1 Corinthians 13:13- “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Extended Explanation

Paul closes this powerful chapter on love by pointing to three enduring qualities of the Christian life:

• Faith – Trusting in God and His promises, even when we can’t see the full picture.
• Hope – Looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises, especially eternal life with Him.
• Love – The greatest of all, because it reflects God’s very nature and is the foundation of everything.

Paul is emphasizing that while spiritual gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will pass away (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), these three virtues will remain forever. But among them, love stands out as the most important.

Why is love the greatest? Because faith and hope are for this life, but love continues for eternity. One day, when we stand before God, we won’t need faith because we will see Him clearly (1 Corinthians 13:12). We won’t need hope because everything we have waited for will be fulfilled. But love will last forever.

This verse reminds us that love is not just another virtue—it is the foundation of our relationship with God and others. Without love, faith and hope lose their meaning.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was divided over spiritual gifts. Some believers thought that prophecy, knowledge, and speaking in tongues were signs of spiritual superiority. Paul corrected them by showing that love is far more important than any gift or ability.

In Greek and Roman culture, love was often seen as a feeling or passion, but Paul describes a deeper kind of love—a love that is active, selfless, and eternal. This would have challenged both the Corinthians and their culture, where status, knowledge, and personal success were often valued more than love.

Paul’s message is clear: faith, hope, and love will always remain—but love is the greatest because it is the only one that is eternal.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches profound truths about the Christian life and eternity:

• Faith is essential, but temporary. Right now, we live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), but in eternity, faith will no longer be needed because we will see God clearly.
• Hope keeps us moving forward, but it will be fulfilled. We hope for eternal life, but when we receive it, we won’t need to hope anymore (Romans 8:24-25).
• Love is eternal. God’s love existed before creation, and it will continue forever. Love is the very essence of who God is (1 John 4:8).

This verse reminds us that love is not just a feeling—it is the foundation of everything that lasts forever.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in this verse follows a clear structure:

• “And now these three remain” – This signals the things that endure beyond this life.
• “Faith, hope, and love” – These three virtues summarize the Christian life.
• “But the greatest of these is love” – The final and most important truth: love surpasses everything else.

The progression in this verse is significant. Faith and hope are vital, but love stands above them because it is the only one that continues forever. This closing statement in 1 Corinthians 13 serves as Paul’s final and most powerful point in his discussion on love.

Biblical Cross-References

• Galatians 5:6 – “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Faith is important, but it must be expressed through love.)
• Romans 5:5 – “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Love is the foundation of our faith and hope.)
• Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Love holds everything together.)
• 1 John 4:16 – “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (Love reflects God’s nature.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us to focus on what truly matters.

• Do we value love more than knowledge, success, or religious activity? Many people chase after achievements, but love is what truly matters in the end.
• Are we practicing faith, hope, and love in daily life? These are not just abstract ideas—they are actions that shape how we live.
• Do we invest in things that will last? Spiritual gifts, knowledge, and wealth will all pass away, but love will never fade.

If love is the greatest, then it should be our highest priority. More than anything else, our lives should be marked by love—for God and for others.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is the reason faith and hope exist.

• God is the source of faith. He gives us the ability to trust Him (Ephesians 2:8).
• God is the source of hope. His promises give us something to look forward to (Romans 15:13).
• God is love. His love is eternal, unchanging, and greater than anything else (1 John 4:8).

Because God’s love is eternal, it is the greatest gift He gives us. This verse reminds us that everything God does is motivated by love—and that love is the foundation of our relationship with Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the perfect example of faith, hope, and love.

• Jesus demonstrated perfect faith. He completely trusted the Father, even when facing the cross (Luke 22:42).
• Jesus brought true hope. Through His resurrection, He gave us the hope of eternal life (1 Peter 1:3).
• Jesus embodied perfect love. He laid down His life for us, showing the greatest act of love (John 15:13).

Through Jesus, we see that love is the greatest because it is the reason He came to save us. His life, death, and resurrection all point to God’s eternal love.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Which of these three—faith, hope, or love—do you struggle with the most? How can you grow in that area?
2. How does knowing that “love is the greatest” change your priorities in life?
3. Are there things you focus on that won’t last? How can you shift your focus to what is eternal?
4. How does Jesus’ example challenge you to live with more faith, hope, and love?
5. What are practical ways you can show love in your daily life?

This verse reminds us that love is the most important thing. Faith and hope are essential, but love is what lasts forever. If we want to live in a way that truly matters, we must make love our highest priority—both in our relationship with God and in how we treat others.