Why did Paul write 1 Corinthians 13 before addressing the controversial chapters 12 and 14?
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13 first to prepare both the Corinthian congregation and his own heart and attitude for the controversial discussions in chapters 12 and 14. The Holy Spirit prompted him to pen the love chapter so those issues would be approached with love, understanding, and patience rather than belligerence.
Les teaches that Paul was not only preparing the Corinthian congregation to accept chapters 12 and 14, but he was also preparing his own heart and attitude, lest he become too belligerent or, as he says in 2 Corinthians, come down with them almost in anger. The Holy Spirit prompted him to pen chapter 13, the love chapter, so the controversial things in 12 and 14 could be approached based on love, understanding, and patience. Les explains it is imperative to look at chapter 13 before making any comments on the other two chapters, because this was the Apostle's attitude as he approached these carnal Corinthians. He also notes that the tongues statement in verse 1 is hypothetical, not a claim that Paul spoke in an angelic tongue.
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Why did Paul write 1 Corinthians 13 between chapters 12 and 14?
The Holy Spirit prompted Paul to write 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, between the problem-filled chapters 12 and 14 in order to soften his approach and prepare the ground.