but when the perfect thing comes, then that which is partial will be caused to cease.
1 Corinthians 13:10
There are three major explanations of “when the perfect comes” related this verse:
- The view held among the more conservative churches is that “the perfect” refers to the completion of the 27 books comprising the NT canon. But when did that happen? Does it happen with John finishing off his books in the 90’s of the First Century or is it in the 2nd and 3rd Centuries when all the books are brought together in one volume. Or is it at the Council of Trent in 1546 when the Roman Catholic Church placed the churches imprimatur on the Protestant Canon plus the Apocrypha. One might ask if there is dispute between the books that should be included and those not how can it be considered that the Perfect has come? Many conservative Christians and churches like this theory because it means that the Manifestation gifts should not be operating in church from the Second or Third Century. The Expositor’s Bible says “It is difficult to prove the cessation of these spiritual gifts at the end of the First Century A.D. by taking teleion to refer to a completion of the canon at that time, since that idea is completely unrelated to the context.” I don’t think there is any way that Paul had in mind the completion of the New Testament Canon when he wrote that. It is imposing an external idea on the text with no indication it was there to begin with.
- The far more popular view among biblical scholars throughout Christendom is that “the perfect” refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ — the long-awaited Parousia. The related words telos (‘end,’ ‘termination’) and teleo (‘bring to an end’) are used in relation to the second coming of Christ. Paul himself used telos in talking about the second coming elsewhere in 1 Corinthians (1:8; 15:24), it seems more normal to understand teleion in verse 10 to mean that ‘perfection’ is to come about at the second coming. Some take issue with this interpretation on the grounds that it is not compatible with the “love” chapter. There is no hint that the Parousia is in Paul’s mind here. I would say that Paul is not talking about love per se. He is talking about love in the context of the gifts. The gifts are in focus. If the gifts are in focus it is logical that Paul might refer to the Parousia as a time when these gifts may no longer be relevant.
- Some think that it came when the church was fully matured. The set of words teleion, telos and teleo also have the sense perfection or maturity. The sense then flows into the following verse talking of putting away childish things. The goal as stated in Colossians is “that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” [Col. 1:28-29] – the same word we find in 1 Cor 13:10. But Paul contrasts that which is partial with that which is perfect or complete. Not immature but partial. To add to the contrary argument I say even if it were a question of maturity why would the gifts not continue to be present when maturity was attained. For then we would know how to use them properly and utilise them toward true bodily unity. Not only that, but having such manifestation gifts available to the church would enable the church to be more effective in showing the world that the kingdom of God has come. Isn’t that what it is all about? Remember I used the example of Jesus’ use of the word of knowledge gift when he was talking with the woman at the well at Sychar and subsequently winning the whole town. Why would we no longer need that now?
The Jews say that perfect knowledge will occur at the resurrection, upon the reunion of the soul and body. At that time “the children of men shall attain to דעה שלימה, “perfect knowledge”. It is that concept that Paul expresses here in exactly those terms. Hence I believe the reason why Paul says what he does. The perfect knowledge of God and of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven shall take place not in this life, but in that which is to come. That will happen when Christ returns. Is it also coincidence that Paul says tongues will cease when “that which is perfect” has come? Then in the following verses he uses the words when we will see “face to face”, and when we will “fully understand even as [we] have been fully understood.” It boggles my mind that there can be any doubt in our minds that the Second Coming is being referred to here. In my mind it is clear that the gifts that manifest the presence of God will not be needed when indeed God himself is present.
If this is not the case and indeed the manifestation gifts ceased when the Canon came together then I must deny the clear, spiritual and at times rather spectacular way God has led us over the years through the use of these gifts. Experiencing these gifts in my life has given me such a love and a sense of awe at the way God works in our lives. It has made me fall in love with Him and His Word over and over again. Now that can’t be bad can it? Of the devil? Note what I have said here. I do firmly believe all the gifts that will cease, not just prophecies, tongues and knowledge – but all of the manifestation gifts. Paul is using the selection of three to refer to the whole list of manifestation gifts. The will cease when The Perfect One stands among us. He will be fully manifested in all of His Glory and we will no longer need the Manifestation Gifts.
You don’t necessarily have to agree with me. At the very least I have given you the three major theories that vie for being the answer.
You can’t hold a man down without staying down with him.
Booker T Washington
Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch.
R.C. Carroll
Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect; it just means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections.
Ian Vail