1 Corinthians 12:31

Covet earnestly. Gr. zelod, “to be zealous for.” The Corinthians are admonished to keep on earnestly beseeching the Lord to pour out His Spirit upon them and to impart to them gifts that are most necessary for the performance of their part in His work. The initial endowment with a gift or gifts is not necessarily the final endowment. As in the parable of the Talents (see on Matt. 25:14-30) faithfulness to duty may lead to increased endowments.

Best. Gr. kreittona, “better,” though the comparative may stand for the superlative “best.” However, textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “higher.” Spiritual gifts are imparted by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church to a state of perfection and unity in Christ (see Eph. 4:12, 13). Doubtless those that deal directly with the main purpose of the church, namely, the preaching of the gospel, and that contribute most to the general edification (see 1 Cor. 14:1) are considered to be of primary importance.

More excellent way. That is, the way of love described in ch. 13.