What does 1 Corinthians 12:31 mean?

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 12:31 forms the concluding thought of Chapter 12 of the First Letter to the Corinthians, where Paul has been discussing spiritual gifts within the Christian community.

It reflects his call to the members of the Corinthian church to earnestly desire the more significant gifts, which are those that benefit the church as a whole.

The gifts in question may include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues, as previously listed in 1 Corinthians 12.

However, even as Paul emphasizes the importance of these gifts, he signals that he will show them a still "more excellent way." This sets the stage for the following chapter, where he unfolds the preeminence of love (agape) as the most important virtue and spiritual gift.

Literally, the verse encourages believers to seek out the best spiritual gifts, but on a deeper level, it serves as a transition to the message that love surpasses all gifts and is the greatest testament of Christian faith.

Historical Context

The First Letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 55.

The epistle addresses various issues within the Corinthian church, which was a young and troubled congregation in a cosmopolitan Greco-Roman city known for its cultural diversity and moral laxity.

Paul's letter aims to correct problematic behaviors and beliefs within the church and to provide instruction on matters of Christian living and theological understanding.

At that time, the community was grappling with divisions, misunderstandings about spiritual gifts, and how these gifts should be exercised within the body of believers.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the hierarchy of spiritual gifts and introduces the concept that some gifts are more desirable than others.

Different denominations may interpret the "best" gifts in varying ways: some seeing it as an encouragement to seek those gifts which best edify the church, while others view it as a call to pursue personal holiness and effectiveness in ministry.

The mention of the "more excellent way" links to Paul's theological insight that love supersedes all spiritual gifts.

It suggests that while the gifts are valuable and from God, they are nothing without love. This is a foundational principle in Christian theology where love is considered the highest commandment and the ultimate reflection of God's nature.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 1 Corinthians 12:31 invites believers to desire spiritual maturity and to serve the community with their gifts responsibly.

It is an admonishment that working to develop one's spiritual gifts should be a priority, yet one should never lose sight of love as the underlying principle guiding the use of these gifts.

Christians are to use their talents and abilities to build up others in love, with humility and a spirit of unity.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
• 1 Corinthians 14:1: "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy."
• Romans 12:6-8: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us..."
• Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith..."

Language Study

Notable Greek words in the original text of 1 Corinthians 12:31 include:

• "covet earnestly" (Greek: ζηλοῦτε, zeloute): to burn with zeal, to desire earnestly.
• "best" (Greek: κρείττονα, kreittona): stronger, more excellent.
• "gifts" (Greek: χαρίσματα, charismata): favors freely given, gifts of grace.
• "shew" (Greek: δείκνυμι, deiknumi): to show, to demonstrate, to point out.
• "more excellent way" (Greek: ὑπερβολὴν ὁδόν, hyperbolen hodon): a path of exceeding, surpassing quality.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient religions and cultures, the idea of pursuing spiritual gifts and the elevation of love as the highest virtue have unique expressions in Christianity.

Many other traditions emphasize personal enlightenment or the appeasement of deities through ritual.

Christianity, on the other hand, centers on a relational and transformational aspect where the spiritual gifts equip community members for service, and love governs their use for the mutual benefit of the community, reflecting a diverse body acting as one.

Scientific Perspectives

While the content of 1 Corinthians 12:31 lies outside the realm of empirical science, scientific disciplines, such as psychology, may offer insights into the human capacity for empathy, altruism, and social cohesion, qualities that are associated with the biblical concept of agape love.

Research into these areas can enhance the understanding of the benefits of selflessly loving and serving within a community, as the verse encourages.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this passage to provide further depth and understanding:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the need to covet spiritual gifts while also preparing for the revelation of the more excellent way of charity (love), which Paul will elaborate on in Chapter 13.
• The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the "best gifts" are to be desired because they are those that most edify the church, while the "more excellent way" is to use those gifts with a spirit of love.
• John Calvin, in his commentaries, interprets this verse as Paul showing that the passage to the highest excellencies is open to all, and that the way is love, which is open to all without exception.