1 Corinthians 12:1-13:13      

v. 12-13 The physical human body is used as a metaphor for the way the body of Christ (the church) operates. The body is a single entity made up of many interrelated parts. All believers were "baptized by one Spirit into one body." Therefore, every believer is part of the body of Christ. It doesn't matter if they were Jew/non-Jew, slave/free, etc. All "drink" the same living water of the Spirit.

v.14-20 Now Paul gives them some hypothetical situations that might lead to disunity within the human body. The metaphorical foot says to the hand, "Because I'm not a hand I don't belong to the body." But Paul says the foot doesn't cease being part of the body just because it feels that way. The metaphorical ear bemoans the fact that it's not an eye. If all were eyes then the body wouldn't be able to hear. If all were ears then how would the body be able to smell anything? But God has arranged all the parts just the way He wants them.

v. 21-26 None of the parts can just decide they don't need the others. In fact the parts that seem weak are actually indispensible. The parts that seem dishonorable or "unpresentable" are treated with extra honor and modesty. God has designed the body this way and desires that unity and equal concern be shown for every part. The body suffers as a whole and is honored as a whole.

v. 27-30 Each believer is part of the Body of Christ. God has appointed some to be--

1. apostles
2. prophets
3. teachers
4. workers of miracles
5. healers
6. helpers
7. administrators
8. speakers in different kinds of tongues

Not everyone has been appointed to every position.

Notice how this list is similar to the list in 12:8-11.

v. 31 Paul tells them to "eagerly desire the greater gifts" and shows them "the most excellent way."

13:1-7 One who speaks in tongues but does not love is simply making some noise. A person with the gift of prophecy may be able to understand great mysteries or one may have great enough faith to move mountains-- but without love they are nothing. A person who gives everything away or even volunteers to be martyred (surrenders his body to the flames) gains nothing if he does not have love.

Now before we start thinking that Paul is talking about love as a sentimental feeling we need to read verses 4-13. What he describes is not a feeling. It is a way of "being" that can be seen by attributes like humility, patience, kindness, perseverance, etc. Wherever the gifts of the Spirit are found there must also be this kind of selfless love. Think of what it would be like if an apostle or prophet is selfish and unkind. What if a healer is angry and boastful? If an administrator fails to protect or persevere in his work? Do you see how love is not something that is optional? The gifts of God must always operate through the power of the love of God.

v. 8-12 Love is the only thing that will last. When Christ returns there will be no more need for apostles to go out, or prophets to speak, or teachers to teach, etc. Even knowledge will pass away. Paul describes knowing in part and prophesying in part. But when perfection comes, at Christ's return, these imperfect things will disappear.

Paul describes this as being like children now. But then, when Christ returns, believers will put away the "childish things" and be spiritually mature. He uses another metaphor of seeing a poor reflection in a mirror. That is the current reality. But when Christ returns the believers will see Him face-to-face. Now Paul says he knows in part, but then, when Christ returns, he will know fully even as God fully knows him now.  

v. 13 Faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love because it alone will prevail. Faith will no longer be necessary after Christ returns and the believers are together with Him. Hope will not be needed because the one thing they have hoped for has happened-- they are together with Christ.  

But love will never end. It goes on forever because God is love.

 --Sandy Blank