The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians serves as a parenthetical discussion of the importance of love, within the greater context of spiritual gifts. In the twelfth chapter, Paul admonished the Corinthians not to turn their use of spiritual gifts into a contest. The gifts all emanate from the Holy Spirit, and He gives the gifts “to each one individually as He wills.” (11). Since this is so, no man should be seeking to elevate himself above another based upon the gift the Holy Spirit has given him. Nor should any Christian perceive his own gift to be insignificant or unneeded.
Paul ends the chapter with these questions, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (29-31).
So, what is that better way? It is the way of love. Tongues and prophecy without love do no good (cf. 13:1-2). Even charity or self-sacrifice, if love is not present will be of no profit (cf. 13:3).
Love is superior. Love is eternal in duration. Who you are, or what gift you have is of less importance than how much you love! Consider Paul’s words:
“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (13:8-10).
It is God’s intent that love continues. Paul wrote, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (13:13). In contrast to the abiding nature of love, Paul notes that prophecy tongues and knowledge will fail, cease, vanish away. Please understand that these three are spiritual gifts, as understood by the context. Paul also indicates when they will be done away with. It is when “that which is perfect has come” (vs. 10).
Some take the position that this refers to the second coming of Christ. In other words, since Christ has not yet come, spiritual gifts remain. This does not fit the context. Consider the following points:
The contrast here is between that which is “perfect”, and that which is “in part.” So, we consider the partial nature of the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge. What was the purpose of spiritual gifts? Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”
Prophecy and tongue speaking could bring knowledge and edification to the brethren “in part.” There would be a snippet of knowledge, and a smidge of understanding from the message supplied. Contrast that with what could bring “perfect” knowledge and edification. What could do that? The completed revelation of God! Remember Paul’s words to Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If the purpose of scripture is to completely furnish the man of God, it stands to reason that when that revelation from God is completed, said revelation would be capable of doing what God intended for it to do.
The word perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10 is the Greek word telios. While it is true that Jesus is perfect in the sense that He is sinless, consider Thayer’s definition of this word: “1) brought to its end, finished; 2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness; 3) perfect; 4) that which is perfect.” Now, consider James’ description of the will of God, “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). The same exact word (telios) is used in that reference.
The literal reading of 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 can be taken from Young’s literal translation, “for in part we know, and in part we prophecy; and when that which is perfect may come, then that which is in part shall become useless.”
Today we have that which is perfect. All scripture has been revealed and compiled for man. We know everything we need to know to please Him. Now we are complete. Now we are thoroughly furnished for every good work God has given us to do. Therefore, the partial things, prophecy, tongues, knowledge are useless. They are done away. They have served their purpose and are no longer needed.
What still is needed is love! “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (13:4-8a).
May we all desire the “more excellent way” (cf. 12:31).
