Epiphany Season · Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year C
1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13 or 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
The Excellent Way of Love
January 30, 2028
Overview & Insights
"And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Paul interrupts his teaching on spiritual gifts to point the divided Corinthian church toward a still more excellent way. Every gift and sacrifice is worthless without love, and love's patient, humble, and enduring character will outlast even prophecy, tongues, and knowledge.
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Commentary
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary situating the love chapter within Paul's response to the Corinthians' rivalry over spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary noting that Paul's most excellent way is Epiphany language applied to congregational life.
1 Corinthians 13 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse study of what love does and does not do.
1 Corinthians 13:4 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary on love is patient and love is kind.
1 Corinthians 13 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep verse by verse study notes gathering many conservative scholars on love's character and permanence.
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C) Agape Bible Study
Catholic study of the full Sunday readings, placing the love chapter alongside Jeremiah's call and Luke's rejection scene.
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
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