1 Corinthians 13:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 13:10
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 13 is a hymn to love chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, holiness, discipleship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 13:10
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Analysis
But when that which is perfect is come (ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ τὸ τέλειον, hotan de elthē to teleion)—To teleion is "the perfect," "the complete," or "the mature." Debate centers on its referent:
- Christ's return and the eternal state
- the completed New Testament canon
- Christian maturity.
Context strongly favors the first: the next verse contrasts childhood with maturity, and verse 12 contrasts present obscurity with seeing "face to face"—clearly eschatological language echoing Numbers 12:8 and 1 John 3:2.
Then that which is in part shall be done away (τὸ ἐκ μέρους καταργηθήσεται, to ek merous katargēthēsetai)—The same verb from verse 8: "abolished, rendered inoperative." When completeness arrives, partiality becomes obsolete. When we see Christ face to face and are fully transformed into His image (1 John 3:2), we won't need prophetic revelation (we'll see Truth Himself), fragmented knowledge (we'll know fully), or tongues (we'll communicate perfectly).
This doesn't diminish the value of gifts now; it puts them in perspective. They're tools for this age, means to an end (building up the church in love), not the end itself. Love, by contrast, continues into perfection.
Historical Context
Some Corinthians believed they had already attained spiritual perfection through knowledge and gifts (4:8). Paul insists that "the perfect" is still future. Early church fathers (Chrysostom, Augustine) understood to teleion as the eschaton, the final state. The "canon completion" view arose in the 20th century, primarily to argue for cessationism, but lacks exegetical and historical support.
Reflection
- How does this verse challenge both charismatic triumphalism (overvaluing gifts) and cessationist rationalism (dismissing gifts)?
- What would change in your spiritual life if you truly believed that your current knowledge and gifting are temporary scaffolding for love's eternal building?
- How should the promise of future 'perfection' affect your discontent with present spiritual limitations and church imperfections?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 13:12, Isaiah 24:23