1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. NOW, [ arti (G737)] - in our present state. SEE - appropriate in connection with the "prophets" or seers (1 Samuel 9:9). THROUGH A GLASS - i:e., in a mirror: the reflection seeming behind, so that we see it thorough the mirror. Ancient mirrors were of polished brass or other metals. The contrast is between the inadequate knowledge gained by seeing an object reflected in the dim mirror of the ancients, compared with the perfect idea we have by seeing itself directly. DARKLY - literally, in enigma. As a 'mirror' conveys an image to the eye, so an enigma' to the ear. But...

12._We now see through a glass _Here we have the application of the similitude. “The measure of knowledge, that we now have, is suitable to imperfection and childhood, as it were; for we do not as yet see clearly the mysteries of the heavenly kingdom, and we do not as yet enjoy a distinct view of them.” To express this, he makes use of another similitude — that _we now see only as in a glass, _and therefore but obscurely. This obscurity he expresses by the term _enigma _(800) In the first place, there can be no doubt that it is the ministry of the word, and the means that are required for the exercise of it, that he compares to a _looking-glass _For God, who is otherwise invisible, has appointed these means for discovering himself to us. At the same time, this may also be viewed as extending to the entire structure of the world, in which the glory of God shines forth to our view, in acco...

8-13 Charity is much to be preferred to the gifts on which the Corinthians prided themselves. From its longer continuance. It is a grace, lasting as eternity. The present state is a state of childhood, the future that of manhood. Such is the difference between earth and heaven. What narrow views, what confused notions of things, have children when compared with grown men! Thus shall we think of our most valued gifts of this world, when we come to heaven. All things are dark and confused now, compared with what they will be hereafter. They can only be seen as by the reflection in a mirror, or in the description of a riddle; but hereafter our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. It is the light of heaven only, that will remove all clouds and darkness that hide the face of God from us. To sum up the excellences of charity, it is preferred not only to gifts, but to other gra...

Verse 1 Corinthians 13:12. _NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY_] δι εσοπτρου εν αινιγματι. Of these words some _literal_ explanation is necessary. The word εσοπτρον which we translate a _glass_, literally signifies a mirror or reflector, from εις, _into_, and οπτομαι, _I look_; and among the ancients mirrors were certainly made of fine polished _metal_. The word here may signify any thing by which the image of a person is reflected, as in our _looking_, or _look in glass_. The word is not used for a glass to _look through_; nor would such an image have suited with the apostle's design. The εσοπτρον or _mirror_, is mentioned by some of the most ancient Greek writers; so _Anacreon_, Ode xi. ver. 1:- Αεγουσιν αἱ γυναικες, Ανακρεων,

FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS - Paul here makes use of another illustration to show the imperfection of our knowledge here. Compared with what it will be in the future world, it is like the imperfect view of an object which we have in looking through an obscure and opaque medium compared with the view which we have when we look at it “face to face.” The word “glass” here (ἐσοπτρον esoptron) means properly a mirror, a looking-glass. The mirrors of the ancients were usually made of polished metal; Exodus 38:8; Job 37:18. Many have supposed (see Doddridge, in loc. and Robinson’s Lexicon) that the idea here is that of seeing objects by reflection from a mirror, which reflects only their imperfect forms. But this interpretation does not

EXPOSITION 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 _The supremely excellent way of Christian love. _This chapter has been in all ages the object of the special admiration of the Church. Would that it had received in all ages the loftier and more valuable admiration which would have been expressed by an acceptance of its lessons! Tertullian says that it is uttered "with all the force of the Spirit" (_totis Spiritus viribus_)_. _It is a glorious hymn or paean in honour of Christian love, in which St. Paul rises on the wings of inspiration to the most sunlit heights of Christian eloquence. Like the forty-fifth psalm, it may be entitled "A Psalm of Love." Valcknaer says that the "oratorical figures which illuminate the chapter have been born spontaneously in an heroic soul, burning with the love of Christ, and placing all things lower than thi

FOR NOW WE SEE THROUGH A GLASS,.... In this present life, they that are enlightened by the Spirit of God, see God, the perfections and glory of his nature, the riches of his grace and goodness, as displayed in Christ; they behold the glory of Christ, as full of grace and truth, and are filled with love to him; the desires of their souls are after him, and they are changed into the same image by his Spirit; they discern the things of the Spirit of God; the veil being removed from them, they behold wondrous things, out of the law of God and Gospel of Christ, even such things as are unseen unto, and unknown by the natural man: but then it is all "through a glass"; not of the creatures; for though the invisible things of God may in some sort be seen and understood by the things that are made; and God, as the God of nature, may be seen in the works of creation and providence, yet not as the G...

1 Corinthians 13:1. _Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal._ If there be no love to God, and no love to man, the vital element is wanting. Whatever sound we make if the Word of God is not in us, it is a sound that has no meaning, conveys no heavenly meaning. «I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.» What if any of us who bear witness for Christ with our tongues should be found to be no better than this? 1 Corinthians 13:2. _And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing._ Judas had, no doubt, faith in God

3. THE NEED AND SUPERIORITY OF LOVE. CHAPTER 13 __ 1. The Preeminence of Love. (1 Corinthians 13:1 .) 2. Love described in its characteristics. (1 Corinthians 13:4 .) 3. Love never faileth; its Permanence. (1 Corinthians 13:8 .) This chapter is a most blessed exaltation of love. The word “charity” is an unfortunate mistranslation. The Greek word for love used in the New Testament was never used by the Greek heathen classical writers. In its meaning it was unknown among the Gentiles. God is love. As His people, members of His body, we know the love of God manifested in the gift of God's well beloved Son. And this love is shed abroad in the hear

1 CORINTHIANS 13. ALL GIFTS AND SACRIFICES ARE WORTHLESS WITHOUT LOVE, WHICH IS SUPREME AND INCOMPARABLE. The chapter falls into three divisions: (_a)_ superlative gifts and costliest surrenders are valueless in the absence of love (1 Corinthians 13:1); (_b_) description of love's manifold excellences (1 Corinthians 13:4); (_c)_ love is imperishable (1 Corinthians 13:8). It is linked to chs. 12 and 14 by the mention in 1 Corinthians 13:1 f., 1 Corinthians 13:8 f., of tongues and