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Love: 1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 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 put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a 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.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (NIV).
Corinthian Introductions
In the first verse of both 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul introduces himself as a disciple of Jesus by the “will of God.” This may imply that God initially pursued Paul, not the other way around.
End of 1 Corinthians
I am reminded of Paul’s deep concern for people after reading this letter.
Some of the most beautiful passages in the entire Bible are found in this book. It is poetic and inspiring.
What Christians Want to Know
about 1 Corinthians here.
Another Outline of 1 Corinthians
Another Introduction and Outline.
Overview of 1 Corinthians
An excellent overview of the book can be found here.
Corinth and Thessalonica were influential trading cities. Landing in these ports prevented ships from having to navigate dangerous waters south of Greece.
It seems that many of the NT epistles were urban letters. This is different than the agrarian focus of the OT.
Paul’s Handwriting
In verses 21-24, Paul shares a blessing and a curse in his own handwriting.
Personal Greetings
In verses 15-20, Paul sends various personal greetings to his friends.
