Sermon Tone Analysis

13:1–3 Using intentional exaggeration, Paul emphasizes the uselessness of gifts exercised without love.

The expression “tongues of men” probably refers to the gift of speaking in foreign languages (Acts 2:4–11), while the addition “and of angels” may be a deliberate exaggeration (similarly with “understand all mysteries” and “remove mountains”).

Whether the Corinthians claimed to use angelic speech is impossible to determine (12:10 note).

The expression “deliver up my body to be burned” may also be a dramatic overstatement.

13:1–3 Using intentional exaggeration, Paul emphasizes the uselessness of gifts exercised without love.

The expression “tongues of men” probably refers to the gift of speaking in foreign languages (Acts 2:4–11), while the addition “and of angels” may be a deliberate exaggeration (similarly with “understand all mysteries” and “remove mountains”).

Whether the Corinthians claimed to use angelic speech is impossible to determine (12:10 note).

The expression “deliver up my body to be burned” may also be a dramatic overstatement.

13:1–13 Paul explains the more excellent way that he mentioned in 12:31.

Paul’s goal is to show the Corinthians that the only proper use for gifts is through love.

Spiritual gifts have their place for a time, but love endures forever.

Above all else love is the one thing needful.

Faith, hope, and love form a heavenly triad of spiritual graces that endure forever, but “the greatest of these is love”.

Christians may be talented, gifted, devoted, generous in their giving, or endowed with mountain-moving faith; but it is of no value if love is not present.