Where does the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 sit in relation to the chapters on spiritual gifts?
First Corinthians 13, known as the love chapter, is positioned directly between the two chapters in which Paul addresses the gifts of the Spirit. The text states that it sits right between those two chapters, making it the central section bracketed by Paul’s discussion of spiritual gifts.
Les explains that 1 Corinthians 13 is the love chapter, and it sits right between the two chapters where Paul is dealing with the gifts of the Spirit. In verse 2, Paul speaks of having the gift of prophecy, which was a gift needed at that time before the Word came into print, when men had the gift of speaking forth the Word of God even though it was not yet in print. Les also notes that Paul takes the idea of mysteries beyond the mysteries revealed to him, contrasting the pagan religions’ inner secrets, which are satanic and have power.
More Questions
Why did Paul write the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, between chapters 12 and 14?
The Holy Spirit prompted Paul to place 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, between the problem-filled chapters 12 and 14 in order to soften his approach and prepare the ground for his correction of the Corinthians.