Nilda, Peter Albert is correct in pointing out that 'charity' is much more in keeping with the concept of agape, a kind of disinterested love in one's fellow being and concern for his welfare, as first defined by Socrates four centuries earlier in Symposium. Recall the hierachy: eros (lust), philios (mentorship) and, lastly, agape, the virtue of the Philosopher King. As an educated Grecophone Jew from Asia Minor, Paul was probably well-acquainted with the Plato, and as such serves as a bridge between the Classical and Biblical traditions.
So much of the eloquence both of this passage and the whole bible is attributable to those gifted translators writing at the time of Shakespeare.
What a marvelous time for me to receive further notice and share my joy about this conversation.
I just got to visit my 13 year old grandson who is growing ever stronger spiritually - and thus mentally,physically and emotionally at Agape Boarding School in Missouri where the King James Bible is lighting his way. I can hardly wait to share your thoughts with him. Thank you all, and Merry Christmas from one who cherishes the poetic richness of this translation from our gift of the Eastern culture. What better of God's grace to behold than this as we so fervently seek peace between East and West in the blessings of the old and the new? Isaiah 11:6
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD them."
Essentially, it's a commentary on Plato, "agape" first being described by Socrates in "Symposium". And from "The Republic", those of us who dwell in the cave "know in part, and prophesy in part". The philosopher king is able to leave the cave and see the actual Forms, i.e. "that which is perfect".
Charity(agape)is that love without ego i.e.attachment to me and mine. Ego claims all,my body,my life,my job,mine mine mine,me me me -(it all belongs to God) thus we see the world through this glass darkly, we do not see the world 'face to face' We must love without thought of self or gain, for that love is not ours but of God.
This scripture is one that is close to my heart.. I chose LOVE. Without love we are nothing, we cannot help ourselfs or anyone else. We have to surge within ourselfs to fine love in our heart not only for ourselfs but to be able to help others, in the name of God..
This is a chapter of such sublime literary beauty, of such power and authority, that it is easy to forget its heartfelt message of the endurance of Faith Hope and Charity
And I do prefer the word "Charity" which conjures the proper sense of Pauline dedication to hard work, and devotion to duty, and real concern for others, and their foibles, over any other possible translation.
Love or charity...though we as Christians involve ourselves with church works and activities but have no love for Jesus and love for others because of Jesus, it is useless. What is love? The passage answers how real love behaves.
God is great, above all and everything!!!
Corinthians shows this, with amazing words inspired by God.
He love us all the time... without love, we are nothing!
without God...I can't imagine my world without Him...
if nobody told me, where should I be without You, where would I be?
a very insightful scripture that embodies what actual true perfect love is,it also provides a mirror for us to check and reflect on how well we claim to practice love. There is no doubt that we need God's grace to be able to comply with all the requirements of true love.
I have great love for this verse but it does not have the same impact than in the bible where instead of charity the word love is used... This made me understood how far love goes and beyond but charity to means something completely diffrant I understand that charity is done with love or out of love but yet it still means something diffrant to me.... Please make me understand how these two words differentiate as used in this verse.
This is one of the greatest chapter I've ever read, it shows us how great love is among all things and makes me reminisce the love God showed us when HE sent his only Son to die for us.
I stagger in the depth and timeless truth of God's Word. 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 reveals all that love is. This book and chapter holds in the face of every man, woman and child God's standard of love. He is Love! God confronts our level of "love" that has assumed all sorts of forms. To say, "I love my wife" is not to be the same degree in saying "I love my car." (Though some have more love for the later.) God's Word shows us what love thinks, how love acts, and what love receives. We are given this mirror of love to reflect it not to object or debate it. God PROCLAIMS! He does not suggest.
It is sad to live as we will knowing that there is a God who really loves us even while are yet sinners. This love is what could turn this world and each individuals heart around.
I contine to be awed by being drawn back to this chapter that has marked so many growth spurts in my life - and most recently and gratefully verse 12,"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
So much of the eloquence both of this passage and the whole bible is attributable to those gifted translators writing at the time of Shakespeare.
I just got to visit my 13 year old grandson who is growing ever stronger spiritually - and thus mentally,physically and emotionally at Agape Boarding School in Missouri where the King James Bible is lighting his way. I can hardly wait to share your thoughts with him. Thank you all, and Merry Christmas from one who cherishes the poetic richness of this translation from our gift of the Eastern culture. What better of God's grace to behold than this as we so fervently seek peace between East and West in the blessings of the old and the new? Isaiah 11:6
"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD them."
And I do prefer the word "Charity" which conjures the proper sense of Pauline dedication to hard work, and devotion to duty, and real concern for others, and their foibles, over any other possible translation.
Corinthians shows this, with amazing words inspired by God.
He love us all the time... without love, we are nothing!
without God...I can't imagine my world without Him...
if nobody told me, where should I be without You, where would I be?
I love You God!!!! with all my hearth!