◄ 1 Corinthians 13 ►
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Love 1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If 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. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body,a but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 6Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways. 12Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. Footnotes: 3 a SBL, NE, BYZ, and TR surrender my body to be burned Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 1 Corinthians 13 Summary Love Verses 1–3 – Gifts Without Love Amount to Nothing Paul lists the most impressive spiritual abilities—tongues, prophecy, knowledge, mountain-moving faith, lavish charity, even martyrdom—and warns that without love they are worthless. He shows the emptiness of loveless ministry in the church’s bustling city of Corinth. Verses 4–7 – The Portrait of Love Love is described through fifteen active qualities: patient, kind, not envying, not boasting, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs, rejecting evil, rejoicing with truth, bearing, believing, hoping, and enduring all things. This is how believers are to act, not merely feel. Verses 8–10 – The Permanence of Love Spiritual gifts are temporary: “where there are prophecies, they will cease… tongues, they will be restrained… knowledge, it will be dismissed.” Love, by contrast, “never fails.” When “the perfect” arrives—God’s completed work at Christ’s return—partial gifts fade. Verses 11–12 – From Childhood to Maturity Paul contrasts childish understanding with adult maturity, picturing life now as looking into a dim mirror (Corinth was famous for bronze mirrors). Full clarity will come “face to face” with the Lord. Verse 13 – The Greatest of the Three Faith, hope, and love last beyond all gifts, yet love surpasses even faith and hope in value and staying power. 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter", is a seminal passage in the New Testament that powerfully underlines the primacy of love. Penned by Paul, this chapter succinctly portrays love's enduring and eternal nature, underscoring its preeminence over all spiritual gifts. Historical Setting in Corinth • Letter written c. AD 55 from Ephesus to a lively congregation in a trade hub known for eloquence contests, temple worship, and social climbing. • Rivalry over “showy” gifts (1 Colossians 12:14-25) made this corrective teaching vital so unity would not fracture. Cultural Background of Speech and Gifts • “Resounding gong” and “clanging cymbal” (v. 1) recall noisy bronze instruments used in Dionysian rituals near the theater of Corinth—loud but empty. • Glossolalia (tongues) fascinated Greeks who prized ecstatic speech; Paul redirects attention from spectacle to love. See Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 14:18-19. Archaeological Insights: Mirrors and Bronze • Corinthian workshops produced polished-bronze mirrors, highly valued yet giving only blurred reflections (v. 12). • Excavations of wealthier homes show bronze décor matching Paul’s imagery of seeing “dimly.” Literary Structure of the Chapter • Verses 1-3 – Need for love • Verses 4-7 – Definition of love • Verses 8-13 – Duration of love Paul inserts this poem between chapters on gifts (12 & 14) to show the “most excellent way” (12:31). Key Words and Phrases • “Love” (agapē) appears nine times; it is active, volitional caring. • “Never fails” (v. 8) means never collapses or falls powerless. • “Perfect” (v. 10) points to complete maturity at Christ’s appearing (cf. 1 John 3:2). Connections with Jesus’ Teaching • John 13:34-35—“Love one another… by this everyone will know that you are My disciples.” • Matthew 22:37-40—Love for God and neighbor sums up “all the Law and the Prophets.” • Paul’s chapter echoes Jesus’ lived example (John 15:13). Love Compared with Spiritual Gifts 1. Gifts are tools; love is the motive (Galatians 5:6). 2. Gifts differ among believers; love is commanded for all (Colossians 3:14). 3. Gifts build parts; love builds the whole (Ephesians 4:15-16). 4. Gifts cease; love remains (1 Colossians 13:8). Prophecy, Tongues, and Knowledge in the Early Church • Prophecy: Spirit-given speaking for edification (Acts 11:27-28). • Tongues: Spirit-enabled languages, occasionally unknown to speaker (Acts 2:4-8). • Knowledge: Insight into God’s truth (1 Colossians 12:8). All were partial previews of the fullness to come (v. 9). When “the Perfect” Comes • Linked to Christ’s visible return (1 John 3:2; Philippians 1:6). • Faith will become sight (2 Corinthians 5:7); hope will be realized (Romans 8:24-25); love will flourish forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Faith, Hope, and Love in Scripture • Faith: Hebrews 11:1—trust in God’s unseen promises. • Hope: Titus 2:13—anticipation of “the blessed hope—the glorious appearing.” • Love: Romans 13:10—“Love does no wrong… therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Old Testament Roots of the Love Command • Leviticus 19:18—“Love your neighbor as yourself.” • Deuteronomy 6:5—“Love the LORD your God with all your heart.” Paul shows continuity: God’s covenant people have always been called to love. Love in Paul’s Other Letters • Romans 12:9-10—“Love must be sincere… Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” • Galatians 5:22—first fruit of the Spirit is love. • Ephesians 5:2—“Walk in love, just as Christ loved us.” Practical Applications for Today • Measure ministry impact by love’s presence, not platform size. • Replace envy with celebration of others’ gifts. • Handle conflict by “keeping no account of wrongs.” • View every act of service as temporary except love, which echoes into eternity. Conclusion 1 Corinthians 13 turns believers from gift-centered pride to love-centered living, reflecting the character of Christ now and forever. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. Teaching Points The Supremacy of Love Paul begins by emphasizing that without love, even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts and acts of sacrifice are meaningless. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). The Characteristics of Love Love is described with a series of positive attributes and actions. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4). These qualities highlight love's selfless and enduring nature. The Permanence of Love While spiritual gifts are temporary, love is eternal. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed (1 Corinthians 13:8). The Maturity of Love Paul contrasts childish ways with mature love, urging believers to grow in their understanding and practice of love. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways (1 Corinthians 13:11). Practical Applications Examine Your Motives Regularly assess whether your actions and words are motivated by genuine love or by self-interest. Cultivate Patience and Kindness Practice patience and kindness in your daily interactions, especially with those who are difficult to love. Prioritize Love in Relationships Make love the foundation of your relationships, prioritizing it over personal gain or recognition. Seek Spiritual Maturity Strive for spiritual growth by embracing the maturity that comes with understanding and practicing love. People 1. I (Paul, the Apostle) The author of the letter, Paul, uses himself as an example to illustrate the importance of love. He speaks in the first person to convey his message, emphasizing that even if he possesses great spiritual gifts or performs noble acts, without love, he is nothing. The Greek word "ἐγώ" (egō) is used for "I." 2. Prophets Paul refers to those who have the gift of prophecy, highlighting that even if they can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, without love, they are nothing. The Greek term used is "προφῆται" (prophētai). 3. Those with Knowledge Individuals who possess great understanding or knowledge are mentioned. Paul underscores that knowledge without love is meaningless. The Greek word for knowledge is "γνῶσις" (gnōsis). 4. Those with Faith Paul speaks of those who have faith strong enough to move mountains, yet he stresses that such faith is worthless without love. The Greek word for faith is "πίστις" (pistis). 5. The Poor Paul mentions giving all one possesses to the poor, indicating acts of charity. However, he points out that even such generosity is empty without love. The Greek word for poor is "πτωχός" (ptōchos). 6. Martyrs He refers to those who might give their bodies to be burned, suggesting the ultimate sacrifice. Yet, he insists that even this is of no benefit without love. The Greek phrase used is "καυθήσομαι" (kauthēsomai), which relates to being burned. While 1 Corinthians 13 does not list specific individuals by name, it uses these categories to emphasize the supremacy of love over all other virtues and actions. Places 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," is a passage in the New Testament that focuses on the nature and importance of love. However, it does not specifically mention physical places. Instead, it describes the characteristics and supremacy of love. If you are looking for a list of concepts or themes from this chapter, I can provide that. However, if you are specifically looking for "places," the chapter does not contain such references. Please let me know how you would like to proceed! Events 1. The Supremacy of Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) Paul begins by emphasizing the superiority of love over other spiritual gifts and actions. He states that speaking in tongues, having prophetic powers, understanding all mysteries, possessing all knowledge, having faith to move mountains, and giving all possessions to the poor are meaningless without love. The Greek word used for love here is "ἀγάπη" (agape), which refers to selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. 2. The Characteristics of Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Paul describes the attributes of love, stating that it is patient and kind. Love does not envy, boast, or act arrogantly. It is not rude, self-seeking, easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. The Greek terms used highlight the active and enduring nature of love. 3. The Permanence of Love (1 Corinthians 13:8-10) Paul contrasts love with spiritual gifts, stating that love never fails, while prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will cease. He explains that these gifts are partial and will pass away when completeness comes. The Greek word "καταργέω" (katargeo) is used to describe the cessation of these gifts, indicating that they will become obsolete. 4. The Maturity of Love (1 Corinthians 13:11-12) Paul uses the analogy of childhood versus adulthood to illustrate the maturity that comes with love. He explains that when he was a child, he thought and reasoned like a child, but upon becoming a man, he put childish ways behind him. He further explains that now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then we shall see face to face. The Greek word "τέλειος" (teleios) is used to describe the completeness or maturity that love brings. 5. The Greatest of These is Love (1 Corinthians 13:13) Paul concludes by stating that faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love. This final statement underscores the eternal and preeminent nature of love in the Christian life. The Greek word "μείζων" (meizon) is used to indicate that love is greater or more significant than faith and hope. Lessons from 1 Corinthians 13 1. Love is Patient and Kind In a world that often rushes us and tests our patience, 1 Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that "Love is patient, love is kind." This verse calls us to slow down and extend grace to others, just as God extends His grace to us. Patience and kindness are not just virtues but are foundational to living a life that reflects Christ's love. When we practice patience, we allow room for growth and understanding, and kindness becomes the language through which we communicate God's love to others. 2. Love Does Not Envy or Boast Envy and boasting are two sides of the same coin, both rooted in pride. 1 Corinthians 13:4 continues, "It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." By focusing on love, we shift our attention from ourselves to others, celebrating their successes and supporting them in their struggles. This selfless love mirrors the humility of Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. 3. Love is Not Arrogant or Rude Arrogance and rudeness can create barriers between us and others, but love breaks down these walls. As 1 Corinthians 13:5 states, "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking." Love calls us to be considerate and respectful, putting others before ourselves. This attitude fosters community and reflects the servant heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. 4. Love is Not Easily Angered In moments of frustration, it's easy to let anger take control. However, 1 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us that love "is not easily angered." By practicing self-control and seeking understanding, we can respond to situations with a calm and loving heart. This restraint is a testament to the Holy Spirit's work within us, producing the fruit of peace and patience. 5. Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith, and 1 Corinthians 13:5 emphasizes that love "keeps no record of wrongs." Holding onto past grievances only weighs us down and hinders our relationships. By choosing to forgive, we reflect the forgiveness we have received through Christ, who has cast our sins as far as the east is from the west. 6. Love Does Not Delight in Evil but Rejoices with the Truth In a world where truth is often distorted, 1 Corinthians 13:6 calls us to "rejoice with the truth." Love does not find joy in wrongdoing but celebrates honesty and integrity. By standing firm in truth, we honor God and build trust with those around us, shining as lights in a dark world. 7. Love Always Protects Love is a shield, offering protection and security. As 1 Corinthians 13:7 states, "It always protects." This protective nature of love is not about control but about safeguarding the well-being of others. Just as God is our refuge and strength, we are called to be a source of support and safety for those we love. 8. Love Always Trusts Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and 1 Corinthians 13:7 reminds us that love "always trusts." This trust is not blind but is rooted in faith and confidence in God's plan. By trusting others, we build deeper connections and demonstrate the faithfulness that God shows us every day. 9. Love Always Hopes Hope is a powerful force that propels us forward, and 1 Corinthians 13:7 encourages us that love "always hopes." In times of uncertainty, love fuels our hope, reminding us of God's promises and the eternal future we have in Christ. This hope is an anchor for our souls, keeping us steadfast and secure. 10. Love Always Perseveres Finally, love is enduring. As 1 Corinthians 13:7 concludes, "It always perseveres." Love does not give up, even in the face of challenges. This perseverance is a reflection of God's unwavering love for us, a love that never fails. By persevering in love, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel, showing the world that true love is not just a feeling but a commitment. Topics 1. The Supremacy of Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) This section emphasizes that without love, all spiritual gifts and actions are meaningless. The Apostle Paul highlights that speaking in tongues, having prophetic powers, understanding mysteries, possessing knowledge, having faith to move mountains, and even acts of charity or self-sacrifice are nothing without love. The Greek word used for love here is "ἀγάπη" (agape), which refers to selfless, unconditional love. 2. The Characteristics of Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Paul describes the attributes of love, stating that it is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, is not arrogant or rude, does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. The Greek terms used here, such as "μακροθυμεῖ" (makrothymei) for patience and "χρηστεύεται" (chrēsteuetai) for kindness, emphasize the enduring and benevolent nature of love. 3. The Permanence of Love (1 Corinthians 13:8-13) This passage contrasts the eternal nature of love with the temporary nature of spiritual gifts. Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will pass away, but love never fails. Paul explains that our current understanding is partial, like seeing in a mirror dimly, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. The chapter concludes with the affirmation that faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love. The Greek word "μένει" (menei) is used to describe how love "remains" or "abides," underscoring its enduring quality. Themes 1. The Supremacy of Love The chapter begins by emphasizing that love is superior to all spiritual gifts and actions. Without love, even the most impressive deeds are meaningless. The Greek word used for love here is "ἀγάπη" (agape), which refers to selfless, unconditional love. This theme underscores that love is the highest virtue and the foundation of Christian life. 2. The Characteristics of Love Verses 4-7 describe the attributes of love, highlighting its patient, kind, and enduring nature. Love is not envious, boastful, or proud. It does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, and is not easily angered. The Greek terms used, such as "μακροθυμεῖ" (makrothymei, meaning "is patient") and "χρηστεύεται" (chrēsteuetai, meaning "is kind"), illustrate the active and enduring qualities of love. 3. The Permanence of Love Love is eternal and will outlast all spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge, which will eventually cease. This theme is captured in verse 8: "Love never fails." The Greek word "πίπτει" (piptei) means "falls" or "fails," indicating that love remains steadfast and unending. 4. The Maturity of Love Paul contrasts childish ways with mature understanding, suggesting that love is a sign of spiritual maturity. In verse 11, he states, "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." This theme highlights the growth and development that love brings to a believer's life. 5. The Fullness of Love in Eternity The chapter concludes with the idea that love will be fully realized in eternity. In verse 12, Paul writes, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." The Greek word "κατόπτρον" (katoptron) refers to a mirror, symbolizing the partial understanding we have now compared to the complete understanding we will have in the presence of God. 6. The Primacy of Love Among Faith, Hope, and Love The final verse, 13, states, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." This theme emphasizes that while faith and hope are essential, love is the greatest and most enduring virtue. The Greek word "μείζων" (meizōn) means "greater," underscoring love's preeminence among the three. Prayer Points Pray for a Heart of Love Ask God to fill your heart with His love, enabling you to love others as He loves you. Pray for Patience and Kindness Seek God's help in developing patience and kindness in your interactions with others. Pray for Spiritual Growth Request God's guidance in growing in spiritual maturity, understanding, and practicing love in all areas of life. Pray for Unity in the Church Pray that love would be the unifying force within your church community, fostering peace and cooperation among believers. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can 1 Corinthians 13:2 claim someone could “move mountains” with faith, when there is no scientific evidence this has ever happened? 2. In 1 Corinthians 13:8, it says prophecies and knowledge will end—how does this align with ongoing human discoveries and advancements? 3. Why does 1 Corinthians 13:9–10 imply our understanding is partial until “completeness” comes, yet many other biblical passages claim to provide ultimate truth? 4. In 1 Corinthians 13:11, what historical or archaeological evidence exists to support the idea of spiritual maturity beyond cultural norms of the time? 5. How does 1 Corinthians 13:13 declare love as the greatest virtue, when other passages elevate faith or obedience above everything else? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Paul's comparison of love and spiritual gifts influence your understanding of Christian service? 2. How do you interpret the qualities of love described in this chapter? How do they challenge or affirm your understanding of love? 3. In what ways does Paul's description of love mirror God's love for humanity? 4. Which characteristics of love do you find most challenging to implement in your life, and why? 5. How can you incorporate these qualities of love in your daily interactions and relationships? 6. How does the contrast between our current partial understanding and future completeness influence your perspective on spiritual growth and maturity? 7. Can you share an instance where you experienced the enduring nature of love? 8. How does the idea of love being the greatest change your perspective on spiritual gifts? 9. What personal implications does the statement "the greatest of these is love" hold for you? 10. How does understanding love's nature inform your approach to conflict or reconciliation? 11. What practical steps can you take to cultivate and manifest the kind of love described by Paul? 12. How do love's characteristics align with God's expectations of our interactions with others? 13. In what ways does the concept of love's endurance provide comfort or reassurance in your life? 14. How does this chapter impact your understanding of other New Testament references to love? 15. What changes might occur in a Christian community that truly embodies the love described in this chapter? 16. How can Paul's description of love guide your engagement with broader societal issues such as justice, poverty, and inequality? 17. Reflect on a situation in your life where applying Paul's description of love could lead to a different outcome. 18. How does the portrayal of love in 1 Corinthians 13 resonate with your personal experiences of love within the Christian community? 19. How can the qualities of love defined in this chapter be utilized in modern-day leadership, both within and outside the Church context? 20. In today's world, how can the enduring nature of love provide a foundation for hope amidst global challenges and crises? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions