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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The apostle gives us in these verses some of the properties and effects of charity, both to describe and commend it, that we may know whether we have this grace and that if we have not we may fall in love with what is so exceedingly amiable, and not rest till we have obtained it. It is an excellent grace, and has a world of good properties belonging to it. As, I. It is long suffering?makrothymei. It can endure evil, injury, and provocation, without being filled with resentment, indignation, or... 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 13:6

Rejoiceth not in iniquity ,.... Neither in his own, nor in others; but on the contrary is grieved for it; he mourns over his own iniquities, the corruption of his heart, the infirmities of his life, his secret sins, which none know but God and his own soul; he is greatly troubled at the profaneness and immorality of the men of the world, and the sins of professors cut him to the heart: nor does he rejoice in injustice, as the word used here may be rendered, in any unjust action or injury,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13:6

(10.) Rejoiceth not in iniquity - Ου χαιρει επι τῃ αδικιᾳ· Rejoiceth not in falsehood, but on the contrary, rejoiceth in the truth: this meaning αδικια has in different parts of the Scriptures. At first view, this character of love seems to say but little in its favor; for who can rejoice in unrighteousness or falsity? But is it not a frequent case that persons, who have received any kind of injury, and have forborne to avenge themselves, but perhaps have left it to God; when evil... 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 13:4-7

The nature and operation of love. The negative view having been presented, the apostle considers the mature and operations of this love, And one characteristic of it, he puts in the foreground of its excellences. It can suffer. A virtue that cannot suffer is hardly a virtue at all. Certainly it is not a virtue that can lay the least claim to divineness. Wedded love, parental love, philanthropic and patriotic love, have to undergo a discipline of pain and sorrow even to symbolize the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Some characteristics of love. The apostle gives a very beautiful description of some of the qualities of love. True love is— I. PATIENT AND UNCOMPLAINING . It: 1. "Suffereth long," under provocation and injury. 2. "Is not easily provoked." Is not irritable—not allied to anger. 3. "Beareth all things." Is willing to bear burdens that others may be free. Rather hides than advertises injuries received. Does not revenge. 4. "Endureth all things." Neglect and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The immortality of love. "Charity never faileth," etc. Amongst the many things which Paul predicates in this chapter concerning "charity," or love, is its permanence. I. It will "never fail" as an ELEMENT OF MORAL POWER . Love is the strongest force in the soul. 1. It is the strongest sustaining power. Our present state is one of trial and sorrow. Burdens press on all, in all grades of society. Godly love is the best sustaining power under all. All Divine promises are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The grace of charity. When we speak of charity ( ἀγάπη ) it is in the sense attached to the word in the New Testament. We do not speak of promiscuous and impulsive almsgiving, in which there is often but the veriest morsel of charity, and which, in our condition of society, is almost an unmitigated evil, tending as it does to the maintenance of an indigent and pauperized class. We do not speak of that kind of natural affection ( ἔρος ) which binds men together with the ties of... read more

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