute, Charity, Destitute, Faith, Fathom, Gift, Love, Mountains, Move, Moved, Mysteries, Nothing, Possess, Power, Powers, Prophecy, Prophetic, Prophet's, Remove, Secret, Secrets, Though, Understand, Versed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 13:2

     2054   Christ, mind of
     5325   gifts
     6694   mystery
     8024   faith, and blessings

1 Corinthians 13:1-2

     1416   miracles, nature of

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

     5465   profit

1 Corinthians 13:1-4

     8164   spirituality

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

     3209   Holy Spirit, and love
     5765   attitudes, to people

Library
What Lasts
'Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three....'--1 COR. xiii. 8, 13. We discern the run of the Apostle's thought best by thus omitting the intervening verses and connecting these two. The part omitted is but a buttress of what has been stated in the former of our two verses; and when we thus unite them there is disclosed plainly the Apostle's intention
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Great Duty of Charity Recommended
1 Corinthians 13:8, "Charity never faileth." Nothing is more valuable and commendable, and yet, not one duty is less practiced, than that of charity. We often pretend concern and pity for the misery and distress of our fellow-creatures, but yet we seldom commiserate their condition so much as to relieve them according to our abilities; but unless we assist them with what they may stand in need of, for the body, as well as for the soul, all our wishes are no more than words of no value or regard,
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Future State a Self-Conscious State.
1 Cor. xiii. 12.--"Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." The apostle Paul made this remark with reference to the blessedness of the Christian in eternity. Such assertions are frequent in the Scriptures. This same apostle, whose soul was so constantly dilated with the expectation of the beatific vision, assures the Corinthians, in another passage in this epistle, that "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Now, and Then
There are some things which we count very precious now, which will soon be of no value to us whatever. There are some things that we know or think we know, and we pride ourselves a good deal upon our knowledge; but when we shall become men we shall set no more value upon that knowledge than a child does upon his toys when he grows up to be a man. Our spiritual manhood in heaven will discard many things which we now count precious, as a full grown man discards the treasures of his childhood. And there
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Love's Labours
What does this teach us at the outset, but that a salvation which leads to this must be of God, and must be wrought in us by his power? Such a comely grace can never grow out of our fallen nature. Shall such a clean thing as this be brought out of an unclean? This glorious salvation unto pure love must be grasped by faith, and wrought in us by the operation of the Spirit of God. If we consider salvation to be a little thing, we bring it, as it were, within the sphere of human possibility, but if
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

1 Corinthians xiii. 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. Taking the Apostle's words literally, it might appear that no words in the whole range of Scripture were less applicable to the circumstances of this particular congregation: for they speak of childhood and of manhood; and as all of us have passed the one, so a very large proportion of us have not yet arrived at the other. But when we consider the passage
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

The Greatest Thing in the World And Other Addresses
THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD AND OTHER ADDRESSES BY HENRY DRUMMOND (LONDON - HODDER & STOUGHTON LTD) Undated Edition c1920, 390,000 prior copies. First Published c1880. THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 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 LOVE
Henry Drummond—The Greatest Thing in the World And Other Addresses

Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World
Henry Drummond, author and evangelist, was born at Stirling, Scotland, in 1851. His book, "Natural Law in the Spiritual World," caused much discussion and is still widely read. His "Ascent of Man" is regarded by many as his greatest work. The address reprinted here has appeared in hundreds of editions, and has been an inspiration to thousands of peoples all over the world. There is an interesting biography of Drummond by Professor George Adam Smith, his close friend and colaborer. He died in 1897.
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

Charity.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.--1 COR. xiii. 13. It must be a precious thing to be greater than faith, and greater than hope--it must, indeed, be precious!--and, just in proportion as things are valuable and precious amongst men, so much trouble and risk will human speculators take to counterfeit them. I suppose that in no department of roguery in this roguish world, has there been more time and ingenuity expended, than in making counterfeit
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Charity and Rebuke.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.--1 COR. xiii. 13. The second main point of difference between a true and a false Charity, we want to remark, is, Divine Charity is not only consistent with, but it very often necessitates, reproof and rebuke by its possessor. It renders it incumbent on those who possess it to reprove and rebuke whatever is evil--whatever does not tend to the highest interests of its object. This Charity conforms in this, as
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Charity and Conflict.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.--1 COR. xiii. 13. Another characteristic of this Divine Charity is, that it OFTEN INVOLVES CONFLICT. It was so with our Lord. He was the very personification of it. He was love itself, and grace and truth poured from His lips incessantly. His blessed feet went about doing good, and His hands ministering to the necessities and happiness of His creatures, yet His whole course through this degenerate world was one
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Charity and Loneliness.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.-I COR. xiii. 13. The possession of this Divine Charity often necessitates walking in a lonely path. Not merely in opposition and persecution, but alone in it, and here, again, Jesus, who was the personification of Divine lore, stands out as our great example. He was emphatically alone, and of the people there was none with Him. Even the disciples whom He had drawn nearest to Him, and to whom He had tried
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Revival in the Home
Thousands of years ago, in the most beautiful Garden the world has ever known, lived a man and a woman. Formed in the likeness of their Creator, they lived solely to reveal Him to His creation and to each other and thus to glorify Him every moment of the day. Humbly they accepted the position of a creature with the Creator--that of complete submission and yieldedness to His will. Because they always submitted their wills to His, because they lived for Him and not for themselves, they were also completely
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

A Word to Workers
Some time ago I read this expression in an old author: --"The first duty of a clergyman is humbly to ask of God that all that he wants done in his hearers should first be truly and fully done in himself." These words have stuck to me ever since. What a solemn application this is to the subject that occupied our attention in previous chapters--the living and working under the fullness of the Holy Spirit! And yet, if we understand our calling aright, every one of us will have to say, That is the one
Andrew Murray—The Deeper Christian Life

The Greatest of These is Love.
"The greatest of these is Love."-- 1 Cor. xiii. 13. That the shedding abroad of Love and the glowing of its fire through the heart is the eternal work of the Holy Spirit, is stated by no one so pithily as by St. Paul in the closing verse of his hymn of Love. Faith, Hope, and Love are God's most precious gifts; but Love far surpasses the others in preciousness. Compared with all heavenly gifts, Faith, Hope, and Love stand highest, but of these three Love is the greatest. All spiritual gifts are precious,
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Christ or Satan.
"But the greatest of these is Love." --1 Cor. xiii. 13. However fearful the Scripture's revelation of the hardening of heart, yet it is the only price at which the Almighty offers man the blessed promise of Love's infinite wealth. Light without shadow is inconceivable; and the purer and the more brilliant the light, the darker and the more distinctly delineated the shadows must be. In like manner, faith is inconceivable without the opposite of doubt; hope without the distressful tension of despair;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Whence the Greatness of this Service, unto the Undertaking of which we have According...
31. Whence the greatness of this service, [2101] unto the undertaking of which we have according to our strength exhorted, the more excellent and divine it is, the more doth it warn our anxiety, to say something not only concerning most glorious chastity, but also concerning safest humility. When then such as make profession of perpetual chastity, comparing themselves with married persons, shall have discovered, that, according to the Scriptures, the others are below both in work and wages, both
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Climax of Ecclesiastes' Exercises Seems to have Been Reached in the Previous Chapter. ...
The climax of Ecclesiastes' exercises seems to have been reached in the previous chapter. The passionate storm is over, and now his thoughts ripple quietly along in proverb and wise saying. It is as if he said "I was altogether beyond my depth. Now I will confine myself only to the present life, without touching on the things unseen, and here I can pronounce with assurance the conclusion of wisdom, and sum up both its advantages and yet inadequacy." The proverbs that follow are apparently disjointed,
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to
St. Augustine—On Patience

Wherefore it Now Remains to Consider, in what Manner we Ought not to Follow...
25. Wherefore it now remains to consider, in what manner we ought not to follow these, who profess that they will lead by reason. For how we may without fault follow those who bid us to believe, hath been already said: but unto these who make promises of reason certain think that they come, not only without blame, but also with some praise: but it is not so. For there are two (classes of) persons, praiseworthy in religion; one of those who have already found, whom also we must needs judge most blessed;
St. Augustine—On the Profit of Believing.

The Christian Graces. --1 Cor. xiii. 13
The Christian Graces.--1 Cor. xiii. 13. Faith, Hope, and Charity,--these three, Yet is the greatest Charity! Father of lights, those gifts impart To mine and every human heart:-- Faith, that in prayer can never fail, Hope, that o'er doubting must prevail, And Charity, whose name above Is God's own name, for "God is love." The morning star is lost in light, Faith vanishes at perfect sight; The rainbow passes with the storm, And Hope with sorrow's fading form:-- But Charity, serene, sublime, Beyond
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Could I Command with Voice or Pen
Gifts.--I Cor. xiii. Could I command with voice or pen The tongues of Angels and of men, A tinkling cymbal, sounding brass My speech and preaching would surpass; Vain were such eloquence to me Without the grace of Charity. Could I the martyr's flame endure, Give all my goods to feed the poor; Had I the faith from Alpine steep To hurl the mountain to the deep, What were such zeal, such power to me Without the grace of Charity? Could I behold with prescient eye Things future as the things gone by;
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Obedience Entire.
The government of God accepts nothing as virtue but obedience to the law of God. But it may be asked, Why state this proposition? Was this truth ever called in question? I answer, that the truth of this proposition, though apparently so self-evident that to raise the question may reasonably excite astonishment, is generally denied. Indeed, probably nine-tenths of the nominal church deny it. They tenaciously hold sentiments that are entirely contrary to it, and amount to a direct denial of it. They
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Introductory Notice
By the Editor. St. Augustin speaks of this book in his Retractations, l. ii. c. 63, as follows: "I also wrote a book on Faith, Hope, and Charity, at the request of the person to whom I addressed it, that he might have a work of mine which should never be out of his hands, such as the Greeks call an Enchiridion (Hand-Book). There I think I have pretty carefully treated of the manner in which God is to be worshipped, which knowledge divine Scripture defines to be the true wisdom of man. The book begins:
St. Augustine—The Enchiridion

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