Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/chunks-1-corinthians-13 Many Christians think of 1 Corinthians 13 as Paul's "love chapter." The verses are read at weddings and printed on inspirational keepsakes. But Paul wasn't writing about love in the abstract; he was writing as a pastor trying to correct the attitudes and behaviors of a troubled congregation. Thus, we'll explore Paul's teaching against the background of how the Corinthians struggled in relationship to each other, and see how this might apply to our lives as Christians. (All biblical texts will be read from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.) Copyright 2025 Cameron Lee. All rights reserved. 441d36e5-9cb7-53bd-97dd-8338a8169962 no en Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:20:05 -0700 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:30:22 -0800 https://chunks-1-corinthians-13.transistor.fm/ https://img.transistor.fm/_Y1u_acKhPnBhMNUDzP2EK-hIV4c20JfBdOfzHH5NKc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hODUz/NTY4ZTY5NzQyZDRl/NDU5ZmFhOTU3OTEz/NzJlZC5qcGc.jpg https://chunks-1-corinthians-13.transistor.fm/ serial Cameron Lee Many Christians think of 1 Corinthians 13 as Paul's "love chapter." The verses are read at weddings and printed on inspirational keepsakes. But Paul wasn't writing about love in the abstract; he was writing as a pastor trying to correct the attitudes and behaviors of a troubled congregation. Thus, we'll explore Paul's teaching against the background of how the Corinthians struggled in relationship to each other, and see how this might apply to our lives as Christians. (All biblical texts will be read from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.) Many Christians think of 1 Corinthians 13 as Paul's "love chapter." The verses are read at weddings and printed on inspirational keepsakes. Bible, New Testament, love Cameron Lee drcameronlee@gmail.com No No 1 1 Episode 1: The love chapter full 410a4a53-5886-4af0-adf0-369e21bc80ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/b65f3ba1 Many Christians, if asked what the New Testament teaches about love, will think of 1 Corinthians 13. But to understand what Paul teaches there, we have to read that chapter in its context, both social and literary. Paul was answering a question the Corinthians had asked about spiritual gifts, and right in the middle of his answer, he begins speaking about love. Why? 

]]> Many Christians, if asked what the New Testament teaches about love, will think of 1 Corinthians 13. But to understand what Paul teaches there, we have to read that chapter in its context, both social and literary. Paul was answering a question the Corinthians had asked about spiritual gifts, and right in the middle of his answer, he begins speaking about love. Why? 

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:37:34 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 401 Many Christians, if asked what the New Testament teaches about love, will think of 1 Corinthians 13. But to understand what Paul teaches there, we have to read that chapter in its context, both social and literary. Paul was answering a question the Corinthians had asked about spiritual gifts, and right in the middle of his answer, he begins speaking about love. Why? 

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 2 2 Episode 2: What love doesn’t do full b32d29bd-1fb7-4151-83ea-ec017923486c https://share.transistor.fm/s/255d9e4f Paul’s words about love are famous. Unfortunately, they’re often quoted out of context, as if Paul were writing about love in the abstract. As a pastor, Paul is trying to correct the attitudes and behaviors of a very contentious group of Christians. And to read his words rightly, we have to appreciate not only what he says verse by verse, but the structure of how he says it overall.

]]> Paul’s words about love are famous. Unfortunately, they’re often quoted out of context, as if Paul were writing about love in the abstract. As a pastor, Paul is trying to correct the attitudes and behaviors of a very contentious group of Christians. And to read his words rightly, we have to appreciate not only what he says verse by verse, but the structure of how he says it overall.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:38:38 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 476 Paul’s words about love are famous. Unfortunately, they’re often quoted out of context, as if Paul were writing about love in the abstract. As a pastor, Paul is trying to correct the attitudes and behaviors of a very contentious group of Christians. And to read his words rightly, we have to appreciate not only what he says verse by verse, but the structure of how he says it overall.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 3 3 Episode 3: The low road and the high road full 657143f8-83f8-4f8d-9d25-a4cd906a0aec https://share.transistor.fm/s/91760f39 In chapter 12 of First Corinthians, Paul teaches that all the believers in Corinth are one body in Christ; he says this to correct the selfish way they’ve been thinking and arguing about spiritual gifts. He wants them to take “the high road,” by following the more excellent way of love. And in this episode, we’ll briefly explore how that metaphor may even apply to a neurophysiological understanding of the conflict. 

]]> In chapter 12 of First Corinthians, Paul teaches that all the believers in Corinth are one body in Christ; he says this to correct the selfish way they’ve been thinking and arguing about spiritual gifts. He wants them to take “the high road,” by following the more excellent way of love. And in this episode, we’ll briefly explore how that metaphor may even apply to a neurophysiological understanding of the conflict. 

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:39:20 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 409 In chapter 12 of First Corinthians, Paul teaches that all the believers in Corinth are one body in Christ; he says this to correct the selfish way they’ve been thinking and arguing about spiritual gifts. He wants them to take “the high road,” by following the more excellent way of love. And in this episode, we’ll briefly explore how that metaphor may even apply to a neurophysiological understanding of the conflict. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 4 4 Episode 4: Without love full 1c681597-bdf3-425f-aaf4-64ba783e9795 https://share.transistor.fm/s/44076bde In the opening and closing verses of First Corinthians 13, Paul repeatedly trumpets the primacy of love over spiritual gifts, even over the virtues of faith and hope. He does this to stimulate their imaginations: the high road of love is part of God’s eternal purposes. If they understand this, they should move away from the low road way in which they've used spiritual gifts to suit their own purposes. 

]]> In the opening and closing verses of First Corinthians 13, Paul repeatedly trumpets the primacy of love over spiritual gifts, even over the virtues of faith and hope. He does this to stimulate their imaginations: the high road of love is part of God’s eternal purposes. If they understand this, they should move away from the low road way in which they've used spiritual gifts to suit their own purposes. 

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:39:53 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 408 In the opening and closing verses of First Corinthians 13, Paul repeatedly trumpets the primacy of love over spiritual gifts, even over the virtues of faith and hope. He does this to stimulate their imaginations: the high road of love is part of God’s eternal purposes. If they understand this, they should move away from the low road way in which they've used spiritual gifts to suit their own purposes. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 5 5 Episode 5: Love is patient and kind—and so is God full 4554cf89-3fd3-41ae-bf24-5a34051a6c0a https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d7477b8 When Paul says begins his description of love, he says that love is both patient and kind. This is not just a description of human love, but first and foremost a description of God’s love, who declares himself to be compassionate, gracious, and “slow to anger.” But what does patience and kindness look like in practice for us humans. In this episode, we begin with one of my favorite stories of one man’s kindness to a stranger.

]]> When Paul says begins his description of love, he says that love is both patient and kind. This is not just a description of human love, but first and foremost a description of God’s love, who declares himself to be compassionate, gracious, and “slow to anger.” But what does patience and kindness look like in practice for us humans. In this episode, we begin with one of my favorite stories of one man’s kindness to a stranger.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:40:29 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 428 When Paul says begins his description of love, he says that love is both patient and kind. This is not just a description of human love, but first and foremost a description of God’s love, who declares himself to be compassionate, gracious, and “slow to anger.” But what does patience and kindness look like in practice for us humans. In this episode, we begin with one of my favorite stories of one man’s kindness to a stranger.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 6 6 Episode 6: Don’t pray for patience full 0e3c61cb-74f1-483f-b5fd-15c2b0722d0a https://share.transistor.fm/s/359c6f18 Have you ever found yourself in an aggravating situation and praying for patience? It would probably be better to pray for humility instead—the humility to remember how patient and kind God has been to us. That’s where Paul begins his teaching about what a godly love does: with a reminder of the character of God.

]]> Have you ever found yourself in an aggravating situation and praying for patience? It would probably be better to pray for humility instead—the humility to remember how patient and kind God has been to us. That’s where Paul begins his teaching about what a godly love does: with a reminder of the character of God.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:41:09 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 456 Have you ever found yourself in an aggravating situation and praying for patience? It would probably be better to pray for humility instead—the humility to remember how patient and kind God has been to us. That’s where Paul begins his teaching about what a godly love does: with a reminder of the character of God.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 7 7 Episode 7: Misdirected zeal full f83acb94-670e-4ac4-93d2-0a1eb1973d76 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4352a293 When Paul describes love, he begins with what love does. But then he quickly turns to describing what love doesn’t do—and this is probably meant as a description of the Corinthians themselves. The Corinthians are a zealous bunch; but what Paul says suggests that their zeal is pointed in the wrong direction.

]]> When Paul describes love, he begins with what love does. But then he quickly turns to describing what love doesn’t do—and this is probably meant as a description of the Corinthians themselves. The Corinthians are a zealous bunch; but what Paul says suggests that their zeal is pointed in the wrong direction.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:41:46 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 436 When Paul describes love, he begins with what love does. But then he quickly turns to describing what love doesn’t do—and this is probably meant as a description of the Corinthians themselves. The Corinthians are a zealous bunch; but what Paul says suggests that their zeal is pointed in the wrong direction.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 8 8 Episode 8: The ladder of comparison full 18926335-2ca6-4633-aedd-9f11ff4ef5ee https://share.transistor.fm/s/82549fd0 Most of us, at one time or another, engage in what psychologists call social comparison: we evaluate our success in life by comparing ourselves to others. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But often, it leaves people feeling envious or resentful, proud or boastful. This is what was happening between the believers in Corinth, and Paul’s teaching about love addresses it directly.

]]> Most of us, at one time or another, engage in what psychologists call social comparison: we evaluate our success in life by comparing ourselves to others. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But often, it leaves people feeling envious or resentful, proud or boastful. This is what was happening between the believers in Corinth, and Paul’s teaching about love addresses it directly.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:42:13 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 440 Most of us, at one time or another, engage in what psychologists call social comparison: we evaluate our success in life by comparing ourselves to others. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But often, it leaves people feeling envious or resentful, proud or boastful. This is what was happening between the believers in Corinth, and Paul’s teaching about love addresses it directly.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 9 9 Episode 9: Bad form! full 5145b773-a077-4d0c-95a6-a3a07fd0c9e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/774e2068 Paul continues his description of what love doesn’t do by saying that love doesn’t “dishonor others.” That’s the New International Version; other versions say that love isn’t “rude” or doesn’t “act unbecomingly.”  What does that mean? His language suggests that Christians shouldn’t behave in ways that even people outside the church would consider socially inappropriate.

]]> Paul continues his description of what love doesn’t do by saying that love doesn’t “dishonor others.” That’s the New International Version; other versions say that love isn’t “rude” or doesn’t “act unbecomingly.”  What does that mean? His language suggests that Christians shouldn’t behave in ways that even people outside the church would consider socially inappropriate.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:42:52 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 459 Paul continues his description of what love doesn’t do by saying that love doesn’t “dishonor others.” That’s the New International Version; other versions say that love isn’t “rude” or doesn’t “act unbecomingly.”  What does that mean? His language suggests that Christians shouldn’t behave in ways that even people outside the church would consider socially inappropriate.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 10 10 Episode 10: Love isn’t me-first full 8afd1d00-2898-4da8-9a3b-7c49331a9d0d https://share.transistor.fm/s/c10735f9 In verse 5 of chapter 13, as we’ve seen, Paul says that love doesn’t act inappropriately. To this, he adds that love is "not self-seeking,” or literally, that it “doesn't seek its own things.” Loving people aren’t merely concerned about what’s best for them; they’re willing to make sacrifices for the sake of what’s best for others. We’ll explore that idea using a situation Paul describes earlier in the letter. 

]]> In verse 5 of chapter 13, as we’ve seen, Paul says that love doesn’t act inappropriately. To this, he adds that love is "not self-seeking,” or literally, that it “doesn't seek its own things.” Loving people aren’t merely concerned about what’s best for them; they’re willing to make sacrifices for the sake of what’s best for others. We’ll explore that idea using a situation Paul describes earlier in the letter. 

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:43:21 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 461 In verse 5 of chapter 13, as we’ve seen, Paul says that love doesn’t act inappropriately. To this, he adds that love is "not self-seeking,” or literally, that it “doesn't seek its own things.” Loving people aren’t merely concerned about what’s best for them; they’re willing to make sacrifices for the sake of what’s best for others. We’ll explore that idea using a situation Paul describes earlier in the letter. 

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 11 11 Episode 11: Looking out for number two full ffd4c0b0-716e-4555-b239-e47c977f3952 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7b4d911 In a highly individualistic culture like the United States, we're used to looking out for number one. And to some extent, it's human nature to protect ourselves and our interests. But Paul teaches that it's more loving and godlier to look out for number two. As we’ll see, he teaches this not only in First Corinthians, but in his letter to the Philippians.

]]> In a highly individualistic culture like the United States, we're used to looking out for number one. And to some extent, it's human nature to protect ourselves and our interests. But Paul teaches that it's more loving and godlier to look out for number two. As we’ll see, he teaches this not only in First Corinthians, but in his letter to the Philippians.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:43:56 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 440 In a highly individualistic culture like the United States, we're used to looking out for number one. And to some extent, it's human nature to protect ourselves and our interests. But Paul teaches that it's more loving and godlier to look out for number two. As we’ll see, he teaches this not only in First Corinthians, but in his letter to the Philippians.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 12 12 Episode 12: Quick to anger full f031c78a-e70d-43bf-8a4c-3bbe6f55c4dd https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b5a8af1 When Paul first visited the city of Athens, he was cut to the quick by the rampant idolatry he saw there. The word Luke uses to describe Paul’s reaction is the same one Paul uses himself to say that love isn’t “easily angered” in verse 5 of First Corinthians 13. What Paul seems to be describing is how the Corinthians’ quick temper with each other isn’t tempered by love.

]]> When Paul first visited the city of Athens, he was cut to the quick by the rampant idolatry he saw there. The word Luke uses to describe Paul’s reaction is the same one Paul uses himself to say that love isn’t “easily angered” in verse 5 of First Corinthians 13. What Paul seems to be describing is how the Corinthians’ quick temper with each other isn’t tempered by love.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:44:22 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 459 When Paul first visited the city of Athens, he was cut to the quick by the rampant idolatry he saw there. The word Luke uses to describe Paul’s reaction is the same one Paul uses himself to say that love isn’t “easily angered” in verse 5 of First Corinthians 13. What Paul seems to be describing is how the Corinthians’ quick temper with each other isn’t tempered by love.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 13 13 Episode 13: The merry-go-round of resentment full 591647b1-22f9-4005-b077-ff4d136518e8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0b822472 Peter once asked Jesus how many times he was obligated to forgive someone who offended him. But Jesus didn’t give him a number; he didn’t want Peter to resentfully keep a mental record of offenses. Similarly, Paul teaches the Corinthians that love “keeps no record of wrongs.” In this episode, we’ll explore how being “self-seeking,” being “easily angered,” and keeping track of offenses all feed and reinforce each other.

]]> Peter once asked Jesus how many times he was obligated to forgive someone who offended him. But Jesus didn’t give him a number; he didn’t want Peter to resentfully keep a mental record of offenses. Similarly, Paul teaches the Corinthians that love “keeps no record of wrongs.” In this episode, we’ll explore how being “self-seeking,” being “easily angered,” and keeping track of offenses all feed and reinforce each other.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:44:58 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 487 Peter once asked Jesus how many times he was obligated to forgive someone who offended him. But Jesus didn’t give him a number; he didn’t want Peter to resentfully keep a mental record of offenses. Similarly, Paul teaches the Corinthians that love “keeps no record of wrongs.” In this episode, we’ll explore how being “self-seeking,” being “easily angered,” and keeping track of offenses all feed and reinforce each other.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 14 14 Episode 14: Rejoicing in the gospel together full 9e630df1-9732-4924-aa85-1d5e6f86ff86 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c0268a16 In verse 6 of chapter 13, Paul teaches that “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Again, he’s making a distinction between what love doesn’t do and what it does instead—but what should we make of his contrast between “evil” and “truth”? And is it true that we “delight in evil”?

]]> In verse 6 of chapter 13, Paul teaches that “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Again, he’s making a distinction between what love doesn’t do and what it does instead—but what should we make of his contrast between “evil” and “truth”? And is it true that we “delight in evil”?

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:45:21 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 474 In verse 6 of chapter 13, Paul teaches that “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Again, he’s making a distinction between what love doesn’t do and what it does instead—but what should we make of his contrast between “evil” and “truth”? And is it true that we “delight in evil”?

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 15 15 Episode 15: The greatest of these is love full a1302081-9277-4ebf-b4f6-12831ee5205e https://share.transistor.fm/s/913b55ca At the end of the chapter, Paul mentions faith, hope, and love together. In church history, these three have been known as the “theological virtues.” But Paul declares that love is greater than the other two. Why? Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to have a forward-looking perspective, anticipating the day in which faith and hope will no longer be needed, while the love of God remains.

]]> At the end of the chapter, Paul mentions faith, hope, and love together. In church history, these three have been known as the “theological virtues.” But Paul declares that love is greater than the other two. Why? Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to have a forward-looking perspective, anticipating the day in which faith and hope will no longer be needed, while the love of God remains.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:45:58 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 465 At the end of the chapter, Paul mentions faith, hope, and love together. In church history, these three have been known as the “theological virtues.” But Paul declares that love is greater than the other two. Why? Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to have a forward-looking perspective, anticipating the day in which faith and hope will no longer be needed, while the love of God remains.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 16 16 Episode 16: A love that endures full 1f202cea-adf5-4822-868f-cfa6739bd501 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e73619b0 As I suggested earlier, when Paul says in verse 7 that love “trusts” and “hopes,” I take this as a reference to the virtues of faith and hope he mentions at the end of the chapter. But what does he mean when in the same verse he says that love always “protects” and “perseveres”? In this episode, I’ll argue that with both words, Paul is pointing to a love that endures despite the many challenges it faces.

]]> As I suggested earlier, when Paul says in verse 7 that love “trusts” and “hopes,” I take this as a reference to the virtues of faith and hope he mentions at the end of the chapter. But what does he mean when in the same verse he says that love always “protects” and “perseveres”? In this episode, I’ll argue that with both words, Paul is pointing to a love that endures despite the many challenges it faces.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:46:26 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 448 As I suggested earlier, when Paul says in verse 7 that love “trusts” and “hopes,” I take this as a reference to the virtues of faith and hope he mentions at the end of the chapter. But what does he mean when in the same verse he says that love always “protects” and “perseveres”? In this episode, I’ll argue that with both words, Paul is pointing to a love that endures despite the many challenges it faces.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 17 17 Episode 17: Unfailing love full 6364e908-5e6e-4d99-9f7e-4f13ab782a65 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d4fe9cab As I suggested earlier, to say that love is “patient” and “kind” is not only a correction to our own unloving behavior, but a reminder of the character of God. Something similar could be said about Paul’s statement that love “never fails.” In one sense, that statement points back to what he’s said about endurance and perseverance. But it also points forward to what he says immediately after about a future in which only a godly love remains.

]]> As I suggested earlier, to say that love is “patient” and “kind” is not only a correction to our own unloving behavior, but a reminder of the character of God. Something similar could be said about Paul’s statement that love “never fails.” In one sense, that statement points back to what he’s said about endurance and perseverance. But it also points forward to what he says immediately after about a future in which only a godly love remains.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:47:02 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 505 As I suggested earlier, to say that love is “patient” and “kind” is not only a correction to our own unloving behavior, but a reminder of the character of God. Something similar could be said about Paul’s statement that love “never fails.” In one sense, that statement points back to what he’s said about endurance and perseverance. But it also points forward to what he says immediately after about a future in which only a godly love remains.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No 18 18 Episode 18: Transformation full 6a3096f1-40e8-4f8e-ba46-e6a238ab0b5f https://share.transistor.fm/s/fce930b9 In this final episode, we’ll explore two common misconceptions that might affect how we understand and apply Paul’s teaching. The first is that the Greek word agape means “Christian love”; the second is the idea that love is an action and not a feeling. And to correct both these ideas, we need the idea of transformation, both in how Paul transforms language, and how love is meant to transform us.

]]> In this final episode, we’ll explore two common misconceptions that might affect how we understand and apply Paul’s teaching. The first is that the Greek word agape means “Christian love”; the second is the idea that love is an action and not a feeling. And to correct both these ideas, we need the idea of transformation, both in how Paul transforms language, and how love is meant to transform us.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:47:34 -0700 Cameron Lee Cameron Lee 516 In this final episode, we’ll explore two common misconceptions that might affect how we understand and apply Paul’s teaching. The first is that the Greek word agape means “Christian love”; the second is the idea that love is an action and not a feeling. And to correct both these ideas, we need the idea of transformation, both in how Paul transforms language, and how love is meant to transform us.

]]> Bible, New Testament, love No