Meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:31

This verse, concluding chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, serves as a powerful transition and summation by the Apostle Paul. Having spent the preceding verses detailing the diversity and purpose of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, Paul now directs the Corinthian believers towards a particular disposition: a fervent desire for the "greater gifts." However, he immediately qualifies this exhortation by stating he will reveal "a most excellent way," a superior path that transcends the mere pursuit of superior spiritual manifestations. This indicates that while gifts are important, their proper functioning and ultimate value are contingent upon something more profound, setting the stage for the subsequent exploration of love in chapter 13.

Context and Background

The Corinthian church, like many early Christian communities, was experiencing a vibrant outpouring of spiritual gifts (charismata). However, this abundance also brought challenges, particularly a tendency towards pride, disunity, and a competitive spirit, with some individuals valuing certain gifts over others, leading to spiritual elitism and discord. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 10-14, emphasizing that all gifts originate from the same Spirit and are intended for the common good of the church. Chapter 12 lays the foundation of unity in diversity, likening the church to a body with various members, each essential. Verse 31, therefore, arises from this context of managing and channeling the enthusiastic, and sometimes misguided, use of spiritual gifts.

Key Themes and Messages

• Desire for Greater Gifts: Paul acknowledges and even encourages a longing for the more impactful spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, teaching, or miracles, which are often seen as more prominent or beneficial for building up the church. This is not a call for selfish ambition but for a desire to serve God and others more effectively.
• The "Most Excellent Way": The central message is the introduction of a superior principle that underpins and perfects all spiritual gifts. This "way" is love, as expounded in the following chapter. Without love, the most impressive gifts become hollow and ineffective.
• Unity and Purpose: The verse implicitly reinforces the idea that gifts are meant to function within a unified community, and their ultimate purpose is not individual glorification but the edification of the church.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse is a vital reminder that while cultivating spiritual gifts is important, the manner in which we use them is paramount. It calls for a discerning heart that seeks not just what can be done, but what should be done, and with what disposition. The "greater gifts" are those that most effectively build up the body of Christ and bring glory to God. However, the "most excellent way" – love – is the indispensable element that transforms the exercise of any gift into a truly spiritual and God-honoring act. This means prioritizing compassion, patience, kindness, and humility in our interactions, regardless of the spiritual gifts we possess or witness in others.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage fits within the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in the establishment of a unified people for Himself. The Old Testament foreshadowed the outpouring of the Spirit, and the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles, details the practical outworking of this spiritual endowment within the church. The emphasis on love as the supreme virtue echoes Jesus' commandment to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39) and is a cornerstone of Christian ethics throughout Scripture. The pursuit of gifts is an aspect of living out one's calling, but the "most excellent way" is the very essence of God's character, revealed most fully in Jesus Christ.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this concept is that of a skilled artisan. The spiritual gifts are like the various tools in the artisan's workshop – a hammer, a chisel, a paintbrush. Some tools might appear more impressive or capable of grander feats than others. The "greater gifts" are akin to the more specialized or powerful tools. However, without the artisan's skill, vision, and dedication – the "most excellent way" of love and craftsmanship – these tools, no matter how sophisticated, will produce only mediocre or even flawed work. Love is the guiding principle and the master skill that ensures the tools are used effectively and for a beautiful purpose.

Another analogy is a symphony orchestra. The spiritual gifts are the different instruments, each with its unique sound and role. The "greater gifts" might be likened to the lead instruments like the violin or the trumpet. But if the musicians play without regard for each other, out of tune, or without the conductor's direction – the "most excellent way" of harmonious collaboration and musicality – the result will be cacophony, not music. Love is the conductor and the unifying harmony that allows each instrument to contribute to a glorious whole.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." This verse directly follows the discussion of spiritual gifts in chapter 13 and explicitly states that love is superior to faith and hope, and by extension, to all gifts.
• Romans 12:3-8: Similar to 1 Corinthians 12, this passage discusses the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing that each member has unique abilities given by God for building up the church. It also implicitly points to the need for humility and proper use of these gifts.
• Galatians 5:6: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but faith working through love." This verse underscores that true spiritual vitality is not found in outward observances or even in the possession of spiritual endowments, but in the active expression of faith motivated by love.
• Ephesians 4:11-16: This passage speaks of Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers to equip the saints for ministry and for building up the body of Christ. It emphasizes unity in faith and knowledge, growing into the fullness of Christ, and speaking the truth in love, highlighting love as the essential element for healthy growth and maturity.