Why is 1 Corinthians 13 sandwiched between chapters 12 and 14?
The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to place 1 Corinthians 13 between chapters 12 and 14 because the Corinthian church was carnal and plagued with problems. Chapters 12 and 14 address those issues, but instead of merely blasting them, Paul inserted the great love chapter as part of his corrective response.
Les explains that 1 Corinthians 13 is the great love chapter of the whole New Testament, and it is sandwiched between chapters 12 and 14 because Paul is responding to the problems and questions of the Corinthian church. That church was carnal, babes in Christ, unable to handle the meat of the Word (chapter 3, verse 1). Paul could have blasted them, especially in chapters 12 and 14, but instead he placed the love chapter there as part of his corrective instruction. Les notes it could have been in Romans or Ephesians, but the Holy Spirit specifically inspired its placement.
What does Paul say about order in the local church in 1 Corinthians 14?
Paul teaches that everything done in the local church must be done in order, not in a mass of confusion. He tempers his correction of the Corinthians, seeking to straighten things up without browbeating them. This order reflects God's character, for He is a God of order.
What is 1 Corinthians 13 called?
First Corinthians 13 is called the love chapter. The context refers to chapter 13 as the love chapter and appeals to its spirit when urging believers to analyze practices in light of what God wants, rather than what men want.
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.