1 Corinthians 13:2

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

SPIRITUAL GIFTS The theme of this lesson is closely related to the preceding, for the church disorders included not only unbecoming conduct of the women in the public assembly, and an unworthy observance of the Lord’s supper, but an unholy emulation in the matter of spiritual gifts. After a brief introduction (1 Corinthians 12:1-3 ), the apostle discusses the origin of these gifts as not natural to the believer, but the special bestowment of God. God the Father is the worker of them, God the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Corinthians 13:1-6

1Co 13:1-6 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. 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. 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. 4. Charity suffereth... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

(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. (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. (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. For the right apprehension of... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:2-3

These prove that faith without good works, and especially charity for God and our neighbour, cannot avail to eternal life; faith and charity are both essentially necessary. Hence St. Augustine declares, that where there is not true faith, there cannot be justice; because the just man liveth by faith: and where charity is not, there can be no justice, which if they had, they would never tear in pieces the body of Christ, which is the Church. (De fid. ad Pet. chap. xxxix.) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

1-3 The excellent way had in view in the close of the former chapter, is not what is meant by charity in our common use of the word, almsgiving, but love in its fullest meaning; true love to God and man. Without this, the most glorious gifts are of no account to us, of no esteem in the sight of God. A clear head and a deep understanding, are of no value without a benevolent and charitable heart. There may be an open and lavish hand, where there is not a liberal and charitable heart. Doing good... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:1-99

1Co 13 CHAPTER 13 HAS become famous. Its extraordinary power is acknowledged not only by Christians but by a multitude of others. Foremost men acclaim it as marvellous, one of the literary wonders of the world, without perhaps at all appreciating the real drift of its teaching. What is it that it really says? The opening verse of 1Co 8.0 has told us that it is love that edifies. This chapter expands that fact and shows us in the first place that the most shining gifts, if without love, are of... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

A Psalm of Love. The high worth of love: v. 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. v. 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. v. 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... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

2. The measure of the worth and the rule of the use of the gifts; love, its worth (1 Corinthians 13:1 ff.), nature (1 Corinthians 13:4 ff.), and eternal duration, in contrast with the transient gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8 ff.)1 Corinthians 13:1-13.1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love, 2 ἀγάπην], I am become [have become, γέγονα] as sounding brass, or a tinkling [clattering, ἀλαλαζον] cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

the One Essential for All 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 With what wonder his amanuensis must have looked up, as the Apostle broke into this exquisite sonnet on love! His radiant spirit had caught a glimpse of the living Savior. Jesus sits for His portrait in these glowing sentences, and of Him every clause is true. Substitute His name for love throughout the chapter, and say whether it is not an exact likeness. With Paul love stands for that strong, sustained, and holy subordination of self for... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The apostle dealt with love, its values (verses 1Co 13:1-3 ), its virtues (verses 1Co 13:4-7 ), and its victory (verses 1Co 13:8-13 ). The values of love are discovered in the fact that, apart from it, all the best things are worthless. Its virtues are shown with force and beauty. Every sentence is simple and sublime, and the whole contains a perfect analysis of love. Passing from this description of the virtues of love, the apostle now showed how it is supreme because of its victory. The... read more

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