Paul wrote, "8 Charity 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (1 Cor. 13:8-10). In last week's article we showed that "that which is perfect" must refer to the completed, written revelation of God (cf. Jas. 1:25). This is so because of the following reasons. First, that which is "in part" clearly refers to the miraculous gifts, represented by "prophecies ... tongues ... knowledge." Second, since "that which is in part" is compared with "that which is perfect," to whatever "that which is in part" refers must be the same as "that which is perfect," only to a lesser, partial degree. Otherwise, the comparison would be senseless ("comparing apples with oranges"). Third, the illustrations Paul used emphasize growing from immaturity to maturity in intellectual processes (1 Cor. 13:11) and being able to see something vaguely versus seeing it clearly (1 Cor. 13:12). Fourth, Paul designates the seeing vaguely time period as "now" (in Paul's day, the very time of miraculous gifts), but "then" (a time in Paul's future) clear vision and knowledge would be available. Twice in First Corinthians 13:12 is the "now...but then" construction used.

Thus, when "that which is perfect" (the completed, written revelation of God) came (and it did at the end of the first century), "that which is in part" (the miraculous gifts) was done away. Not only does Scripture affirm this, but objective observation also shows this to be true. To speak in tongues, as per the miraculous gift, one would speak a real foreign language that he never before studied. The "tongues" were real languages that other people spoke! The first Day of Pentecost following the Lord's resurrection is an example of tongue speaking that nobody today can follow. All, however, do not agree that "that which is perfect" refers to the completed, written revelation of God. An examination of the two most popular alternatives to this view is now given.1

Does "That Which Is Perfect" Refer to Jesus and/or Heaven?

Probably the most popular view says that "that which is perfect" refers to Jesus at His Second Coming and/or the perfect state of affairs ushered in thereby (i.e., heaven). Practically all denominational groups, especially those that still think they have miraculous gifts, accept this position. There are three reasons why this position cannot be correct. First, the term translated "perfect" (ton teleion) is neuter gender. If the "perfect" were referring to Christ, we would expect the masculine gender, "he which is perfect," not "that which is perfect." Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, used the neuter gender.

Second, understanding the "perfect" to refer to a state of affairs ushered in by Jesus is to assign a meaning of "perfect" (ton teleion) that is not found in the context. Remember, "that which is perfect" stands in antithesis with "that which is in part." Since "that which is in part" is quantitative in character, then "that which is perfect" must also be quantitative for the antithesis to be compatible. To understand "that which is perfect" as a state of affairs is to assign a qualitative meaning to a term that is clearly in context quantitative.

Third, the word "perfect" (ton teleion) is nowhere used by Paul or any other New Testament writer to refer to the Second Coming or a state of affairs resulting from it. The Greek word translated "perfect" is found eighteen other times (Mt. 5:48; 19:21; Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 2:6; 13:10; 14:20, "men;" Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:15; Col. 1:28; 4:12; Heb. 5:14, "full age;" 9:11; Jas. 1:4 [twice], 17, 25; 3:2; 1 Jn. 4:18).

Does "That Which Is Perfect" Refer to the Mature Church?

Some understand "that which is perfect" to refer to the maturity of the body of Christ. One says "that which is perfect" refers to maturity in terms of the unification of Jews and Gentiles in one church.2 Another defines it as "the ultimate goal, aim, and end that Paul seeks to accomplish in bringing God's people to the fullness of spiritual growth and maturity."3 This position also cannot be correct. First, it makes the mistake of understanding "perfect" as qualitative rather than quantitative.

Second, the criteria for gauging the maturity of the church are vague. Concerning the "unification of Jews and Gentiles in one church" view, Corinth already had Jews and Gentiles in her membership, thus why tell, them about it? Concerning the "fullness of spiritual growth and maturity" view, how exactly would the church know that she has grown enough spiritually: by numerical growth, geographical spread, or what?

Third, if the "perfect" were the maturity of the church, would it not have been possible for a mature church to become immature. This is exactly what happened to several churches in the New Testament (Gal. 1:6-7; Rev. 2-3). If a mature church slipped back to immaturity, would that not re-open the door for miraculous gifts to bring that church back to maturity? Indeed the implications of this view do not harmonize with the context of First Corinthians 13:8-13 or the total teaching of the Bible.

Conclusion

Those who think miraculous gifts still exist are deceived. Scripture affirms that the age of miracles has ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-13). The Spirit inspired word that God has given us is much more valuable than miraculous spiritual gifts. These gifts could only give glimpses of God's will. However, the Bible, God's completed revelation, gives everything we need to know. The word of God has been confirmed (Heb. 2:3-4); it has been "once delivered" to us (Jude 3); it is able to make us "wise unto salvation" (2 Tim. 3:15); and obedience to it results in being "born again" (1 Pet. 1:23). Let us follow what God has revealed in His word.

End Notes

1 Much of the following sections is adapted from "What is the 'Perfect' Thing of First Corinthians 13:10?," What Do You Know About the Holy Spirit?, Wendell Winkler, ed. (Montgomery, AL: Winkler Publications, 1980) 226-234.

2 John R. McRay, "Ton Teleion in I Corinthians 13:10," Restoration Quarterly 14 (1971): 168-183.

3 Carl Spain, "That Which Is Perfect," That Which Is Perfect, Ralph Sweet, ed. (Austin, TX: Sweet Publishing, 1972) 14.