When that Which is Perfect Comes 1 Corinthians 13:10

As Paul the apostle continued to share with the church members in Corinth about “love” he declared, “we know in part, and we prophesy in part”, and in chapter thirteen and verse ten of First Corinthians, Paul shared with the Corinthian church how “love”, “rejoices in the truth”, where we read:

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

The verse begins, “But when that which is perfect is come,...”. Paul began with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “when” or “as soon as” “that which is perfect” which refers to “what is brought to its end, finished and wanting nothing necessary to completeness” “is come” or “arrives, appears, comes into being, shows forth, is established and finds place for influence”. Paul referred to the time when the “finished and wanting nothing to completeness” has arrived.

The verse continues, “... then that which is in part shall be done away.” Paul added the words, “then” which means “at that time” “that which is in part” or “out of and away from some degree, severally and individually” “shall be done away” which means “rendered idle, unemployed, inactive and inoperative”. After “that which is perfect” arrives, the “spiritual gifts” which are “away from some degree and individual” shall depart and be inactive.

When we consider these words from Paul, we discover there is a “perfect” thing to arrive. Some believe this to be “the Bible” which is perfect and complete, and others believe this is the arrival of Jesus Christ. Paul declared the “in part” “spiritual gifts” would not be necessary when the “perfect is come”, and we know Jesus Christ desires for His church members to edify one another. May we be mindful of the “perfect” One, Jesus Christ, and His desire to share with His church whatever helps them grow together in love.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “when I was a child, I spoke as a child”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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