RSV ~ 1 Corinthians 13 Notes

1 Cor 13:1-13 | ISB Notes

Chapter 13 is a poetic interlude on “love” that summarizes Paul’s moral instructions in the letter (16:14) and stands as the centerpiece of his teaching on spiritual gifts (chaps. 1214). Because some in Corinth esteemed more spectacular charisms like tongues, Paul writes to temper their charismatic enthusiasm by insisting that charity must inspire and direct the exercise of all ministerial gifts (CCC 800). Without love, the other charisms bring no benefit to the Body of Christ and may even cause divisions among its members.

1 Cor 13:1 | ISB Notes

clanging cymbal: Possibly an allusion to ecstatic pagan worship. Speaking in tongues can produce the same meaningless noise if its purpose is thwarted by a failure to love.

1 Cor 13:2 | ISB Notes

I am nothing: Knowledge of saving mysteries and the exercise of extraordinary faith amount to nothing unless coupled with active charity toward others (CCC 1826). • Some believe faith alone is sufficient for salvation; others believe they will be saved by Christ’s sacraments alone; others rely on works of mercy alone and think they can sin with impunity. Such people fail to understand that nothing avails without charity (St. Thomas Aquinas, Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6, 2).

1 Cor 13:3 | ISB Notes

deliver my body to be burned: A reference to martyrdom by fire (Dan 3:23; 2 Mac 7:1-6). Even such heroic acts are profitless toward eternal life without a supernatural love for God.

1 Cor 13:4-7 | ISB Notes

Paul personifies love to explain its true nature and greatness. Because love (charity) is a virtue that is supernatural and God-given, it cannot be reduced to a feeling or emotion that comes and goes over time. It is foremost the love of God and neighbor that the Spirit pours into our hearts (Rom 5:5; CCC 735). It bears burdens, patiently suffers injuries, restrains pride, and is not self-assertive or oversensitive. Vices contrary to love were displayed by those Corinthians who were jealous (1 Cor 3:3), boastful (4:7), or arrogant (4:18).

1 Cor 13:8 | ISB Notes

will pass away: The charismatic gifts will expire when “the perfect comes” (13:10), that is, when the Lord comes again in glory to reveal himself to the Church “face to face” (13:12). Interpretations that link the cessation of charismatic grace with the compilation of the NT books have absolutely no footing in the text.

1 Cor 13:12 | ISB Notes

in a mirror dimly: Ancient Corinth manufactured mirrors of polished bronze. Although known for their excellent quality, their reflected images would nonetheless remain hazy and indistinct. Our present perception of God is similarly imperfect (CCC 163-64, 314).

then face to face: Life in heaven will consist of a clear and direct vision of God “as he is” (1 Jn 3:2; CCC 1023).

1 Cor 13:13 | ISB Notes

faith, hope, love abide: The translation is misleading because it fails to render the Greek adverb nuni (“now”). Paul is not saying that all three virtues are eternal, but instead he ties them to the present age. Faith and hope will pass away when we see the Lord in heaven and possess the eternal happiness we yearned for in this life. But love “never ends” (13:8). Rather than passing away, love reaches perfection in the everlasting embrace of the Trinity that awaits the saints beyond this life. A close connection between these virtues is also noted in Rom 5:1-5, Gal 5:5-6, and 1 Thess 1:3. • Catholic tradition calls faith, hope, and love “theological virtues” because they come from God (Gk. Theos) and lead us back to God (CCC 1812-29). the greatest . . .

love: The preeminence of love follows from its permanence, i.e., it outshines other divine gifts precisely because it outlasts them (13:8).