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The design of the apostle in these words is,
1. To inform the Corinthians, that the sanctifying graces of faith, hope, and charity, are far to be preferred before all the fore -mentioned extraordinary gifts of prophecy, miracles, tongues, healing the sick, and raising the dead, not excepted. The least degree of sanctifying grace from the Holy Spirit, is to be preferred, with respect to ourselves, before the largest measure of extraordinary gifts which are wholly for the good and benefit of others.
2. As our apostle had compared gifts and graces together before, so he compares graces amongst themselves now. Faith, hope, and charity, are set in competition, and the preference given to the last; partly with respect to its present excellency, for charity is the end, to which faith and hope are but the means; and partly with respect to its future duration. Faith and hope will vanish with this life; faith will end in sight, and hope in enjoyment; but charity will never be outdated, but last and flourish when we come to heaven, and be a special ingredient in, and a considerable part of, our happiness there, which consists in the rapturous contemplation of divine love; in living, praising, admiring, and adoring God, our great Creator, and in loving all whom he loves, and that eternally.
Learn, 1. That faith, hope, and love, are abiding graces; they do and must keep house, not only in the church-militant in general, but in the soul of every member of the church-militant in particular.
Learn, 2. That of all these graces, charity is the greatest and most excellent,
1. In regard of its extent, reaching to God, angels, and men.
2. In regard of its use, extending to the good of others; whereas faith and hope are particular and private graces.
3. In regard of perfection, as rendering us more like to God.
4. In regard of duration: farewell faith and hope, when we come to heaven; but welcome love.
Therefore the greatest of these is charity.