1 Corinthians 13:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Though I speak, &c.— St. Paul having told the Corinthians, in the last words of the preceding chapter, that he would shew them a more excellent way than the emulous producing of their gifts in the assembly, he informs them in the present admirable chapter, that this more excellent way is love, which he explains at large. The word 'Αγαπη is certainly rendered charity very improperly; for being in our language almost confined to the sense of alms-giving, it has led many into gross errors on this subject. The original must here be taken in the noblest sense, for "such a love to the whole church, and the whole world, as arises from principles of true piety, and ultimately centres in that God who is love." See 1 Corinthians 13:3. As a cymbal was made of two pieces of hollow brass, which being struck together madea tinkling with very little variety of sound, St. Paul chose to instance in this, rather than a harp or flute, or any other more harmonious instrument. It appears from many passages, both of Josephus and of the Jewish rabbies, that each of the things which St. Paul speaks of in this and the following verses as absolutely of no avail withoutlove, was regarded in the highest degree by the Jews.