Sunday, February 21, 2021

1 CORINTHIANS 13 SERIES - Verse 1

Commentary of Charles Spurgeon, Adam Clarke & Matthew Henry
 
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have
not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Vs.1
 
As Christians in general acknowledge that this chapter is the most important in the whole New Testament... 
 
Though I speak, etc. - At the conclusion of the preceding chapter
the apostle promised to show the Corinthians a more excellent way than that in which they were now proceeding. 
---They were so distracted with contentions, divided by parties, and envious of each other's gifts, that unity was nearly destroyed. 
---This was a full proof that love to God and man was wanting; and that without this, their numerous gifts and other graces were nothing in the eyes of God; for it was evident that they did not love one another, which is a proof that they did not love God; and consequently, that they had not true religion. 
  
Charity, or, as it is commonly elsewhere rendered, loveagapeµ: not what is meant by charity in our common use of the word, which most men understand of alms....Could a man speak all the languages on earth, and that with the greatest propriety, elegance, and fluency, could he talk like an angel, and yet be without charity, it would be all empty noise.
 
Tinkling cymbal - The cymbal was a concavo-convex plate of brass, the concave side of which being struck against another plate of the same kind produced a tinkling, inharmonious sound....
Q: What if any of us who bear witness for Christ with our tongues should be found to be no better than this?
 
I am of no more moral worth than those sounds are. I have, it is true, a profession; but, destitute of a heart filled with love to God a--- producing meekness, gentleness, long-suffering, etc., I am without the soul and essence of religion.