A two-part study of 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Having explained the importance of emphasizing the right priorities at the end of chapter twelve of this letter, the Apostle Paul further explains himself in this passage.
That which is important does not end: less important things will end—and miraculous gifts are included in this list. “Prophecies” are the ability to speak God’s word without having studied, “tongues” are the ability to speak a language not studied and/or the ability to interpret, and “knowledge” is the ability to “know” without having studied.
Some Corinthians have elevated spiritual gifts above more important factors in their Christianity, and envy has arisen among them. Yet spiritual gifts were temporary—they will “fail,” meaning pass away. Paul teaches that “lasting elements” should be the most important part of their spiritual concern.
And, so, we learn two important lessons from the apostle: love is a lasting element in the Christianity and spiritual gifts were intended to be temporary, even from their beginning.