Wedding Homily

Ideas: ;

First Corinthians Interpretation

The rhetorical device of gradation (klimax) characterizes the entire argument. The protases of the three verses are arranged in an order of ascending intensity. Paul “ups the ante” as he develops his point. He first writes of gifts he can use for the benefit of others. He begins with the lesser gift of speaking in tongues, then continues with the greater gift of prophecy. Finally he speaks of the ultimate gift, the gift of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others. Paul employs the rhetorical device of hyperbole, but his point is clear. If he did not have love even the gift of self-sacrifice would not accrue to his personal advantage. Not even that kind of ultimate self-giving would be profitable (ouden ōpheloumai

First Corinthians Notes

Love, faith, and hope form a triad that defines authentic Christian existence. Love is the expression of faith and hope. According to Söding love confirms in its reference to God, Christ, and humankind everything that faith and hope recognize and confess as the ground of their obedient confidence

First Corinthians Notes

hopes everything: Hope is the eschatological complement of faith.

First Corinthians Notes

endures everything: The last of the “all” series complements the first; semantically it is similar to the third. Not only does love imply a readiness to endure evil for the sake of the gospel; it actually entails real suffering. Endurance implies perseverance even in the midst of the tribulations of the final times (cf. Rom 12:12; 1 Thess 1:3). Love provides the power to endure this suffering.

If do all these things but I do not have love, I am nothing. Sometimes we to good things for the wrong reason (give an example).

Paul starts with the lesser gifts: tongues, prophecy, and, finally: the ultimate gift, the GIFT OF SELF-SACRIFICE for the benefit of others.

First Corinthians 7. A Unique Gift (13:8–14:1a)

8. Love never comes to an end; but prophecies will pass away; tongues will cease; knowledge will pass away