Verse 3
Even what passed for charity, self-sacrifice for less fortunate individuals, is not the same as real love (Gr. agape). It is inferior to it. It might profit the receiver, but it did not profit the giver.
Paul’s personal sufferings for the salvation of others were also worthless without love (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; 2 Corinthians 12:10). Even one’s acceptance of martyrdom might spring from love. Notwithstanding if it did not it was valueless in the sight of God and would bring no divine reward to the one who submitted to it (cf. Daniel 3:28; Romans 5:2-3; 2 Corinthians 1:14).
Paul was not setting love in contrast to gifts in this pericope. He was arguing for the necessity and supremacy of love if one is to behave as a true Christian.
"Love is the indispensable addition which alone gives worth to all other Christian gifts." [Note: Barrett, p. 303.]
"Love defines which gifts are the ’best’: those that build up the body." [Note: Keener, p. 107.]
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