1 Corinthians 12:31

The best [τ α κ ρ ε ι τ τ ο ν α]. The correct reading is ta meizona the greater. So Rev.

Yet [ε τ ι]. Some construe with more excellent, rendering yet more excellent. So Rev. Others render moreover, and give the succeeding words a superlative force : "and moreover a most excellent way," etc. See on with excellency, ch. 2 1.

Way. To attain the higher gifts. The way of love as described in ch. 13. "Love is the fairest and best in himself, and the cause of what is fairest and best in all other things" (Plato, "Symposium," 197). :1 Corinthians 13

CHAPTER XIII

"Love is our Lord - supplying kindness and banishing unkindness; giving friendship and forgiving enmity; the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the gods; desired by those who have no part in him, and precious to those who have the better part in him.... In every word, work, wish, fear - pilot (kubernhthv, compare governments, 1 Corinthians 12:28), comrade, helper, savior; glory of gods and men, leader best and brightest; in whose footsteps let every man follow, sweetly singing in his honor that sweet strain with which love charms the souls of gods and men" (Plato, "Symposium," 197). "He interprets between gods and men, conveying to the gods the prayers and sacrifices of men, and to men the commands and replies of the gods : he is the mediator who spans the chasm which divides them, and in him all is bound together.... Through love all the intercourse and speech of God with man, whether awake or asleep, is carried on. The wisdom which understands this is spiritual" (Id., 202 - 3).

Trench cites the following Italian proverbs : "He who has love in his heart has spurs in his sides." " Love rules without law. " Love rules his kingdom without a sword." " Love is the master of all arts. "See, also, Stanley's essay on" The Apostolic Doctrine of Love; " Commentary, p. 237.