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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 1 Corinthians 12:31 - 12:31
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The greater gifts (ta charismata ta meizona). Paul unhesitatingly ranks some spiritual gifts above others. Zēloō here has good sense, not that of envy as in Act 7:9; 1Co 13:4.
And a still more excellent way (kai eti kath' huperbolēn hodon). In order to gain the greater gifts. “I show you a way par excellence,” beyond all comparison (superlative idea in this adjunct, not comparative), like kath' huperbolēn eis huperbolēn (2Co 4:17). Huperbolē is old word from huperballō, to throw beyond, to surpass, to excel (2Co 3:10; Eph 1:19). “I show you a supremely excellent way.” Chapter 1Co 13:1-13 is this way, the way of love already laid down in 1Co 8:1 concerning the question of meats offered to idols (cf. 1Jo 4:7). Poor division of chapters here. This verse belongs with chapter 1Co 13:1-13.