The Greatest of These – Part 1: Living without Love

I Corinthians 13: 1-3

When St. Paul arrived in Corinth in 50 A.D., he found a city that reflected the world of that day. Its culture, economics, art and religion were touted around the Mediterranean Sea and throughout the Roman Empire as the model of happy, successful living.

Although dating to ancient times, Corinth was destroyed by the Romans in 146 B.C. as they warred against the crumbling Greek Empire. However, the city was rebuilt and re-populated in 44 B.C. by command of Julius Caesar. In 27B.C., it was designated as capital of the province of Achaia by Caesar Augustus and became the most important city in the region. Furthermore, it was strategically located on a narrow isthmus joining the northern and southern sectors of Greece. It had seaports on either side, making it an enormous international trade center. Myriads of people from across the Mediterranean world passed through and/or settled in Corinth.

For generations, the inhabitants of this region had become immersed in a culture of idolatry and paganism – worshipping the celestial bodies and earthly phenomena. Although there was a time when men knew there was a God who created all things and rules over all, “they did not glorify Him as God nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1: 21).  So, they turned to other means, searching for fulfillment in life.

Culturally, Corinth became infamous for its immorality; the chief temple in the city was dedicated to Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love. The Isthmian games, which alternated biannually with the Olympic games, were hosted in the city. The pagan gods of Rome were in full display and the people of Corinth were basking in the “favor of the gods”, enjoying life to the fullest – or so they thought. If love was to be found among them, it was most certainly the “eros” – physical, lustful, self-satisfying love.

We have recounted the aforementioned observations (1) to remind us of the daunting task which St. Paul faced in bringing Christianity to Corinth and (2) to reflect on how much the disposition of that city is strikingly similar to many in our present-day world.

To their credit, Corinthians placed much worth in effective speech and communication skills, intelligence and education, strong faith (although misguided) and religious fervor, generosity and philanthropy, bravery and valor. Those who practiced these traits were their heroes whom they would emulate and long to imitate. However, something was missing, and despite such outward displays of success and happiness, there remained an inner emptiness – a void within their hearts.

Given such a mindset among the Corinthians, St. Paul set out to show them that, while the practice of these traits may have some worth, they will bear little or no fruit if they are practiced while living without love – the “agape”- sacrificial, unconditional, love from the true God.

In the opening verses of this chapter, the Apostle pointedly tells them that, living without love, even the most skilled orator will sound like sounding brass (literally, a roaring metal instrument) or a clanging cymbal (a deafening noise) (vs.1).

Living without love, he says, the most gifted, intellectual scholar or the one with the strongest religious qualities will actually have no knowledge nor any faith (vs. 2).

When one is living without love, his generosity toward those in need or his willingness to risk his life for others will bring him no profit nor reward (vs. 3).

You will, no doubt, notice that St. Paul frames his argument with much excess – even beyond what would be considered possible. He speaks of an orator who speaks not only as men, but even as angels; of one who has acquired not just a great deal of knowledge, but all knowledge; of one who exercises not just great faith but all faith; of one giving not just a tenth or more of his goods to the poor, but all his goods; and of one going into battle or facing the enemy with just the prospect of dying, but voluntarily giving himself to be burned. Even if these perceived virtues are practiced beyond our comprehension, without love they will likely result in emptiness and barrenness.

Thus, in his love for the young Christians in the Corinthian church, St. Paul challenges the priority of their criteria for happy, successful lives. They had been led to believe that the “Corinthian way” was the best way to live, but there is a way of life even better – living with love – the love of God.

His teaching that follows would transform their lives …. and all who have ears to hear.

Fr. Andrew