abstract 4.2.03

Robert Murdock

ABSRTACT
I Corinthians 13 has often been used in isolation from the context in which it  finds itself. This popular use of it as a separate entity has also been how it is studied in many academic studies where both the unity of the chapter and its  setting in the epistle as a whole has been questioned. The two transitional clauses in 12:31b “And I will show you a still more excellent way” and 14:1a “Pursue love…” have been interpreted as editorial linkages. Yet, this article will maintain that, for example, verses 4-7 are far from detached from the situation at Corinth, where virtually every behavioural problem at Corinth is mentioned. It is clear that in many writings, speakers can break off from the use of prose and actually draw upon the help of poetry to express themselves. There is a strong connection between Paul’s exaltation of love and the problems relating to the exercising of spiritual gifts as discussed in chapters 12 and 14. The place of chapter 13 should not be assessed as much from a literary perspective as to seek to note the theological connections between it and the gift chapters.
KEY WORDS: Love, Greek and Hebrew poetry, edification of the church, exercising spiritual gifts, spiritual gratification.

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.58892/TS.swr4230