What was Paul trying to accomplish in the Corinthians and in himself as he wrote about spiritual gifts?
Paul was preparing the Corinthian congregation to accept his teaching on spiritual gifts in chapters 12 and 14, while also preparing his own heart and attitude so he would not become belligerent or angry. He wrote the love chapter to frame those controversial matters with love, understanding, and patience.
Les explains that the Corinthian church was carnal, plagued with problems, and still babes in Christ, unable to handle the meat of the Word. So 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 come to them almost in anger. The Holy Spirit prompted him to pen the love chapter, chapter 13, and place it between 12 and 14, so that the controversial matters of spiritual gifts would be approached with love, understanding, and patience.
More Questions
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.