The Strand Study Bible

Written From Ephesus During Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

I CORINTHIANS

1902

not learned, as the Spirit gave them utterance. These were signs adapted to the time. For there behooved to be that betokening of the Holy Spirit in all tongues, to shew that the Gospel of God was to run through all tongues over the whole earth. That thing was done for a betokening, and it passed away. 3

In this quote by Augustine (and of Chrysostom) we discover that tongues had ceased with the possible exception of some infrequent reports given as the church progressed throughout the centuries. The character of these infrequent reports and the nature of those groups who cited them give us good reason to doubt their validity. 13:10 Complete perfection for the Christian will not come until we see Jesus face-to-face ( when that which is perfect is come – I Jn 3:2 and I Cor 13:12). Prophecy , tongues , and knowledge , as we know them, are suited only for an imperfect people in an imperfect state of existence ( For we know in part, and we prophesy in part – vs 9). Therefore, we are limited spiritually as to what we can speak ( prophecy ), understand ( tongues ), and think ( knowledge ). 13:11 Paul uses here an illustration designed to show the character of the period between the two comings of CHRIST . Because the apostles were dealing with all Jews (and Jews require signs - Exo 4:1-9 and I Cor 1:22), special and spectacular gifts were necessary during Jesus’ first coming. However, these early gifts are childish in comparison to the knowledge that we will possess when Jesus returns. 13:12 Paul admitted that we know “little” ( For now we see through a glass, darkly ) compared to what we shall know when CHRIST returns. If I Corinthians 13:12 emphasizes anything, it stresses that we ought to be slow to be dismissive (flippant and indifferent) and condescending toward others who may hold a different theological view concerning “secondary doctrines” not related to salvation, such as: (1) when the Rapture of the Church is to occur ( Lk 17:27 ); (2) eternal security ( Jn 10:28-29 , Mt 13:44-45 , Gal 5:16-17,21 and II Tim 1:12 ); (3) Calvinism ( Mt 28:19a ), predestination ( Rom 8:29 and II Thes 2:13 ); (4) differences between the versions of the Bible ( Lk 11:51 , Acts 7:45 and Heb 10:39 ); (5) gap theory ( Gen 1:2b , 28c ); (6) music standards ( Psa 47:7 and Eph 5:19 ); (7) personal standards ( Rom 14:1,22a and I Cor 6:12 ); (8) tongues ( Mk 16:17a , Acts 2:3a , 4,6,7,8,13a , 17-18 & 10:44-46 & 19:6 , and I CORINTHIANS “MINI” SERIES); (9) global warming ( Gen 1:25 , II Pet 3:7 and Jud 21:25 ); and (10) etc. ( Rom 14:1b and Phil 1:17 ). According to Paul truth exists, but it is our process of acquiring it that is limited and imprecise ( Deut 29:29 ). NOTE - Outside of the doctrine of salvation ( Gen 49:18 , Exo 14:13,30-31 , Psa 74:12 , Jonah 2:9 , Hab 1:5 , Mt 7:13-14 , Lk 7:50 , Jn 4:14 & 5:29 & 6:28-29 , Rom 13:11 , Titus 3:5 a and Heb 6:1 c) , which came to us via “great” LIGHT ( Gen 1:3 b , Lk 2:30-32 & 18:34 and Jn 1: 3- 5 ), every other theological subject is, at best, clouded . Meaning: The Word of God can appear to us at times in dark speeches (I Cor 13:12 and Num 12:7-8). Paul explains that our knowledge here and now is but a blur compared to what it will be when CHRIST returns ( Deut 29:29 ). The Corinthians, who saw only darkly and in part through the exercise of the gifts, were not to glory in that which was fragmentary. Those who look to the rest of theology to provide absolutes will come to one of two conclusions: 1. Dogmatism ( irresponsible dishonesty ) Dogmatism is the selfish art of fooling one’s self into seeing absolutes where they don’t exist. 2. Skepticism ( intellectual honesty, void of cynicism ) Intellectual honesty means we can come to an informed decision about “secondary doctrines” not related to salvation, but ultimately must acknowledge that the issues may be too clouded to allow for absolute certainty. Skepticism allows for flexibility and cooperation with other believers within the body of CHRIST with whom we may disagree concerning “non- Heaven and Hell issues.” The admission of uncertainty concerning theology not related to salvation can be unsettling, yes, but at least it’s honest. 13:13 a Faith, hope and charity are not gifts of the Spirit, but rather attributes of the Christian life. Whereas faith says, “I have to obey God” and hope says, “I pray it all works out,” love says, “I want to obey God whether it works out or not.” Which means whereas faith is something you do for God, love is something God does through you, through the attribute of the Holy Spirit. Although God is pleased with our faith (Heb 11:6), He would rather He work through us (through His love) than we work for Him (through our faith). No wonder the greatest of these is love. Question - Do you work for God (faith), or does God work through you (love)? 13:13 b This word ( hope ) is the Greek word HOSL9 ( elpis ) and means “ to anticipate a favorable expectation .” Hope is the happy anticipation of good. Hope says, “I pray it all works out, that God’s Word is true, that right prevails one day, that justice becomes a reality, and that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:14-15). 14:2 a All languages are understood by God ( but unto God ). Why? Because it was God who divided up the languages in Genesis 11:8 . 14:2 b It is utter folly to speak in a language that people do not understand ( for no man understandeth him ). 14:4 The reason he edifies himself is because “he alone” knows what he is saying. 14:5 Preaching the Word in an unknown (foreign) language is okay, as long as there is someone to interpret what is being said.

1 Gustafson, Robert R. Authors of Confusion, Tampa, FLA, Grace Pub., 1971. Print. 2 Chrysostom. Homilies on the First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians 3 Augustine. Homilies on the First Epistle of John