What is the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31)?

Answer

First Corinthians 12:31 is the final verse in chapter 12, which discusses spiritual gifts and their role within the church. The verse advises, “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (NKJV).

The term but signifies that the verse is linked to the preceding content. Since verse 31 concludes the chapter, it is important to examine the entire chapter to grasp the concept of a more excellent way.

In 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, the apostle Paul enumerates various spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit (cf: Romans 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:11). These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Paul explains that these gifts are intended to benefit the church as a whole.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12–30, Paul employs the analogy of a human body to demonstrate the interconnectedness of believers in the Body of Christ (cf: Romans 12:4-5 and Ephesians 4:4,16). Just as a human body comprises many parts that function together, so it is with the Body of Christ. Regardless of our individual gifts or roles in the church, we are unified in one body by the Holy Spirit.

Each believer is essential to the operation and well-being of the body: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor can the head say to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:21-22). God has fashioned the body in this way.a way that there would not be division, jealousy, or envy among believers.

After discussing the various spiritual gifts and their significance to the body of Christ, Paul ends the chapter by pointing believers to a “more excellent way” «But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.», (1 Corinthians 12:31). It is not improper to “earnestly desire the best gifts,” whatsoever they may be. Nevertheless, there is something of greater importance that should govern our pursuit of these gifts.

The “more excellent way” is the way of love, which Paul expounds on in 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter is often referred to as the “Love Chapter” because it beautifully articulates a biblical conception of love:

In 1 Corinthians 13:1–3, Paul argues that love surpasses all spiritual gifts. Even the greatest gift is empty and meaningless without love.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, Paul describes the characteristics of love. These characteristics stress the importance of putting the interests of others above our own cf: John 14:13 and Philippians 2:4. Hence, the purpose of spiritual gifts is to edify the body of Christ and glorify God.

In 1 Corinthians 13:8–12, Paul writes that spiritual gifts are temporary and will pass away. This section reminds us that spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophesying are not eternal. Love, however, is eternal and will never fail. Therefore, love is what truly matters.

This section also speaks to the limitations of human understanding. Because of sin and human finitude, believers can only know and prophesy in part «For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. », (1 Corinthians 13:9). But when Christ returns, sin will vanish, and we will finally see God face to face.

In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul

Declares that love surpasses faith and hope. Paul made this statement because love serves as the basis on which faith and hope rest: we believe only in what we love; we hope only for what we love.

In essence, 1 Corinthians 12:31 urges us not to forget what is truly outstanding: love for God and love for each other (Matthew 22:36-40).