1 Corinthians 12:31

The greater gifts (ta carismata ta meizona). Paul unhesitatingly ranks some spiritual gifts above others. Zhlow here has good sense, not that of envy as in Acts 7:9 ; 1 Corinthians 13:4 . And a still more excellent way (kai eti kaq uperbolhn odon). In order to gain the greater gifts. "I show you a way par excellence," beyond all comparison (superlative idea in this adjunct, not comparative), like kaq uperbolhn ei uperbolhn ( 2 Corinthians 4:17 ). Huperbolh is old word from uperballw, to throw beyond, to surpass, to excel ( 2 Corinthians 3:10 ; Ephesians 1:19 ). "I show you a supremely excellent way." Chapter 1 Corinthians 13:1 ff. is this way, the way of love already laid down in 1 Corinthians 8:1 concerning the question of meats offered to idols (cf. 1 John 4:7 ). Poor division of chapters here. This verse belongs with chapter 1 Corinthians 13:1 ff.