Chunks: 1 Corinthians 13

Many Christians, if asked what the New Testament teaches about love, will think of 1 Corinthians 13. But to understand what Paul teaches there, we have to read that chapter in its context, both social and literary. Paul was answering a question the Corinthians had asked about spiritual gifts, and right in the middle of his answer, he begins speaking about love. Why? 

What is Chunks: 1 Corinthians 13?

Many Christians think of 1 Corinthians 13 as Paul's "love chapter." The verses are read at weddings and printed on inspirational keepsakes. But Paul wasn't writing about love in the abstract; he was writing as a pastor trying to correct the attitudes and behaviors of a troubled congregation. Thus, we'll explore Paul's teaching against the background of how the Corinthians struggled in relationship to each other, and see how this might apply to our lives as Christians. (All biblical texts will be read from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.)