First Corinthians chapter thirteen makes an important declaration related to the duration of miraculous spiritual gifts. Verse 10 declares—“But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (NKJV). Just prior to this verse Paul had declared through the Holy Spirit that tongues would “cease”, prophecies would “fail” and knowledge (which seems to refer to miraculous knowledge) would “vanish away” claiming all such gifts to be given simply “in part” (vss. 8,9). The time when this would happen is given - “When that which is perfect has come.” The question is—what is “that which is perfect?” There are at least four answers often given to this question:

1. The return of Christ. If this idea were correct it would be reasonable to expect the text to say—“when He who is perfect has come.” In the Greek the word translated “perfect” is a neuter adjective. This is why it is translated “that which,” rather than “He who.”

2. Our state in heaven. Many lean toward this view largely due to verse twelve—“Then I shall know just as I also am known.” The problem with this is the declaration of verse 8 that knowledge will “vanish away.” In what sense will knowledge vanish away in heaven? If it is common knowledge surely it isn’t suggesting that we will lose our ability to reason. If it is miraculous knowledge, won’t heaven be the ultimate revelation of the mind of God?

3. A mature church. This idea would harmonize well with Ephesians 4:11-16 which speaks of different gifts being given - “till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (vs. 13). One would have to concede however that such occurred in the first century. Jude speaks of the faith—“Which was once for all delivered to the saints” (vs. 3) and Peter claims of God that—“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3). The context of I Corinthians 13 doesn’t seem to concern the incomplete (or immature) nature of the church, but rather the incomplete nature of revelation.

4. Complete revelation. The Greek word translated “perfect” is the word telion meaning—“brought to its end, finished; wanting nothing necessary to completeness; perfect” (Thayer, pg. 618). The context of Paul’s teaching concerns partial revelation. The early church had been given miraculous spiritual gifts to confirm their message (Mark 16:20) and complete God’s revelation to man (John 16:13 & 14:26). This partial nature of God’s revelation was fully accomplished by the time late New Testament writers composed their works (Jude 3 & II Peter 1:3). This revelation is preserved for us in the form of the written words of Scripture. Thus “that which is perfect” has come. Which tells us “that which is in part” (i.e. miraculous spiritual gifts) are “done away.”