1 Corinthians 13:1-3

to 1 Corinthians 13:3. § 42. THE WAY TO CHRISTIAN EMINENCE. Carefully and luminously Paul has set forth the manifoldness of the Holy Spirit's gifts that contribute to common life of the Church. All are necessary, all honourable in their proper use; all are of God's ordination. Some of the charisms are, however, more desirable than others. But if these “greater gifts” be sought in selfish emulation (as the ζηλοῦτε of 1 Corinthians 12:31 a, taken by itself, might suggest), their true purpose and blessing will be missed; gifts of grace (χαρίσματα) are not for men actuated by the ζῆλος of party spirit and ambition (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4 f., 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20). While encouraging the Cor [1956] to seek larger spiritual powers, the Ap. must “besides point out” the “way” to this end (1 Corinthians 12:31 b), the way to escape the perils besetting their progress (1 Corinthians 12:4 ff.) and to win the goal of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 12:8-13). Love is the path to power in the Church; all loveless abilities, endowments, sacrifices are, frpm the Christian point of view, simply good for nothing (1 Corinthians 12:1-3).

[1956] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.