1 Corinthians 13:10

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Here the apostle goes on to commend charity, and show how much it is preferable to the gifts on which the Corinthians were so apt to pride themselves, to the utter neglect, and almost extinction, of charity. This he makes out, I. From its longer continuance and duration: Charity never faileth. It is a permanent and perpetual grace, lasting as eternity; whereas the extraordinary gifts on which the Corinthians valued themselves were of short continuance. They were only to edify the church on... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

13 I may speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but if I have not love, I am become no better than echoing brass or a clanging cymbal. I may have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all sacred secrets and all knowledge, I may have faith enough to remove mountains, but if I have not love I am nothing. I may dole out all that I have, I may surrender my body that I may be burned, but if I have not love it is no good to me. Love is patient; love is kind; love knows no envy; love... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect is come ,.... When perfect knowledge of God, of Christ, and of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven shall take place; which will not in this life, but in that which is to come. So the Jews say F18 Midrash Haneelam in Zohar in Gen. fol. 69. 1. that at the resurrection, upon the reunion of the soul and body, "the children of men shall attain to דעה שלימה , "perfect knowledge";' which is what the apostle refers to here: and then that which is in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect - The state of eternal blessedness; then that which is in part - that which is imperfect, shall be done away; the imperfect as well as the probationary state shall cease for ever. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:10

Verse 10 10.When that which is perfect is come “When the goal has been reached, then the helps in the race will be done away.” He retains, however, the form of expression that he had already made use of, when he contrasts perfection with what is in part “Perfection,” says he, “when it will arrive, will put an end to everything that aids imperfection.” But when will that perfection come? It begins, indeed, at death, for then we put off, along with the body, many infirmities; but it will not be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The supremely excellent way of Christian love. This chapter has been in all ages the object of the special admiration of the Church. Would that it had received in all ages the loftier and more valuable admiration which would have been expressed by an acceptance of its lessons! Tertullian says that it is uttered "with all the force of the Spirit" ( totis Spiritus viribus ) . It is a glorious hymn or paean in honour of Christian love, in which St. Paul rises on the wings of inspiration... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

The eternal permanence of love. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Permanence of love. Why is it that the numerous objects around us are transient? On every side they appeal to us, connect themselves with hope and fear, enter into our business, awaken enterprise and ambition, and even inspire ardent love; yet they are ever passing away. Now, there must be a discipline in all this, and Christianity assures us what it means. It is that we may be trained in the midst of evanescence for that which is permanent. And this presupposes that there is not only an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:9-10

Partial knowledge. "We know in part." Partial knowledge is of four kinds. I. There is a partial knowledge that is a NECESSITY . The knowledge of the highest intelligent creature must by the necessity of nature be partial. What he knows is as nothing compared with the knowable, still less with the unknowable. "Who by searching can find out God?" II. There is a partial knowledge that is a CALAMITY . Our necessary ignorance is not a calamity; on the contrary, it is a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:9-10

The partial and the perfect. Christianity is an intellectual religion as distinct from religions of ritual and ceremony. It is propagated and maintained by preaching and by teaching. It encourages inquiry, study, science. And, accordingly, there is some danger lest those who seize upon this characteristic of Christianity should give way to the temptation of spiritual pride. It is well that the infirmity and imperfection of our knowledge should be brought vividly before our minds, as it is... read more

Group of Brands