Attributed commentary excerpt
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:31
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
covet earnestly--Greek, "emulously desire." Not in the spirit of discontented "coveting." The Spirit "divides to every man severally as He will" (Co1 12:1); but this does not prevent men earnestly seeking, by prayer and watchfulness, and cultivation of their faculties, the greatest gifts. BEZA explains, "Hold in the highest estimation"; which accords with the distinction in his view (Co1 14:1) between "follow after charity--zealously esteem spiritual gifts"; also with (Co1 12:11, Co1 12:18) the sovereign will with which the Spirit distributes the gifts, precluding individuals from desiring gifts not vouchsafed to them. But see on Co1 14:1. the best gifts--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "the greatest gifts." and yet--Greek, "and moreover." Besides recommending your zealous desire for the greatest gifts, I am about to show you a something still more excellent (literally, "a way most way-like") to desire, "the way of love" (compare Co1 14:1). This love, or "charity," includes both "faith" and "hope" (Co1 13:7), and bears the same fruits (Co1 13:1-13) as the ordinary and permanent fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-24). Thus "long-suffering," compare Co1 12:4; "faith," Co1 12:7; "joy," Co1 12:6; "meekness," Co1 12:5; "goodness," Co1 12:5; "gentleness," Co1 12:4 (the Greek is the same for "is kind"). It is the work of the Holy Spirit, and consists in love to God, on account of God's love in Christ to us, and as a consequence, love to man, especially to the brethren in Christ (Rom 5:5; Rom 15:30). This is more to be desired than gifts (Luk 10:20). Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
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