1 Corinthians 13:8-13

[complete]

Hi there,

In 1 Corinthians 13:11,12,...

'When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child:
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.'

... the spiritual gifts spoken of in verses 8,9 ....

'Charity (love) never faileth:
but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail;
whether there be tongues, they shall cease;
whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.'

... 'prophecy', 'tongues', 'knowledge' even, are spoken of as 'childish things'. It is said that when that which is 'perfect' is come, the things which are said to 'fail', 'cease', 'vanish away', or as being 'in part', are 'done away': only 'faith', 'hope', and 'charity' abide.

Does 'that which is perfect', mean manhood or maturity? In which faith, hope and love are the only visible expressions of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the new nature? If that is so, why is it that it is the spiritual gifts indicative of childhood that are sought by so many?

In Christ Jesus
Complete

 

[Brighthouse]

Consider this point sis. What good are all the other gifts of God if we have not love? 1 cor 13:1!! We can make a loud sound, but no result. Perfect is being mature sis yes.( 1 John 4:13-19) We love now as Jesus taught us to love! John 13:34! Self has limits to its love,Jesus has no limits to his love! So if we follow Jesus we find out that the love he first has for us, we are so thankful for, we just give this to others to become encouraged and made free by Jesus as we have ourselfs sis. Love never falls because it is not our love we give! May this bless you sis and has done myself and my family! KNOWING!!!! GOD'S LOVE for each one of us!! ( eph 4:16-19) We in Christ Jesus become rooted and grounded in HIS love for ourselves first,so that we can then minster that same love to others! Thereby becoming HIS disciples!( 1 john 3:19-24) Blessing

 

[B-A-C]

I think Brighthouse is right.

When the perfect comes could also mean in the last days when Christ reigns on the earth again. It could mean when we die and go to Heaven and are given new bodies.
As Brighthouse said, it could mean "perfect love". ( 1 Jn 4:18; ) It could mean our own Spiritual maturity, perhaps it means all of these things.

why is it that it is the spiritual gifts indicative of childhood that are sought by so many?

My own perspective here is that Spiritual gifts aren't what determine your Spiritual maturity. The Fruit of the Spirit is what determines your Spiritual maturity. ( Gal 5:22-23; )
You might be able to cast out demons, or prophesy, or speak in tongues or heal people, but that isn't what makes you mature Spiritually.

 

[complete]

Thank you - Brighthouse & B.A.C,

You have made some good points, I appreciate it.

 

[complete]

Teleios
Meaning: 'complete' (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun) - 'completeness'
Translated: 'of full age', 'man', 'perfect'.

Hi there,

In seeking to understand the application made of the word 'perfect' in 1 Cor. 13:10, I looked to see if the word translated 'perfect' (Gr. 'Telios') was used elsewhere in that epistle. It is used three times:- in 2:6, 13:10 and 14:20.

'Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:
yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom,
which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew:
for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.'
(2:6)

'But when that which is perfect is come,
then that which is in part shall be done away.'
(13:10)

'Brethren, be not children in understanding:
howbeit in malice be ye children,
but in understanding be men.(that is men and not boys)
(14:20)

* So, the word is translated, 'perfect' twice, and 'men' once, the first is obviously referring to 'maturity', the second I believe also speaks of maturity, as does the third, which exhorts that in regard to understanding they were to be as men (in contrast to boys).

* I can't help but think of Ephesians, and 'The Perfect Man', even though the revelation of the mystery found in Ephesians was not revealed to Paul until after 1 Corinthians was written:-

'And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,
according to the effectual working in the measure of every part,
maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.'
(Eph. 4:11-16)

PRAISE GOD!

* I believe that this is what the Holy Spirit was anticipating in 1 Cor.13:10, and I also believe that it is the clinging on to the things of 'childhood' that prevent believers from entering in to the fulness of Christ, revealed in Ephesians.

In Christ Jesus
Wings