Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Let all your things be done with charity.
NIV · New International Version
Do everything in love.
WEB · World English Bible
Let all that you do be done in love.
What does 1 Corinthians 16:14 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all your things be done with charity. Signifying, that the whole of their obedience to Christ, their observation of, and subjection to all his ordinances and commands, should spring from, and be done in love to him; and that the whole of their conduct and behaviour towards one another ought to be with charity, which bears all things, and covers a multitude of sins; and that all their church affairs, their business at church meetings, should be transacted, not with strife and vain glory, but in peace, and with mutual affection, with a concern for the good of each other, and of the whole body, and for the glory of God; for without charity or love, and the exercise of this grace, it…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 Corinthians 16:13–24
14. Let all your things be done in love Again he repeats what is the rule in all those transactions, in which we have dealings with one another. He wishes, then, that love shall be the directress; because the Corinthians erred chiefly in this respect -- that every one looked to himself without caring for others. 15. Ye know the house of Stephanas We know, from daily experience, of what advantage it is, that those should have the highest authority, whom God has adorned with the most distinguished gifts.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 Corinthians 16:11–17 (WEB)
11Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers. 12Now concerning Apollos the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity. 13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! 14Let all that you do be done in love. 15Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints— 16that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
Cross references
- John 13:34–35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
- 1 Peter 4:8
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
- 1 Timothy 1:5
But the goal of this command is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith,
- 1 John 4:7–8
Beloved, let’s love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
- 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:1
But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.
- John 15:17
“I command these things to you, that you may love one another.
- Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
- Romans 13:8–10
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.