1Cor 12:31 | TNotes | STEP | 12:31 Believers are to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts , those that have the greatest potential to build up the church (see 14:12 ), while realizing that God is the one who distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11 , 18 , 28 ). Paul encourages the Corinthians to move beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (cp. 14:1-25 , 27 ; see 12:10 ) because it has the least potential, of all the gifts, to build up the church. • But now let me show you: This statement transitions to Paul’s description of love in 13:1-13 . Love is a way of life that is best of all .

a12:31►

b14:12►

c12:11►

d18►

e28►

f14:1-25►

g27►

h12:10►

i13:1-13►

‏ 1 Corinthians 12:31

12:31 ^a Believers are to earnestly desire the most helpful gifts, those that have the greatest potential to build up the church (see 14:12 ^b), while realizing that God is the one who distributes gifts as he chooses (12:11 ^c, 18 ^d, 28 ^e). Paul encourages the Corinthians to move beyond their desire for the gift of tongues (cp. 14:1-25 ^f, 27 ^g; see 12:10 ^h) because it has the least potential, of all the gifts, to build up the church.

• But now let me show you: This statement transitions to Paul’s description of love in 13:1-13 ⁱ. Love is a way of life that is best of all.