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1 Corinthians 13:7
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
(12.) Beareth all things - Παντα στεγει. This word is also variously interpreted: to endure, bear, sustain, cover, conceal, contain. Bishop Pearce contends that it should be translated covereth all things, and produces several plausible reasons for this translation; the most forcible of which is, that the common translation confounds it with endureth all things, in the same verse. We well know that it is a grand and distinguishing property of love to cover and conceal the fault of another; and it is certainly better to consider the passage in this light than in that which our common version holds out; and this perfectly agrees with what St. Peter says of charity, Pe1 4:8 : It shall cover the multitude of sins; but there is not sufficient evidence that the original will fully bear this sense; and perhaps it would be better to take it in the sense of contain, keep in, as a vessel does liquor; thus Plato compared the souls of foolish men to a sieve, and not able, στεγειν δια απιστιαν τε και ληθην, to contain any thing through unfaithfulness and forgetfulness. See Parkhurst and Wetstein. Some of the versions have στεργει, loveth, or is warmly affectioned to all things or persons. But the true import must be found either in cover or contain. Love conceals every thing that should be concealed; betrays no secret; retains the grace given; and goes on to continual increase. A person under the influence of this love never makes the sins, follies, faults, or imperfections of any man, the subject either of censure or conversation. He covers them as far as he can; and if alone privy to them, he retains the knowledge of them in his own bosom as far as he ought. (13.) Believeth all things - Παντα πιστευει· Is ever ready to believe the best of every person, and will credit no evil of any but on the most positive evidence; gladly receives whatever may tend to the advantage of any person whose character may have suffered from obloquy and detraction; or even justly, because of his misconduct. (14.) Hopeth all things - Παντα ελπιζει· When there is no place left for believing good of a person, then love comes in with its hope, where it could not work by its faith; and begins immediately to make allowances and excuses, as far as a good conscience can permit; and farther, anticipates the repentance of the transgressor, and his restoration to the good opinion of society and his place in the Church of God, from which he had fallen. (15.) Endureth all things - Παντα ὑπομενει· Bears up under all persecutions and mal-treatment from open enemies and professed friends; bears adversities with an even mind, as it submits with perfect resignation to every dispensation of the providence of God; and never says of any trial, affliction, or insult, this cannot be endured.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Beareth all things--without speaking of what it has to bear. The same Greek verb as in Co1 9:12. It endures without divulging to the world personal distress. Literally said of holding fast like a watertight vessel; so the charitable man contains himself in silence from giving vent to what selfishness would prompt under personal hardship. believeth all things--unsuspiciously believes all that is not palpably false, all that it can with a good conscience believe to the credit of another. Compare Jam 3:17, "easy to be entreated"; Greek, "easily persuaded." hopeth--what is good of another, even when others have ceased to hope. endureth--persecutions in a patient and loving spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Charity never faileth,.... It may fail as to the exercise of it, as other graces do; it may be left, but not lost; the fervour of it may be remitted and abated; it may wax cold through the prevalence of sin; it may be greatly damped by the growth of error and heresy, which eat as do a canker; and may be much obstructed by an anxious and immoderate care and concern for worldly things; which are very pernicious to all the branches of vital religion and powerful godliness, and particularly love to God, Christ, and the brethren: but this grace never fails as to its principle; it is an immortal and an incorruptible seed; it lives throughout the most violent temptations, as in Peter; and under the greatest desertions and sorest afflictions, still there is an affection for God; Christ is he whom such a soul loves; and the saints are the excellent in the earth, in whom is all his delight: and it also continues as to its use, and will do so, when faith and hope will loose theirs, even in the other world; for faith will be changed into vision, and hope into enjoyment; but love will be the same, only act in a higher sphere, and to a greater degree, and in a perfect manner: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; by which are meant, either the predictions of future events, not that they shall fail in their accomplishment, but they shall be no more, because they will all be accomplished; or else the gifts of explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of preaching the doctrines of the Gospel, will be no more, because there will be no need of them in a state of perfection: whether there be tongues they shall cease; not but that, in the resurrection, that member of the body, the tongue, will be restored as the rest, and be everlastingly employed in celebrating the perfections of God, in singing the hallelujahs of the Lamb, and in joining with angels and other saints in songs of praise to the eternal Three; but the gift of speaking with divers tongues will cease, indeed it has already; nor will there be any use for such an extraordinary gift in the other world; when probably, and as it is thought by some, there will be but one language, and that the Hebrew language; as the whole earth was of one language and speech before the confusion at Babel: whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away; that is, the word of knowledge, peculiarly given by the spirit to some persons only; or that peculiar gift of knowledge of divine things, by which some are qualified to be instructors of others; the present means both of communicating, and of obtaining and increasing knowledge by the preaching and hearing of the word, will be no more used: and besides, imperfect knowledge of every sort will disappear, it will become perfect; that knowledge which is in part will be done away, when perfect knowledge takes place; for so we are taught to explain it by the following words.
1 Corinthians 13:7
Love
6Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- Scripture
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- Commentary
The Deep Dealings of God Pt 30 - Let Us Go Unto Perfection - God's Love Bears All Things
By Phil Beach Jr.71:16:05God's Unfailing LovePerfectionSpiritual HungerPSA 42:1MAT 5:6JHN 13:1ROM 4:181CO 13:72CO 12:9PHP 4:19HEB 6:1JAS 4:81PE 4:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of spiritual hunger and the importance of being empty vessels for God's love to flow into our lives. He calls for a deep introspection to identify what fills our hearts and distracts us from a genuine desire for God's presence. The sermon highlights that true love, as exemplified by God, bears all things and requires us to be vulnerable and transparent in our relationships. Beach encourages the congregation to seek a renewed hunger for God, reminding them that love never fails and is essential for spiritual maturity. He concludes by inviting everyone to confess their need for God's love and to pray for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.
Letter 62
By James Bourne0PSA 23:1PSA 27:9PSA 51:8PSA 51:17PSA 77:10PSA 89:71CO 13:7PHP 2:3PHP 2:12HEB 12:6James Bourne, in a letter to Mr. Nunn in Maidstone, August 1834, expresses his struggles with doubts about his own honesty and the fear of darkness at the end, yet finds comfort in the embrace of the Lord during spiritual conflicts. He reflects on the deep fear of God, the war against sin, and the need for brokenness to hear joy and gladness. Bourne emphasizes the importance of true filial fear, the sanctification process through trials, and the necessity of having conversations aligned with heaven. He concludes with a focus on divine charity, humility, and the burden for the church amidst afflictions.
Epistle 267
By George Fox0Unity in the ChurchLove and Grace in MinistryMAT 18:15JHN 12:361CO 13:71CO 14:322CO 5:18GAL 4:28EPH 4:16COL 4:61TH 5:51PE 4:10George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers who are children of the light. He urges ministers not to judge one another in public meetings, as this creates confusion and harms the congregation. Instead, he advocates for patience and private communication to resolve issues, reflecting the spirit of order and humility. Fox highlights that true ministry should be rooted in grace and love, edifying the body of Christ and maintaining unity. He calls on all to recognize the divine presence in each other and to minister accordingly, fostering a spirit of fellowship and truth.
"Thus Saith the Lord"
By A.W. Tozer0ACT 17:151CO 9:121CO 13:7PHP 2:191TH 3:11TH 3:51TI 1:3In this sermon, the preacher delves into the multifaceted meaning of 'stego', which includes concepts like protection, endurance, and support. The preacher explains how 'stego' was used in secular Greek writings to convey the idea of containing or enduring. Through various Bible verses, the preacher illustrates how 'stego' can mean to bear patiently, to protect others from harm, and to endure without exposing personal distress. The sermon emphasizes the importance of enduring hardships and supporting one another in faith, as exemplified by Paul's sending of Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonian believers.
Epistle 392
By George Fox0MAT 18:20MAT 28:18JHN 4:24ROM 12:211CO 13:7GAL 3:29GAL 5:22PHP 4:5PHP 4:8JAS 1:27George Fox emphasizes the importance of walking in the light of God's truth and spirit, surpassing all other religions and worships in purity, godliness, and love. He encourages believers to exhibit virtues such as meekness, kindness, and humility, reflecting the fruits of the spirit and the wisdom of God. Fox urges the congregation to remain steadfast in Christ, the sanctuary and savior, who provides life, peace, and salvation amidst the storms of the world.
Epistle 400
By George Fox0GEN 3:15PRO 23:23ISA 32:18JER 9:3JHN 8:321CO 13:72TI 2:24JAS 3:171PE 1:231JN 4:16REV 3:10REV 17:14George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages living in heavenly wisdom, maintaining a gentle and lamb-like nature, and valiantly upholding God's truth without compromise. Fox reminds believers that the truth sets them free and leads to a peaceable habitation, ultimately bringing glory to God in all aspects of their lives.
Epistle 336
By George Fox0JER 9:3MRK 12:30JHN 4:14JHN 8:44ROM 8:38ROM 10:101CO 13:7GAL 4:291PE 1:5George Fox preaches about the importance of staying steadfast in the love of God and Jesus Christ amidst outward sufferings and trials, emphasizing the need to not be separated from God's love by any earthly distractions or threats. He encourages believers to let the well of life spring up within them, nourishing the plant that God has planted in them, and to stand firm in the Lord's power as their hedge and defense. Fox urges the congregation to be valiant for God's glory and truth, spreading it abroad and confessing Christ as their way, light, and life, offering praise and glory to God forever.
To the Suffering Friends of Dantzic
By George Fox0MAT 8:20ROM 12:211CO 13:7EPH 4:15George Fox preaches to the suffering friends of Dantzic, reminding them of Jesus Christ as their shepherd, priest, and high priest who sanctifies and protects them. He encourages them to stand firm in their faith, not compromising their gatherings or beliefs despite persecution, trusting in the Lord's power to support and strengthen them. Fox addresses the magistrates' attempts to disperse the believers, urging them to remain faithful to Christ's example and to respond with wisdom, gentleness, and love. He warns against being swayed by flattery and emphasizes the importance of overcoming evil with good, dwelling in God's unfailing love.
Epistle 383
By George Fox0MAT 5:9JHN 13:34ROM 14:191CO 12:131CO 13:7EPH 4:3PHP 4:8COL 3:172TI 3:21PE 2:9George Fox preaches about the importance of striving for peace, unity, and love among believers, emphasizing virtues such as honesty, purity, patience, and charity. He encourages avoiding strife, disputes, and selfishness, and instead, showing kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness towards one another. Fox also addresses the topic of marriage, urging for chastity, virtue, and temperance, and living in a manner that glorifies God. He concludes by exhorting believers to live in Jesus Christ, the source of blessings, rest, and peace, and to walk in His light and power.
(The Full Gospel) 11. Two Types of Backsliders and Two Types of Leaders
By Zac Poonen0JER 3:15EZK 34:1LUK 15:41CO 4:141CO 13:7PHP 1:9Zac Poonen preaches about the two types of backsliders as described by Jesus in Luke 15 - the lost sheep and the lost son. He emphasizes the importance of shepherds after God's own heart who diligently seek out and bring back the backslidden believers, just as the Good Shepherd goes after the lost sheep. Poonen also highlights the distinction between the righteous persons who need no repentance, living in constant repentance, and the rebellious sons who must come to genuine repentance on their own. He urges discernment in welcoming backsliders with immediate, warm acceptance, resembling the father in the parable of the prodigal son.
Epistle 332
By George Fox0God's Provision in TrialsPerseverance in FaithPSA 24:1MAT 18:20JHN 1:3ROM 8:281CO 3:71CO 13:72TI 3:12HEB 1:2HEB 10:34George Fox encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite trials and persecutions, reminding them that their true treasure lies in Christ and not in earthly possessions. He emphasizes that God sees the injustices faced by His followers and assures them that all things work together for good for those who love Him. Fox draws parallels to the early Christians who joyfully accepted the loss of their goods and reassures the faithful that God will provide and restore what is lost. He urges them to fear God rather than man, as the Lord will never forsake them and will empower them to stand firm against adversity. Ultimately, Fox calls for courage and faithfulness in the face of suffering, trusting in God's promises.
Love Believeth All Things
By A.B. Simpson0God's LoveGrace and CompassionISA 63:8MAT 7:1JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 13:7GAL 6:1EPH 4:32COL 3:131PE 4:81JN 4:19A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound depth of God's love as illustrated in Isaiah 63:8, where God chooses to overlook the faults of His people, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to them. Despite their imperfections, God sees them through the lens of love and grace, covering their iniquities with the blood of Christ. This divine love calls us to extend the same grace to others, encouraging us to be gentle and compassionate, and to see the potential in everyone, including non-Christians. By embodying the mind and heart of Christ, we can help others realize their true worth through love and prayer. Ultimately, love believes all things, fostering hope and transformation in ourselves and those around us.
Epistle 234
By George Fox0ISA 9:6ISA 50:6JHN 3:201CO 13:7EPH 4:1EPH 6:10COL 1:13COL 2:81PE 3:18REV 12:17George Fox preaches about the importance of patience, love, and meekness in overcoming evil inventions, traditions, and self-righteousness. He emphasizes the victory of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, over unclean spirits and the importance of following His example of suffering and forgiveness. Fox encourages putting on courage, patience, and loyalty to the King who conquered all, walking in righteousness, peace, and truth, and feeling the power of God working within. He highlights the power of God that brings peace, unity, and strength, enabling believers to overcome darkness and be filled with revelation and inspiration.
Rehearse Your Troubles to God Only
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 55:22PSA 147:3PRO 10:12ISA 43:18ROM 12:21CO 13:72CO 5:171PE 5:7Charles E. Cowman preaches on the transformative power of love that covers all things, urging believers to earnestly pursue this love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:7-13. He shares a personal testimony of a sleepless night filled with injustice and the struggle to obey God's command to love and cover offenses, leading to a powerful experience of healing and forgetfulness through surrendering to God. Through the imagery of burying past hurts and wounds, he illustrates the beauty and restoration that comes from allowing God's love to heal and transform our hearts.
The Two Rich Men - Luke 18, 19
By John Gifford Bellett0MRK 10:21LUK 18:18LUK 19:1LUK 19:111CO 13:7John Gifford Bellett preaches on the contrast between the rich young ruler and Zaccheus, showcasing the workings of nature and grace. The rich young ruler, torn between his love for the world and religious apprehensions, represents a thorny ground hearer seeking both worlds but lacking stability. In contrast, Zaccheus, drawn by the Father's teachings, willingly leaves his worldly possessions behind to seek Jesus, exemplifying a new bottle holding the new wine of Christ's doctrine. Bellett emphasizes the importance of being led by God's grace rather than mere conscience, as seen in Zaccheus' transformation from a rich publican to a selfless follower of Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
(12.) Beareth all things - Παντα στεγει. This word is also variously interpreted: to endure, bear, sustain, cover, conceal, contain. Bishop Pearce contends that it should be translated covereth all things, and produces several plausible reasons for this translation; the most forcible of which is, that the common translation confounds it with endureth all things, in the same verse. We well know that it is a grand and distinguishing property of love to cover and conceal the fault of another; and it is certainly better to consider the passage in this light than in that which our common version holds out; and this perfectly agrees with what St. Peter says of charity, Pe1 4:8 : It shall cover the multitude of sins; but there is not sufficient evidence that the original will fully bear this sense; and perhaps it would be better to take it in the sense of contain, keep in, as a vessel does liquor; thus Plato compared the souls of foolish men to a sieve, and not able, στεγειν δια απιστιαν τε και ληθην, to contain any thing through unfaithfulness and forgetfulness. See Parkhurst and Wetstein. Some of the versions have στεργει, loveth, or is warmly affectioned to all things or persons. But the true import must be found either in cover or contain. Love conceals every thing that should be concealed; betrays no secret; retains the grace given; and goes on to continual increase. A person under the influence of this love never makes the sins, follies, faults, or imperfections of any man, the subject either of censure or conversation. He covers them as far as he can; and if alone privy to them, he retains the knowledge of them in his own bosom as far as he ought. (13.) Believeth all things - Παντα πιστευει· Is ever ready to believe the best of every person, and will credit no evil of any but on the most positive evidence; gladly receives whatever may tend to the advantage of any person whose character may have suffered from obloquy and detraction; or even justly, because of his misconduct. (14.) Hopeth all things - Παντα ελπιζει· When there is no place left for believing good of a person, then love comes in with its hope, where it could not work by its faith; and begins immediately to make allowances and excuses, as far as a good conscience can permit; and farther, anticipates the repentance of the transgressor, and his restoration to the good opinion of society and his place in the Church of God, from which he had fallen. (15.) Endureth all things - Παντα ὑπομενει· Bears up under all persecutions and mal-treatment from open enemies and professed friends; bears adversities with an even mind, as it submits with perfect resignation to every dispensation of the providence of God; and never says of any trial, affliction, or insult, this cannot be endured.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Beareth all things--without speaking of what it has to bear. The same Greek verb as in Co1 9:12. It endures without divulging to the world personal distress. Literally said of holding fast like a watertight vessel; so the charitable man contains himself in silence from giving vent to what selfishness would prompt under personal hardship. believeth all things--unsuspiciously believes all that is not palpably false, all that it can with a good conscience believe to the credit of another. Compare Jam 3:17, "easy to be entreated"; Greek, "easily persuaded." hopeth--what is good of another, even when others have ceased to hope. endureth--persecutions in a patient and loving spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Charity never faileth,.... It may fail as to the exercise of it, as other graces do; it may be left, but not lost; the fervour of it may be remitted and abated; it may wax cold through the prevalence of sin; it may be greatly damped by the growth of error and heresy, which eat as do a canker; and may be much obstructed by an anxious and immoderate care and concern for worldly things; which are very pernicious to all the branches of vital religion and powerful godliness, and particularly love to God, Christ, and the brethren: but this grace never fails as to its principle; it is an immortal and an incorruptible seed; it lives throughout the most violent temptations, as in Peter; and under the greatest desertions and sorest afflictions, still there is an affection for God; Christ is he whom such a soul loves; and the saints are the excellent in the earth, in whom is all his delight: and it also continues as to its use, and will do so, when faith and hope will loose theirs, even in the other world; for faith will be changed into vision, and hope into enjoyment; but love will be the same, only act in a higher sphere, and to a greater degree, and in a perfect manner: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; by which are meant, either the predictions of future events, not that they shall fail in their accomplishment, but they shall be no more, because they will all be accomplished; or else the gifts of explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, and of preaching the doctrines of the Gospel, will be no more, because there will be no need of them in a state of perfection: whether there be tongues they shall cease; not but that, in the resurrection, that member of the body, the tongue, will be restored as the rest, and be everlastingly employed in celebrating the perfections of God, in singing the hallelujahs of the Lamb, and in joining with angels and other saints in songs of praise to the eternal Three; but the gift of speaking with divers tongues will cease, indeed it has already; nor will there be any use for such an extraordinary gift in the other world; when probably, and as it is thought by some, there will be but one language, and that the Hebrew language; as the whole earth was of one language and speech before the confusion at Babel: whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away; that is, the word of knowledge, peculiarly given by the spirit to some persons only; or that peculiar gift of knowledge of divine things, by which some are qualified to be instructors of others; the present means both of communicating, and of obtaining and increasing knowledge by the preaching and hearing of the word, will be no more used: and besides, imperfect knowledge of every sort will disappear, it will become perfect; that knowledge which is in part will be done away, when perfect knowledge takes place; for so we are taught to explain it by the following words.