ACC ~ 1 Corinthians 13 v13b

LOVE ABIDES ETERNALLY. CYPRIAN: Charity is the bond of brotherhood, the foundation of peace, the steadfastness and firmness of unity. It is greater than both hope and faith. It excels both good works and suffering of the faith. As an eternal virtue, it will abide with us forever in the kingdom of heaven. THE GOOD OF PATIENCE 15.

OVERCOMING STRIFE. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Paul tells the Corinthians that love is the greatest of all because there was jealousy and strife among them, and the church was in danger of being divided. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

FULFILLING THE LAW. SEVERIAN OF GABALA: Love is the greatest because it is the fulfilling of the law. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

LOVE IS THE GREATEST. THEODORET OF CYR: If faith is the substance of things hoped for, as Hebrews [11:1] tells us, it will be superfluous once these things have arrived. Similarly with hope. But love is greater than these, because when our troubles are over and our bodies have been changed in the resurrection, our minds will be steadied by it, so that they will no longer desire now one thing, now another. COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 255-56.

PROPHECY VERSUS TONGUES 1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-12

OVERVIEW: All languages are intended to convey meaning (SEVERIAN OF GABALA, PELAGIUS). Paul did not forbid speaking in tongues but regarded prophecy as more useful (AMBROSIASTER). Even if Paul himself spoke in tongues, this would be useless if not interpreted. The apostles received the gift of tongues first as a sign that they were to go to all the world preaching the gospel. Gifts are greater when given for the benefit of many, not one. Prophecy is a greater gift than tongues because it is used for the benefit of the whole church (CHRYSOSTOM) to bring edification, encouragement and consolation. Prophecy interprets Scripture usefully (AMBROSIASTER) for the common good (CHRYSOSTOM). By prophecy the whole church learns God’s plan (AMBROSIASTER). Like distinct notes in music, speech requires precision (CHRYSOSTOM). Do not let your words have an indistinct sound, lest like a bugle in combat they might confuse (ORIGEN, PELAGIUS).

1 Cor