1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all your things be done with charity.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,2 Peter 1:7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.John 15:17These things I command you, that ye love one another.Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.Romans 14:15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.2 Thessalonians 1:3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;1 Thessalonians 3:6But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
Historical Context
First-century Corinth, notorious for sexual immorality, economic stratification, and competitive honor culture, epitomized the opposite of agape. Corinthian Christians imported worldly values into the church—favoring elites, despising the poor at the Lord's Supper, pursuing status through spiritual gifts. Paul's radical counter-cultural ethic insisted that love, not status or power or knowledge, defines Christian community.
Questions for Reflection
- How would your church change if every activity, decision, and interaction were filtered through 1 Corinthians 13's definition of love?
- Why does Paul conclude commands for vigilance and strength (v. 13) with a command to do everything in love?
- What specific Corinthian problems would be solved if they simply loved one another?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let all your things be done with charity—Panta hymōn en agapē ginesthō (πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω, "let all your things be done in love"). After 13 chapters addressing Corinthian failures and four imperatives demanding strength (v. 13), Paul grounds everything in agapē (ἀγάπη)—the self-giving, others-centered love defined in chapter 13. Without agape, prophecy, tongues, knowledge, and faith amount to nothing (13:1-3).
This single verse encapsulates the entire letter's message. Every Corinthian problem—divisions, litigation, sexual immorality, idol feasts, worship chaos, resurrection denial—stemmed from failure to love. Agapē fulfills the law (Romans 13:10), produces Spirit fruit (Galatians 5:22), and marks authentic Christianity (John 13:35). Paul's love chapter (13) sits at the letter's center; this command forms its application.