13:1–3 Using intentional exaggeration, Paul emphasizes the uselessness of gifts exercised without love. The expression “tongues of men” probably refers to the gift of speaking in foreign languages (Acts 2:4–11), while the addition “and of angels” may be a deliberate exaggeration (similarly with “understand all mysteries” and “remove mountains”). Whether the Corinthians claimed to use angelic speech is impossible to determine (12:10 note). The expression “deliver up my body to be burned” may also be a dramatic overstatement.