Read the Passage: 1 Corinthians 13

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: 1 Corinthians 13

Importance of Love (13:1–3)

Although this is the shortest chapter in 1 Corinthians, it is probably the most recognized chapter in the book, as well as one of the better-known chapters in the entire Bible. As many people recognize, the theme of this chapter is love. While love is a popular subject, the placement of this chapter between two chapters on spiritual gifts may seem confusing to some. Indeed, it raises the question of whether love is a gift of the Spirit or, as Paul classifies it elsewhere, a fruit of the Spirit. Arguments in favor of love being a spiritual gift include the positioning of this chapter in 1 Corinthians, as well as the citation of other recognized spiritual gifts in this chapter (i.e., prophecy, tongues, and knowledge). Arguments against love being a spiritual gift include love being labeled as a fruit of the Spirit at Gal. 5:22 (cf. Rom. 5:5; Col. 3:14), as well as love nowhere else being described as a spiritual gift.

All things considered, it seems best to view love as both a gift and a fruit of the Spirit. Said differently, love could be described as a divine virtue that, when bestowed, enables Christian character and empowers Christian service. In 1 Cor. 13:1–3 Paul touches upon three areas of a believer’s life, as he elevates love and shows its value. First, Paul cites our language, as he teaches that spoken words without love are empty and meaningless (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1). Paul writes that words without love are just noise. Second, Paul teaches that love is essential for effective ministry (cf. 1 Cor. 13:2). Indeed, even if one had great understanding, knowledge, and faith, but lacked love, one’s Christian service would be unproductive. Third, Paul explains that actions without love are ultimately ineffective (cf. 1 Cor. 13:3). Paul writes that this includes even the extreme action of self-sacrifice.

Description of Love (13:4–10)

Earlier, in 1 Cor. 13:1–3, Paul highlighted the importance of love as he taught that apart from love, one’s speech, ministry, and actions are empty and meaningless. Observe that these earlier verses were largely negative, for Paul was describing life without love. Now, in 1 Cor. 13:4–7, Paul’s tone becomes positive as he lists fifteen characteristics of love. In this description we can see that love is not an abstract, dry idea; rather, love is a life-giving, active virtue. Indeed, whereas 1 Cor. 13:1–3 presents the bleak emptiness of life without love, 1 Cor. 13:4–7 describes the joyful fullness of ministry with love. Recall that 1 John 4:8 teaches that “God is love,” a truth that is reiterated at 1 John 4:16. As many Bible interpreters have noted, then, in 1 Cor. 14:4–7 it is possible to replace the term “love” with the name of “Jesus” and the passage becomes an accurate description of Christ.

In 1 Cor. 13:8–10 Paul continues to describe love, as he focuses on its enduring nature. Of course, since God is the source and essence of love, we ought to expect love to be permanent; or, as Paul teaches in this passage, “Love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8). Here Paul emphasizes the eternal nature of love by comparing love to several spiritual gifts that are merely temporary. The gifts Paul cites are prophecy, tongues, and knowledge, which he says will fail, cease, and vanish away. In 1 Cor. 13:10, Paul refers to “that which is perfect.” Interpreters have long debated the meaning of this phrase, with suggested referents being: the completion of Scripture, the rapture of the church, or the return of Christ, among other suggestions. Yet, given the context of this passage, it seems that the “perfect” is likely a reference to the glorification of believers at the end of the age, at which time spiritual gifts will no longer be needed (cf. 1 John 3:1–3).

Endurance of Love (13:11–13)

As he concludes this chapter, Paul further explains his teaching about the passing away of many present things and the endurance of love. In this passage Paul likens the totality of our present knowledge to the awareness of a child (cf. Cor. 13:11a) or to seeing a shadowy reflection in a dim mirror (cf. 1 Cor. 13:12a). In contrast, when we are glorified and residing with Christ, in the content of a renewed heavens and a renewed earth, we will put away “childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11b) and see God “face to face” (1 Cor. 13:12b). In such a glorified state, love will reign supreme (cf. John 17:24). In 1 Cor. 13:13 Paul writes that love is greater than faith and hope. At first glance, this claim may seem surprising. Yet, upon consideration, it is surely true, for among these three important virtues, only love identifies us with God, only love is other-centered, and only love is eternal.

Application Questions:

1. Is love a gift of the Spirit, a fruit of the Spirit, or both? How is love different from the other spiritual gifts Paul has been discussing?
2. Is there a connection between Paul’s exhortation about the “best [spiritual] gifts” (1 Cor. 12:31) and his teaching about love in this chapter?
3. Why do many people in the modern church equate sincerity with truth, rather than anchoring truth in the Word of God?
4. Of the fifteen characteristics of love that Paul lists in 1 Cor. 13:4–7, which ones do you find the most challenging?
5. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? Do you believe that any of the spiritual gifts are eternal? What is a biblical definition of love?