Theological Emphasis
This is Paul's corrective to Corinth's gift obsession—and ours! Yes, pursue gifts, but LOVE is the more excellent way! The Spirit gives gifts, but the Spirit's primary work is producing love in us. Powerful ministry without love is noise!
Application Themes
- 1Seek love AND gifts
- 2Love authenticates powerful ministry
- 3Without love, miracles mean nothing
Preaching Angles
Are you pursuing gifts more than love?
Love IS the power—it never fails
Your prophecy means nothing if you're a jerk
Key Textual Observations
ἀγάπη (agape) in Greek was uncommon before Christians gave it new meaning
μακροθυμεῖ (patient) is literally "long-tempered"
τέλειον (perfect/complete) in v.10 points to eschatological fullness
Recommended Commentators for This Tradition
- Gordon Fee
- Jack Hayford
- Sam Storms
- Frank Macchia
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