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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
(1Co_11:2 to 1Co_14:40)
in Spiritual Gifts and Love
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 1Co_13:1-13
A. This chapter forms an integral part of Paul's discussion of spiritual gifts. This "love chapter" is set right in the midst of the conflict over spiritual gifts.
B. The church at Corinth had tried to magnify some of the gifts. Paul affirms all the gifts and sets the bounds on their function and purpose in gathered worship in chapters 12-14.
C. The second major test of spiritual gifts (see Contextual Insights, chap. 12, B) is, "Are they exercised in love?"
BASIC OUTLINE
A. The necessity of love as the motive for exercising spiritual gifts (1Co_13:1-3).
B. The character of love is expressed in relationships with people (1Co_13:4-7)
C. The ultimacy of love as a characteristic of God's family (1Co_13:8-13).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Give the central idea of this chapter in your own words, in one sentence.
2. Why did Paul insert a chapter on love between his discussion of spiritual gifts?
3. Define agapç love in your own words.
4. Why have 1Co_13:8-13 become a battleground over spiritual gifts in our day?