1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Though, &c. The apostle having observed in the last verse of the preceding chapter, (with which this chapter is closely connected,) that he would show them a more excellent way, that is, a way more wise, holy, and useful, than that of striving to excel each other in miraculous gifts, now proceeds to do this, directing them to pursue the divine grace of love to God and man, as of the highest excellence, and of absolute necessity. Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels That is, all the languages which are spoken upon earth, and with the eloquence of an angel; and have not charity Αγαπην, love; namely, the love of God shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost given to me, and the love of all mankind for his sake; I am become Γεγονα, I am, or have been, before God; as sounding brass No better than the sounding instruments of brass used in the worship of some of the heathen gods; or a tinkling cymbal This was made of two pieces of hollow brass, which being struck together made a tinkling, but with very little variety of sound. Some have thought that the apostle mentions the tongues of angels, because in he patriarchal ages angels often spake with men. But as they then spake in the language of men, their tongues, thus understood, are the same with the tongues of men. And therefore by the tongues of angels, the apostle doubtless meant the methods, whatever they are, by which angels communicate their thoughts to each other, and which must be a much more excellent language than any that is spoken by men. And though I have the gift of prophecy Of foretelling future events; and understand all mysteries Both of God's word and providence; and all knowledge Of things human and divine, that ever any mortal attained to; and have all faith The highest degree of miracle-working faith; so that I could remove mountains From their bases, and transport them from one part of the earth to another, and thus change the whole face of nature with a word; and have not charity Αγαπην δε μη εχω, but have not love, I am nothing In the sight of God with respect to piety: I not only have not true religion enough, but in reality I have none at all. And To go further; though I bestow Εαν ψωμιζω, though I distribute deliberately, piece by piece, with the greatest prudence and care; all my goods to feed the poor: and though I give my body to be burned Rather than renounce my religion, or any truth or duty of the gospel; and have not the love, hereafter described, it profiteth me nothing With respect to life eternal. It neither proves my title to it, nor prepares me for the enjoyment of it. Without love, whatever I speak, whatever I have, whatever I know, whatever I do, whatever I suffer, is nothing.