1. Context: the problem of the Corinthians church
v.27-30 (BKC) The fact that Paul assigned ordinal numbers (first … second … third) to the first three gifts suggests that these may have been relegated to a lesser role by the Corinthians (cf. 1 Cor. 12:21–24). Those three kinds of gifted members—apostles … prophets … teachers—probably were rated lower than those who had the more spectacular gift of tongues. But the first three gifts may have been greater (v. 31) because of their extensive value to the whole body of Christ. This may be why he listed them first and then said that the church should eagerly desire (v. 31) the exercise of those gifts in the assembly (cf. 14:1–5). Gifted apostles, prophets, and teachers characteristically ministered to a whole church, and so would engender unity and mutual edification. The gift of tongues, on the other hand, suited the Corinthian penchant for self-expression and the pursuit of personal freedom.
(BKC) This self-centeredness also afflicted the church in other areas (e.g., eating sacrificial foods, women in worship, celebration of the Lord’s Supper). Love for others was an essential need in the Corinthian church, and to that fundamental attribute Paul then turned to pay eloquent tribute.
2. Content: 5 gifts were listed, and considered as useless if exercising without love. The gift of speaking in tongues, prophecy (which should be one of the greater gift above all in v.31), wisdom, knowledge, faith.
v.3 is hard to understanding with the textual problem, but NET reading is preferred for better fitting the context.
3 If I give away everything I own, and if I give over my body in order to boast, but do not have love, I receive no benefit.
3. v.4-7
Repeated theme:
A. After the 1st 2 description, the following 8 descriptions are all negative, "not"
B. Among these negative characters, they have very similar meaning:
- is not envious,
- does not brag, (BDAG-to heap praise on oneself, behave as a πέρπερος (‘braggart, windbag)
- is not puffed up, (EBC-To be “rude” or “behave disgracefully” (v. 5) may refer obliquely to the disorderly conduct at worship referred to in 11:2–16 and in chapter 14)
- not rude
- is not self-serving (BDAG-strive for one’s own advantage)
- not easily angered
- not resentful
- not glad about injustice
One one hand, these are the problems of the Corinthians. On the other hand, they are the results of self-centeredness.
Overall: (BKC) Some have seen in verses 4–6 the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23); others have seen here a description of Christ Himself
Reflection: Not only the Corinthians put the wrong focus on the gifts, but they neglect the sanctification (love is the fruit of the Spirit). Why? They loved themselves and being self-centeredness. This is the total opposite of why God gives gift to the church: to build up one another. How destructive to a church and how sad God is when I am like that.
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