1 Corinthians 13:2

“And though I have the gift of prophecy, etc.] Either of foretelling future events, as Balaam, who foretold many things concerning the Messiah and the people of Israel, and yet had no true love for either; and Caiaphas, who was high priest the year Christ suffered, and prophesied of his death, and was himself concerned in it, being a bitter enemy to him; or of explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament, by virtue of an extraordinary gift which some persons had; or of the ordinary preaching of the word, which is sometimes expressed by prophesying, which gift some have had, and yet not the grace of God; (see <500115>Philippians 1:15,16 <400722> Matthew 7:22) and understand all mysteries;…”

“mysteries-- (Rom 11:25; Rom 16:25). Mysteries refer to the deep counsels of God hitherto secret, but now revealed to His saints. Knowledge, to truths long known. faith . . . remove mountains-- (Mat 17:20; Mat 21:21). The practical power of the will elevated by faith [NEANDER]; confidence in God that the miraculous result will surely follow the exercise of the will at the secret impulse of His Spirit. Without "love" prophecy, knowledge, and faith, are not what they seem (compare Co1 8:1-2; Mat 7:22; Jam 2:14; compare Co1 13:8), and so fail of the heavenly reward (Mat 6:2). Thus Paul, who teaches justification by faith only (Rom 3:4-5; Gal 2:16; Gal 3:7-14), is shown to agree with James, who…”

“And though I have the gift of prophecy - See the note at 1 Corinthians 12:10; note at 1 Corinthians 14:1. And understand all mysteries - On the meaning of the word “mystery” see note, 1 Corinthians 2:7. This passage proves that it was one part of the prophetic office, as referred to here, to be able to understand and explain the “mysteries” of religion; that is, the things that were before unknown, or unrevealed. It does not refer to the prediction of future events, but to the great and deep truths connected with religion; the things that were unexplained in the old economy, the meaning of types and emblems; and the obscure portions of the plan of redemption. All these might be plain enough…”

“And though I have the gift of prophecy - Of foretelling future events. And understand all the mysteries - Both of God's word and providence. And all knowledge - Of things divine and human, that ever any mortal attained to. And though I have the highest degree of miracle working faith, and have not this love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3”

“13:2 If I . . . possessed all knowledge possibly refers to the gift of “special knowledge” (12:8).”

“I have the: Co1 12:8-10, Co1 12:28, Co1 14:1, Co1 14:6-9; Num 24:15-24; Mat 7:22, Mat 7:23 understand: Co1 4:1; Mat 13:11; Rom 11:25, Rom 16:25; Eph 3:4, Eph 6:19; Col 1:26; Ti1 3:16 and though I have all: Co1 12:9; Mat 17:20, Mat 21:21; Mar 11:22, Mar 11:23; Luk 17:5, Luk 17:6 and have: Co1 13:1, Co1 13:3, Co1 16:22; Gal 5:16, Gal 5:22; Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:20, Jo1 4:21 I am: Co1 13:3, Co1 7:19, Co1 8:4; Mat 21:19; Co2 12:11; Gal 6:3 1 Corinthians 13:3”