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1 Corinthians 13:8
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Manley Beasley
Joshua Daniel
Basilea SchlinkBasilea Schlink
James Robison
St. John ChrysostomSummary
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
(16.) Charity never faileth - Ἡ αγαπη ουδεποτε εκπιπτει· This love never falleth off, because it bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things; and while it does so it cannot fail; it is the means of preserving all other graces; indeed, properly speaking, it includes them all; and all receive their perfection from it. Love to God and man can never be dispensed with. It is essential to social and religious life; without it no communion can be kept up with God; nor can any man have a preparation for eternal glory whose heart and soul are not deeply imbued with it. Without it there never was true religion, nor ever can be; and it not only is necessary through life, but will exist throughout eternity. What were a state of blessedness if it did not comprehend love to God and human spirits in the most exquisite, refined, and perfect degrees? Prophecies - shall fail - Whether the word imply predicting future events, or teaching the truths of religion to men, all such shall soon be rendered useless. Though the accurate prophet and the eloquent, persuasive preacher be useful in their day, they shall not be always so; nor shall their gifts fit them for glory; nothing short of the love above described can fit a soul for the kingdom of God. Tongues - shall cease - The miraculous gift of different languages, that soon shall cease, as being unnecessary. Knowledge - shall vanish away - All human arts and sciences, as being utterly useless in the eternal world, though so highly extolled and useful here.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
never faileth--never is to be out of use; it always holds its place. shall fail . . . vanish away--The same Greek verb is used for both; and that different from the Greek verb for "faileth." Translate, "Shall be done away with," that is, shall be dispensed with at the Lord's coming, being superseded by their more perfect heavenly analogues; for instance, knowledge by intuition. Of "tongues," which are still more temporary, the verb is "shall cease." A primary fulfilment of Paul's statement took place when the Church attained its maturity; then "tongues" entirely "ceased," and "prophesyings" and "knowledge," so far as they were supernatural gifts of the Spirit, were superseded as no longer required when the ordinary preaching of the word, and the Scriptures of the New Testament collected together, had become established institutions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we know in part,.... Not that the Scriptures, the rule and measure of knowledge, and from whence spiritual knowledge is derived, are imperfect; so that there is need of unwritten traditions, and of enthusiastic revelations and inspirations, to inform of things otherwise unknown; for though they were at sundry times, and in divers manners delivered, yet now they contain a complete system of divine truths, to which nothing is to be added, and from which nothing is to be taken away; or that only a part of the saints know the things of God; for though there is a difference between them, some have more knowledge than others, yet all have some, all are taught of God, and know him, and have that anointing which teacheth all things; wherefore the sense also is not, that only a part of truth, and not the whole, is known; for the Spirit of God leads into all truth; the whole counsel of God is made known in the Scriptures, and by the ministers of the word; though, to this sense the Arabic version inclines, rendering it, "some part of doctrine we know"; and so in Co1 13:12 "some part of knowledge I know"; as also the Syriac version, which renders it , "a little from much we know"; but the true meaning is, that though the rule of knowledge is perfect, and all the saints have knowledge, and every truth of the Gospel is known; yet by those that know most, it is known but imperfectly: the truth itself may be most clearly discerned, as it is revealed in the word; yet the manner of it, how it is, may not be known; and many difficulties may attend it, and objections be raised to it, which are not easily solved; as in the doctrines of the Trinity, predestination, the union of the two natures in Christ, the resurrection of the dead, &c. and we prophesy in part; the word of prophecy, as it sure, it is also perfect, to which we do well to take heed; and though all do not prophesy, yet all that do, and that prophesy aright, that is, explain the word of God aright, these preach the Gospel fully, declare the whole counsel of God, and keep back nothing profit able to the saints; yet still their prophesying or explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, or the mysteries of the Gospel, is but imperfect at best in the present state of things.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle goes on to commend charity, and show how much it is preferable to the gifts on which the Corinthians were so apt to pride themselves, to the utter neglect, and almost extinction, of charity. This he makes out, I. From its longer continuance and duration: Charity never faileth. It is a permanent and perpetual grace, lasting as eternity; whereas the extraordinary gifts on which the Corinthians valued themselves were of short continuance. They were only to edify the church on earth, and that but for a time, not during its whole continuance in this world; but in heaven would be all superseded, which yet is the very seat and element of love. Prophecy must fail, that is, either the prediction of things to come (which is its most common sense) or the interpretation of scripture by immediate inspiration. Tongues will cease, that is, the miraculous power of speaking languages without learning them. There will be but one language in heaven. There is no confusion of tongues in the region of perfect tranquility. And knowledge will vanish away. Not that, in the perfect state above, holy and happy souls shall be unknowing, ignorant: it is a very poor happiness that can consist with utter ignorance. The apostle is plainly speaking of miraculous gifts, and therefore of knowledge to be had out of the common way (see Co1 14:6), a knowledge of mysteries supernaturally communicated. Such knowledge was to vanish away. Some indeed understand it of common knowledge acquired by instruction, taught and learnt. This way of knowing is to vanish away, though the knowledge itself, once acquired, will not be lost. But it is plain that the apostle is here setting the grace of charity in opposition to supernatural gifts. And it is more valuable, because more durable; it shall last, when they shall be no more; it shall enter into heaven, where they will have no place, because they will be of no use, though, in a sense, even our common knowledge may be said to cease in heaven, by reason of the improvement that will then be made in it. The light of a candle is perfectly obscured by the sun shining in its strength. II. He hints that these gifts are adapted only to a state of imperfection: We know in part, and we prophesy in part, Co1 13:9. Our best knowledge and our greatest abilities are at present like our condition, narrow and temporary. Even the knowledge they had by inspiration was but in part. How little a portion of God, and the unseen world, was heard even by apostles and inspired men! How much short do others come of them! But these gifts were fitted to the present imperfect state of the church, valuable in themselves, but not to be compared with charity, because they were to vanish with the imperfections of the church, nay, and long before, whereas charity was to last for ever. III. He takes occasion hence to show how much better it will be with the church hereafter than it can be here. A state of perfection is in view (Co1 13:10): When that which is perfect shall come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When the end is once attained, the means will of course be abolished. There will be no need of tongues, and prophecy, and inspired knowledge, in a future life, because then the church will be in a state of perfection, complete both in knowledge and holiness. God will be known then clearly, and in a manner by intuition, and as perfectly as the capacity of glorified minds will allow; not by such transient glimpses, and little portions, as here. The difference between these two states is here pointed at in two particulars: 1. The present state is a state of childhood, the future that of manhood: When I was a child, I spoke as a child (that is, as some think, spoke with tongues), I understood as a child; ephronoun - sapiebam (that is, "I prophesied, I was taught the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, in such an extraordinary way as manifested I was not out of my childish state"), I thought, or reasoned, elogizomēn, as a child; but, when I became a man, I put away childish things. Such is the difference between earth and heaven. What narrow views, what confused and indistinct notions of things, have children, in comparison of grown men! And how naturally do men, when reason is ripened and matured, despise and relinquish their infant thoughts, put them away, reject them, esteem as nothing! Thus shall we think of our most valued gifts and acquisitions in this world, when we come to heaven. We shall despise our childish folly, in priding ourselves in such things when we are grown up to men in Christ. 2. Things are all dark and confused now, in comparison of what they will be hereafter: Now we see through a glass darkly (en ainigmati, in a riddle), then face to face; now we know in part, but then we shall know as we are known. Now we can only discern things at a great distance, as through a telescope, and that involved in clouds and obscurity; but hereafter the things to be known will be near and obvious, open to our eyes; and our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. God is to be seen face to face; and we are to know him as we are known by him; not indeed as perfectly, but in some sense in the same manner. We are known to him by mere inspection; he turns his eye towards us, and sees and searches us throughout. We shall then fix our eye on him, and see him as he is, Jo1 3:2. We shall know how we are known, enter into all the mysteries of divine love and grace. O glorious change! To pass from darkness to light, from clouds to the clear sunshine of our Saviour's face, and in God's own light to see light! Psa 36:9. Note, It is the light of heaven only that will remove all clouds and darkness from the face of God. It is at best but twilight while we are in this world; there it will be perfect and eternal day. IV. To sum up the excellences of charity, he prefers it not only to gifts, but to other graces, to faith and hope (Co1 13:13): And now abide faith, hope, and charity; but the greatest of these is charity. True grace is much more excellent than any spiritual gifts whatever. And faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces, of which charity is the chief, being the end to which the other two are but means. This is the divine nature, the soul's felicity, or its complacential rest in God, and holy delight in all his saints. And it is everlasting work, when faith and hope shall be no more. Faith fixes on the divine revelation, and assents to that: hope fastens on future felicity, and waits for that: and in heaven faith well be swallowed up in vision, and hope in fruition. There is no room to believe and hope, when we see and enjoy. But love fastens on the divine perfections themselves, and the divine image on the creatures, and our mutual relation both to God and them. These will all shine forth in the most glorious splendours in another world, and there will love be made perfect; there we shall perfectly love God, because he will appear amiable for ever, and our hearts will kindle at the sight, and glow with perpetual devotion. And there shall we perfectly love one another, when all the saints meet there, when none but saints are there, and saints made perfect. O blessed state! How much surpassing the best below! O amiable and excellent grace of charity! How much does it exceed the most valuable gift, when it outshines every grace, and is the everlasting consummation of them! When faith and hope are at an end, true charity will burn for ever with the brightest flame. Note, Those border most upon the heavenly state and perfection whose hearts are fullest of this divine principle, and burn with the most fervent charity. It is the surest offspring of God, and bears his fairest impression. For God is love, Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16. And where God is to be seen as he is, and face to face, there charity is in its greatest height - there, and there only, will it be perfected.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:8-13 Love, in contrast to spiritual gifts, will last forever. 13:8 Love will last forever, because God is love (cp. 1 Jn 4:7-12, 16).
1 Corinthians 13:8
Love
7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed.9For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
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A Certain Sound
By Manley Beasley5.2K1:04:44Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 13:81CO 14:9EPH 4:142TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking for prayers for the upcoming multimedia presentation in Europe. He then reads a passage from the Bible and discusses the importance of being aware of certain issues in the world today. The speaker emphasizes that he is not trying to provide a structured teaching, but rather wants to raise awareness and encourage listeners to seek guidance through Bible study, prayer, and personal experiences. The sermon highlights the significance of staying balanced as a Christian and the need to recognize and combat the strategies of the devil, particularly his attempts to create uncertainty among believers.
Attack of the Devil - Part 4
By Joshua Daniel1.9K09:04NUM 13:301CO 13:8PHP 4:132TI 1:71JN 4:18
This sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming defeatism and having faith in God's power to conquer challenges. It contrasts the defeatist attitude of the majority with the faith-filled perspective of God's people, highlighting the need to trust in God's promises and not look back in fear. The message also addresses the destructive nature of pride and the impact of love in a world filled with terror and hatred.
Turn to God
By Basilea Schlink65304:35Radio ShowPSA 51:17MAT 22:37MAT 24:21ACT 3:191CO 13:82TH 2:3REV 3:20In this sermon transcript titled "Turn to God," Basil E. Shlink addresses the widespread apostasy and departure from God in today's world. He highlights the increasing evil powers and hatred among nations, as well as the rejection of authority, which ultimately revolts against God. Shlink emphasizes the importance of turning towards God and dedicating oneself anew to Him, strengthening the bond of love. He emphasizes that love for Jesus is crucial in these times, as it breaks out through contrition and repentance, leading to true joy and happiness. The sermon encourages listeners to oppose the apostasy by calling upon Jesus for repentance and allowing Him to dwell in their hearts.
With All Our Heart
By Basilea Schlink63904:35Radio ShowMAT 22:37LUK 15:11JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 13:8EPH 2:41JN 4:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart and strength. He shares a story of a man who served God faithfully and upon entering eternity, his life's work was represented by a coin. However, the coin was reduced to only one small grain, symbolizing the limited extent to which the man had loved Jesus sacrificially. The speaker explains that God longs for our love and reveals His love to us through the sacrifice of His Son. He encourages listeners to experience the abundant and incomprehensible love of God, which can transform sinners into great loving souls who love Jesus with all their hearts. The sermon concludes by highlighting the eternal nature of love and its significance in our relationship with God.
Restoration Series #3 - Love Never Fails
By James Robison18839:19LoveMAT 22:39MAT 28:19JHN 13:341CO 13:8EPH 4:15JAS 1:17In this sermon, James Robinson shares a personal experience of how God brought him and his wife into undistracted love. He talks about how his wife used to struggle with feelings of ugliness and fear, but God delivered her from those insecurities. Robinson also reflects on his own journey of learning to love unconditionally and not be controlled by anger. He emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to others' needs and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth.
Love Wins: Being a People Who Delight in Jesus' Leadership
By Mike Bickle2157:59Jesus' LeadershipLoveMAT 22:37JHN 13:34ROM 13:101CO 13:8GAL 5:22EPH 4:151TI 4:12TI 1:71PE 4:81JN 4:18Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' leadership in the context of love, especially in light of significant cultural shifts such as the legalization of same-sex marriage. He expresses grief over the defiance of God's authority and the institutionalization of sin, while also conveying hope that love ultimately prevails. Bickle calls for the church to respond with empathy and tenderness, recognizing the pain of those in the LGBTQ+ community, and urges believers to uphold biblical truth with a spirit of love. He highlights the need for spiritual preparation in the face of societal changes and encourages unity and righteousness within the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 13:8
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 2:24MAT 19:21ROM 2:51CO 13:81CO 13:13John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of love as the greatest gift, surpassing prophecies, tongues, and knowledge. He emphasizes that love is the foundation of exact self-denial, unity, and the removal of envy and pride. Chrysostom explains that while prophecies, tongues, and knowledge may cease, love will endure and advance further, both in this life and the afterlife. He illustrates how God's design, from the creation of Adam and Eve to the establishment of various relationships and societal structures, fosters unity, concord, and the necessity of mutual dependence among individuals.
Spiritual Fruit
By Denis Lyle01CO 13:8EPH 2:202PE 1:20JUD 1:3REV 22:18Denis Lyle addresses the issue of whether the Bible is enough or if more is needed, focusing on the dangers of seeking extra-biblical revelations and the undermining of the authority of Scripture. He highlights examples of individuals like Oral Roberts, Kenneth Hagin, and various cults who claim to receive special revelations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Bible as the complete and final revelation from God. Lyle asserts that special revelations were continual in the past but are now unnecessary as the Bible is complete, efficacious, and authoritative, warning against the dangers of seeking new revelations that can lead to error and fanaticism.
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Believer
By John F. Walvoord0ISA 28:11ACT 2:1ACT 10:46ACT 19:6ROM 12:61CO 12:41CO 13:81CO 14:26EPH 4:11John F. Walvoord preaches about the important work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian, focusing on spiritual gifts, experiences, and service for God. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's work in believers, as it directly impacts every aspect of a believer's experience, including sanctification, spiritual understanding, assurance, service, prayer, and worship. The sermon delves into the two main categories of the Holy Spirit's work in believers: bestowing spiritual gifts and filling believers with the Spirit, highlighting the balance needed in appreciating and utilizing spiritual gifts without neglecting their importance or abusing them.
What Is the Mission of the Holy Spirit?
By Denis Lyle0JER 6:161CO 13:81CO 14:222CO 6:171JN 4:1REV 13:11Denis Lyle preaches about the Charismatic Movement, highlighting its history, vocabulary, popularity, and tendency towards ecumenism. He delves into the theological confusion surrounding the emphasis on experience over Scripture, the transitional confusion regarding the temporary nature of certain gifts like tongues, and the ecclesiastical confusion that promotes ecumenism, perverts Biblical injunctions, poisons local churches, and puzzles individual believers. Lyle urges believers to test everything in the light of Scripture, separate from falsehood, return to the old paths, and seek to be filled with the Spirit daily.
Be Filled and Be Filled Now!
By Roy Hession0ROM 3:31CO 2:61CO 6:131CO 13:82CO 3:7GAL 3:17GAL 5:4EPH 2:152TH 2:82TI 1:10HEB 2:14The preacher delves into the concept of 'katargeo,' which means to render something powerless or ineffective. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe the nullification or abolition of various things, such as the Law, sin, and death, through the work of Christ. The perfect tense of 'katargeo' signifies a permanent effect, emphasizing the lasting impact of Christ's work. By exploring the multiple instances of 'katargeo' in the Bible, believers can grasp the profound truths associated with the work of Christ and the freedom it brings.
Exceedingly Precious
By C.H. Spurgeon01CO 13:82PE 1:19REV 19:13Greek Word Studies preaches about the significance of the word 'diaugazo,' which means to shine through, depicting the breaking of daylight through the darkness of night. This word symbolizes the first gleams of the sun piercing the darkness, pointing to the day when Christ returns in glory to establish His 1000 Messianic Kingdom. The diligent use of the prophetic lamp is necessary until that day dawns, signifying the period of waiting until the fulfillment of prophecy when all truths in the Bible will lead to Christ, the source of all truth.
Friendships in Heaven
By J.R. Miller0Eternal RelationshipsFriendshipMAT 22:30JHN 15:12ROM 13:101CO 13:8PHP 1:3COL 3:14HEB 12:11PE 4:171JN 4:7REV 21:4J.R. Miller explores the concept of friendships in heaven, emphasizing that while earthly relationships like marriage do not continue in the same form, the love and bonds formed through genuine connections will endure. He reflects on the joy of reuniting with loved ones in the heavenly family, which encompasses all the redeemed across ages and cultures. Miller encourages believers to cultivate true friendships on earth, rooted in love and unity in Christ, as these will be the relationships that last into eternity. He reassures that love, being immortal, will not be lost but transformed in the heavenly realm, allowing for a deeper communion with both earthly and heavenly friends.
Abiding Faith, Hope and Love
By William Graham Scroggie0ROM 5:51CO 13:81CO 13:131TH 1:3HEB 11:1William Graham Scroggie preaches on the enduring qualities of faith, hope, and love, emphasizing that while spiritual gifts may pass away, these three virtues will remain. He explains that faith, hope, and love are interconnected and essential components of the Christian life, with each playing a unique role. Scroggie highlights the eternal nature of faith and hope, pointing out that they will continue indefinitely, leading to ongoing progress and growth in our relationship with God.
Day 95, 1 Corinthians 13
By David Servant01CO 8:31CO 13:11CO 13:81CO 13:12David Servant delves into the famous chapter on love in 1 Corinthians, emphasizing how Paul's words were a direct rebuke to the Corinthian church where love was lacking. Paul highlights that without love, spiritual gifts and good deeds are meaningless, challenging the Corinthians to prioritize love above all else. He warns against selfish motives behind seemingly unselfish actions and stresses the importance of genuine love that rejoices in truth and bears all things. Despite the belief that spiritual gifts would cease with the completion of the Bible, Paul reminds that our knowledge remains partial until Jesus reigns, humbling us to acknowledge our limited understanding.
We Are Remembered
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 22:26JHN 11:261CO 13:81TH 4:171JN 4:16Mary Wilder Tileston preaches on the unfailing nature of love, emphasizing that love transcends death and unites believers in one family under the Lord. She comforts the congregation by reminding them that their departed loved ones are still present in the spiritual realm, eagerly awaiting their reunion and continuing to love and remember them in the presence of God. Tileston assures that in God's presence, all pure and holy loves are perfected, and when believers meet their departed loved ones in Him, they will experience a deeper level of love and knowledge than ever before.
The Complete Thing
By R.E. Harlow0JHN 7:38ACT 2:4ROM 11:291CO 13:81CO 14:222CO 5:1REV 22:12R.E. Harlow delves into the perfection and balance of the complete Scripture, emphasizing its role in meeting every spiritual need of a person and highlighting Christ as the unifying subject of its 66 books. The completion of the Bible marked a significant event in the Church, with the Holy Spirit inspiring the New Testament writers and bestowing gifts upon the Church. The sermon explores the temporary nature of gifts, the division of dispensations, and the importance of the completion of the New Testament as a turning point in history.
Thoughts That Disturb
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 46:10PSA 94:191CO 13:8HEB 11:61PE 5:7Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of seeking comfort in God amidst the multitude of troubling thoughts and temptations that may disquiet us. She encourages fixing our eyes on God's infinite goodness, relying on Him with faith, patience, and trust, as He blesses those who do so. Tileston reminds us that disturbing thoughts usually do not come from God, advising us to put them away and place increased trust in Him while distrusting ourselves. She reassures that where there is love for God, He is present, never allowing a soul that clings to Him in love to fall completely away.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
(16.) Charity never faileth - Ἡ αγαπη ουδεποτε εκπιπτει· This love never falleth off, because it bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things; and while it does so it cannot fail; it is the means of preserving all other graces; indeed, properly speaking, it includes them all; and all receive their perfection from it. Love to God and man can never be dispensed with. It is essential to social and religious life; without it no communion can be kept up with God; nor can any man have a preparation for eternal glory whose heart and soul are not deeply imbued with it. Without it there never was true religion, nor ever can be; and it not only is necessary through life, but will exist throughout eternity. What were a state of blessedness if it did not comprehend love to God and human spirits in the most exquisite, refined, and perfect degrees? Prophecies - shall fail - Whether the word imply predicting future events, or teaching the truths of religion to men, all such shall soon be rendered useless. Though the accurate prophet and the eloquent, persuasive preacher be useful in their day, they shall not be always so; nor shall their gifts fit them for glory; nothing short of the love above described can fit a soul for the kingdom of God. Tongues - shall cease - The miraculous gift of different languages, that soon shall cease, as being unnecessary. Knowledge - shall vanish away - All human arts and sciences, as being utterly useless in the eternal world, though so highly extolled and useful here.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
never faileth--never is to be out of use; it always holds its place. shall fail . . . vanish away--The same Greek verb is used for both; and that different from the Greek verb for "faileth." Translate, "Shall be done away with," that is, shall be dispensed with at the Lord's coming, being superseded by their more perfect heavenly analogues; for instance, knowledge by intuition. Of "tongues," which are still more temporary, the verb is "shall cease." A primary fulfilment of Paul's statement took place when the Church attained its maturity; then "tongues" entirely "ceased," and "prophesyings" and "knowledge," so far as they were supernatural gifts of the Spirit, were superseded as no longer required when the ordinary preaching of the word, and the Scriptures of the New Testament collected together, had become established institutions.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we know in part,.... Not that the Scriptures, the rule and measure of knowledge, and from whence spiritual knowledge is derived, are imperfect; so that there is need of unwritten traditions, and of enthusiastic revelations and inspirations, to inform of things otherwise unknown; for though they were at sundry times, and in divers manners delivered, yet now they contain a complete system of divine truths, to which nothing is to be added, and from which nothing is to be taken away; or that only a part of the saints know the things of God; for though there is a difference between them, some have more knowledge than others, yet all have some, all are taught of God, and know him, and have that anointing which teacheth all things; wherefore the sense also is not, that only a part of truth, and not the whole, is known; for the Spirit of God leads into all truth; the whole counsel of God is made known in the Scriptures, and by the ministers of the word; though, to this sense the Arabic version inclines, rendering it, "some part of doctrine we know"; and so in Co1 13:12 "some part of knowledge I know"; as also the Syriac version, which renders it , "a little from much we know"; but the true meaning is, that though the rule of knowledge is perfect, and all the saints have knowledge, and every truth of the Gospel is known; yet by those that know most, it is known but imperfectly: the truth itself may be most clearly discerned, as it is revealed in the word; yet the manner of it, how it is, may not be known; and many difficulties may attend it, and objections be raised to it, which are not easily solved; as in the doctrines of the Trinity, predestination, the union of the two natures in Christ, the resurrection of the dead, &c. and we prophesy in part; the word of prophecy, as it sure, it is also perfect, to which we do well to take heed; and though all do not prophesy, yet all that do, and that prophesy aright, that is, explain the word of God aright, these preach the Gospel fully, declare the whole counsel of God, and keep back nothing profit able to the saints; yet still their prophesying or explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, or the mysteries of the Gospel, is but imperfect at best in the present state of things.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle goes on to commend charity, and show how much it is preferable to the gifts on which the Corinthians were so apt to pride themselves, to the utter neglect, and almost extinction, of charity. This he makes out, I. From its longer continuance and duration: Charity never faileth. It is a permanent and perpetual grace, lasting as eternity; whereas the extraordinary gifts on which the Corinthians valued themselves were of short continuance. They were only to edify the church on earth, and that but for a time, not during its whole continuance in this world; but in heaven would be all superseded, which yet is the very seat and element of love. Prophecy must fail, that is, either the prediction of things to come (which is its most common sense) or the interpretation of scripture by immediate inspiration. Tongues will cease, that is, the miraculous power of speaking languages without learning them. There will be but one language in heaven. There is no confusion of tongues in the region of perfect tranquility. And knowledge will vanish away. Not that, in the perfect state above, holy and happy souls shall be unknowing, ignorant: it is a very poor happiness that can consist with utter ignorance. The apostle is plainly speaking of miraculous gifts, and therefore of knowledge to be had out of the common way (see Co1 14:6), a knowledge of mysteries supernaturally communicated. Such knowledge was to vanish away. Some indeed understand it of common knowledge acquired by instruction, taught and learnt. This way of knowing is to vanish away, though the knowledge itself, once acquired, will not be lost. But it is plain that the apostle is here setting the grace of charity in opposition to supernatural gifts. And it is more valuable, because more durable; it shall last, when they shall be no more; it shall enter into heaven, where they will have no place, because they will be of no use, though, in a sense, even our common knowledge may be said to cease in heaven, by reason of the improvement that will then be made in it. The light of a candle is perfectly obscured by the sun shining in its strength. II. He hints that these gifts are adapted only to a state of imperfection: We know in part, and we prophesy in part, Co1 13:9. Our best knowledge and our greatest abilities are at present like our condition, narrow and temporary. Even the knowledge they had by inspiration was but in part. How little a portion of God, and the unseen world, was heard even by apostles and inspired men! How much short do others come of them! But these gifts were fitted to the present imperfect state of the church, valuable in themselves, but not to be compared with charity, because they were to vanish with the imperfections of the church, nay, and long before, whereas charity was to last for ever. III. He takes occasion hence to show how much better it will be with the church hereafter than it can be here. A state of perfection is in view (Co1 13:10): When that which is perfect shall come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When the end is once attained, the means will of course be abolished. There will be no need of tongues, and prophecy, and inspired knowledge, in a future life, because then the church will be in a state of perfection, complete both in knowledge and holiness. God will be known then clearly, and in a manner by intuition, and as perfectly as the capacity of glorified minds will allow; not by such transient glimpses, and little portions, as here. The difference between these two states is here pointed at in two particulars: 1. The present state is a state of childhood, the future that of manhood: When I was a child, I spoke as a child (that is, as some think, spoke with tongues), I understood as a child; ephronoun - sapiebam (that is, "I prophesied, I was taught the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, in such an extraordinary way as manifested I was not out of my childish state"), I thought, or reasoned, elogizomēn, as a child; but, when I became a man, I put away childish things. Such is the difference between earth and heaven. What narrow views, what confused and indistinct notions of things, have children, in comparison of grown men! And how naturally do men, when reason is ripened and matured, despise and relinquish their infant thoughts, put them away, reject them, esteem as nothing! Thus shall we think of our most valued gifts and acquisitions in this world, when we come to heaven. We shall despise our childish folly, in priding ourselves in such things when we are grown up to men in Christ. 2. Things are all dark and confused now, in comparison of what they will be hereafter: Now we see through a glass darkly (en ainigmati, in a riddle), then face to face; now we know in part, but then we shall know as we are known. Now we can only discern things at a great distance, as through a telescope, and that involved in clouds and obscurity; but hereafter the things to be known will be near and obvious, open to our eyes; and our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. God is to be seen face to face; and we are to know him as we are known by him; not indeed as perfectly, but in some sense in the same manner. We are known to him by mere inspection; he turns his eye towards us, and sees and searches us throughout. We shall then fix our eye on him, and see him as he is, Jo1 3:2. We shall know how we are known, enter into all the mysteries of divine love and grace. O glorious change! To pass from darkness to light, from clouds to the clear sunshine of our Saviour's face, and in God's own light to see light! Psa 36:9. Note, It is the light of heaven only that will remove all clouds and darkness from the face of God. It is at best but twilight while we are in this world; there it will be perfect and eternal day. IV. To sum up the excellences of charity, he prefers it not only to gifts, but to other graces, to faith and hope (Co1 13:13): And now abide faith, hope, and charity; but the greatest of these is charity. True grace is much more excellent than any spiritual gifts whatever. And faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces, of which charity is the chief, being the end to which the other two are but means. This is the divine nature, the soul's felicity, or its complacential rest in God, and holy delight in all his saints. And it is everlasting work, when faith and hope shall be no more. Faith fixes on the divine revelation, and assents to that: hope fastens on future felicity, and waits for that: and in heaven faith well be swallowed up in vision, and hope in fruition. There is no room to believe and hope, when we see and enjoy. But love fastens on the divine perfections themselves, and the divine image on the creatures, and our mutual relation both to God and them. These will all shine forth in the most glorious splendours in another world, and there will love be made perfect; there we shall perfectly love God, because he will appear amiable for ever, and our hearts will kindle at the sight, and glow with perpetual devotion. And there shall we perfectly love one another, when all the saints meet there, when none but saints are there, and saints made perfect. O blessed state! How much surpassing the best below! O amiable and excellent grace of charity! How much does it exceed the most valuable gift, when it outshines every grace, and is the everlasting consummation of them! When faith and hope are at an end, true charity will burn for ever with the brightest flame. Note, Those border most upon the heavenly state and perfection whose hearts are fullest of this divine principle, and burn with the most fervent charity. It is the surest offspring of God, and bears his fairest impression. For God is love, Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16. And where God is to be seen as he is, and face to face, there charity is in its greatest height - there, and there only, will it be perfected.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:8-13 Love, in contrast to spiritual gifts, will last forever. 13:8 Love will last forever, because God is love (cp. 1 Jn 4:7-12, 16).