1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
For now we see in a mirror dimly
The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a mirror to describe our current understanding of spiritual truths. In ancient times, mirrors were made of polished metal and provided a less clear reflection than modern glass mirrors. The Greek word for "mirror" here is "esoptron," which emphasizes the imperfect and indirect nature of our current perception. This imagery suggests that our earthly understanding of divine matters is limited and incomplete, akin to seeing a blurred image. Historically, this reflects the human condition of partial knowledge and the anticipation of a fuller revelation.

but then face to face
Paul contrasts our present limited understanding with the promise of a future, direct encounter with God. The phrase "face to face" is a Hebraic expression denoting personal and intimate communication, as seen in God's interactions with Moses (Exodus 33:11). This future clarity and intimacy with God is a source of hope and encouragement for believers, pointing to the eschatological fulfillment when we will fully know and be known by God.

Now I know in part
The Greek word for "know" here is "ginosko," which implies an experiential and progressive knowledge. Paul acknowledges that our current understanding of God's mysteries is partial and incomplete. This humility in recognizing our limitations is a call for believers to trust in God's greater wisdom and to remain patient for the full revelation of His purposes.

then I shall know fully
The future promise of complete knowledge is expressed with the Greek word "epiginosko," which indicates a deeper, more comprehensive understanding. This anticipates the time when believers will have perfect knowledge in the presence of God. It is a reminder of the transformative power of God's revelation and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

even as I am fully known
Paul concludes with the assurance that just as God fully knows us now, we will one day fully know Him. The Greek word "epiginosko" is used again, emphasizing the depth and completeness of this future knowledge. This reflects the intimate relationship between God and His people, where nothing is hidden, and all is revealed. It is a profound encouragement for believers to live in the light of God's perfect knowledge and love, trusting in His eternal plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance on spiritual gifts and love.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, but also for moral and spiritual challenges within the church.

3. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and misunderstanding of spiritual gifts.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Current Limitations
Recognize that our current understanding of God and spiritual truths is limited, like seeing a dim reflection.

Hope for Future Clarity
Embrace the promise that one day we will see God face to face and understand fully, which should inspire hope and perseverance.

The Importance of Love
In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, love is the greatest gift and should be our focus, even as we await full understanding.

Pursuing Spiritual Growth
Strive to grow in knowledge and love, knowing that our understanding will be made complete in the future.

Living with Humility
Acknowledge our partial knowledge and remain humble, relying on God's wisdom and revelation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the metaphor of seeing "a dim reflection as in a mirror" help us understand our current spiritual perception?

2. In what ways can the promise of seeing "face to face" impact our daily walk with Christ?

3. How does the concept of being "fully known" by God provide comfort and challenge in our spiritual lives?

4. What practical steps can we take to grow in love, as emphasized in the broader context of 1 Corinthians 13?

5. How can we balance the pursuit of spiritual knowledge with the humility of recognizing our current limitations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 John 3:2
This verse speaks about the future revelation of believers as children of God and seeing Him as He is, which parallels the idea of seeing "face to face."

2 Corinthians 3:18
Discusses the transformation of believers as they behold the glory of the Lord, connecting to the concept of seeing clearly.

James 1:23-24
Uses the metaphor of a mirror to describe self-examination and the need for action, similar to the "dim reflection" mentioned by Paul.
Christian MysteriesS. Summers.1 Corinthians 13:12
Face to FaceJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 13:12
Heaven a State of Perfection in KnowledgeH. Kollock, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:12
Imperfect KnowledgeT. Ainger, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:12
Individual Recognition in EternityJ. B. Owen, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:12
Now - ThenE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 13:12
Now and ThenT. Kelly.1 Corinthians 13:12
Now and ThenC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 13:12
Now and ThenClerical World1 Corinthians 13:12
Now, and ThenJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 13:12
Of a Future StateH. Blair, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:12
Partial KnowledgeStems and Twigs.1 Corinthians 13:12
Present Knowledge and FutureDean Vaughan.1 Corinthians 13:12
Present Knowledge Imperfect But SufficientBp. Fowler.1 Corinthians 13:12
Present Knowledge Partial But SuffcientJ. Cross, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:12
Recognition in HeavenR. W. Hamilton, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:12
Recognition of Friends in HeavenJ. Trapp.1 Corinthians 13:12
Seeing DarklyE. H. Chapin, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Body, the Dark Medium of Spiritual VisionD. Thomas, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Enigma of LifeProf. E. Johnson.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Future State a Self-Conscious StateT. W. Shedd, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Future State a Self-Conscious StateWilliam G.T. Shedd1 Corinthians 13:12
The Imperfection of Our Present KnowledgeJ. Mason, A.M.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Joy of RevelationR. W. Randall, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Knowledge of GodBp. Phillips Brooks.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Nature of the Future KnowledgeR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 13:12
The Now and Then of LifeT. Hughes.1 Corinthians 13:12
The Perfection of Our Future KnowledgeJ. Mason, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:12
CharityF. W. Robertson, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
CharityA. F. Barfield.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
CharityJ. Garbett, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity Difficult of AttainmentDr. Duff.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Emblem Of1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Regard ForJ. Thomson.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Want Of, not Confined to Theological CirclesJ. Parker1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Charity, Worthlessness of Gifts WithoutJ. B. Wilkinson, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian CharityJ. Parsons.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian Charity1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian LoveD. C. Hughes, A.M.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Christian LoveW. M. Blackburn, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Eloquence Without CharityD. Thomas, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Far, But not Far EnoughBp. Ryle.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love is God-LikeE. H. Bradby, M. A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, Charm OfW. Jay.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, Comprehensiveness OfJ. Cross, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, the Essence of Christianity1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love, the Essence of ReligionJohn Wesley.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Extent OfBaldwin Brown, B.A.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: from God the SourceJ. Cross, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Gifts Compared WithJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Growth and Power OfH. W. Beecher.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Importance OfJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Indispensableness OfU. R. Thomas.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: no Gift Like ItM. Dods, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: Power and Office OfPrincipal Edwards.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Gauge of True ManhoodH. W. Beecher.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Importance OfTryon Edwards, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Life of the SoulR. South, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Sum of All VirtueJonathan Edwards1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Love: the Test of ReligionJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Apostolic Doctrine of LoveDean Stanley.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Importance of CharityR. Watson.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The Unreality of Religion Without LoveF. St. John Corbett.1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Permanence of LoveC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Complete, Darkly, Dim, Dimly, Face, Fully, Gain, Glass, God's, Imperfect, Mirror, Obscurely, Partially, Present, Puzzled, Reflection, Understand, Understood, Window
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 13:12

     1145   God, transcendent
     1255   face of God
     1445   revelation, responses
     1466   vision
     4942   fulness
     5027   knowledge, God's of humanity
     5149   eyes
     5150   face
     5411   mirror
     5935   riddles
     6200   imperfection, influence
     8355   understanding
     8474   seeing God
     9022   death, believers

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

     3209   Holy Spirit, and love
     5765   attitudes, to people

1 Corinthians 13:8-12

     1444   revelation, NT

1 Corinthians 13:9-12

     2063   Christ, perfection

Library
What Lasts
'Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three....'--1 COR. xiii. 8, 13. We discern the run of the Apostle's thought best by thus omitting the intervening verses and connecting these two. The part omitted is but a buttress of what has been stated in the former of our two verses; and when we thus unite them there is disclosed plainly the Apostle's intention
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Great Duty of Charity Recommended
1 Corinthians 13:8, "Charity never faileth." Nothing is more valuable and commendable, and yet, not one duty is less practiced, than that of charity. We often pretend concern and pity for the misery and distress of our fellow-creatures, but yet we seldom commiserate their condition so much as to relieve them according to our abilities; but unless we assist them with what they may stand in need of, for the body, as well as for the soul, all our wishes are no more than words of no value or regard,
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

The Future State a Self-Conscious State.
1 Cor. xiii. 12.--"Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." The apostle Paul made this remark with reference to the blessedness of the Christian in eternity. Such assertions are frequent in the Scriptures. This same apostle, whose soul was so constantly dilated with the expectation of the beatific vision, assures the Corinthians, in another passage in this epistle, that "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Now, and Then
There are some things which we count very precious now, which will soon be of no value to us whatever. There are some things that we know or think we know, and we pride ourselves a good deal upon our knowledge; but when we shall become men we shall set no more value upon that knowledge than a child does upon his toys when he grows up to be a man. Our spiritual manhood in heaven will discard many things which we now count precious, as a full grown man discards the treasures of his childhood. And there
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Love's Labours
What does this teach us at the outset, but that a salvation which leads to this must be of God, and must be wrought in us by his power? Such a comely grace can never grow out of our fallen nature. Shall such a clean thing as this be brought out of an unclean? This glorious salvation unto pure love must be grasped by faith, and wrought in us by the operation of the Spirit of God. If we consider salvation to be a little thing, we bring it, as it were, within the sphere of human possibility, but if
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

1 Corinthians xiii. 11
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Taking the Apostle's words literally, it might appear that no words in the whole range of Scripture were less applicable to the circumstances of this particular congregation: for they speak of childhood and of manhood; and as all of us have passed the one, so a very large proportion of us have not yet arrived at the other. But when we consider the passage
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

The Greatest Thing in the World And Other Addresses
THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD AND OTHER ADDRESSES BY HENRY DRUMMOND (LONDON - HODDER & STOUGHTON LTD) Undated Edition c1920, 390,000 prior copies. First Published c1880. THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not LOVE
Henry Drummond—The Greatest Thing in the World And Other Addresses

Drummond -- the Greatest Thing in the World
Henry Drummond, author and evangelist, was born at Stirling, Scotland, in 1851. His book, "Natural Law in the Spiritual World," caused much discussion and is still widely read. His "Ascent of Man" is regarded by many as his greatest work. The address reprinted here has appeared in hundreds of editions, and has been an inspiration to thousands of peoples all over the world. There is an interesting biography of Drummond by Professor George Adam Smith, his close friend and colaborer. He died in 1897.
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

Charity.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.--1 COR. xiii. 13. It must be a precious thing to be greater than faith, and greater than hope--it must, indeed, be precious!--and, just in proportion as things are valuable and precious amongst men, so much trouble and risk will human speculators take to counterfeit them. I suppose that in no department of roguery in this roguish world, has there been more time and ingenuity expended, than in making counterfeit
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Charity and Rebuke.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.--1 COR. xiii. 13. The second main point of difference between a true and a false Charity, we want to remark, is, Divine Charity is not only consistent with, but it very often necessitates, reproof and rebuke by its possessor. It renders it incumbent on those who possess it to reprove and rebuke whatever is evil--whatever does not tend to the highest interests of its object. This Charity conforms in this, as
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Charity and Conflict.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.--1 COR. xiii. 13. Another characteristic of this Divine Charity is, that it OFTEN INVOLVES CONFLICT. It was so with our Lord. He was the very personification of it. He was love itself, and grace and truth poured from His lips incessantly. His blessed feet went about doing good, and His hands ministering to the necessities and happiness of His creatures, yet His whole course through this degenerate world was one
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Charity and Loneliness.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.-I COR. xiii. 13. The possession of this Divine Charity often necessitates walking in a lonely path. Not merely in opposition and persecution, but alone in it, and here, again, Jesus, who was the personification of Divine lore, stands out as our great example. He was emphatically alone, and of the people there was none with Him. Even the disciples whom He had drawn nearest to Him, and to whom He had tried
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Revival in the Home
Thousands of years ago, in the most beautiful Garden the world has ever known, lived a man and a woman. Formed in the likeness of their Creator, they lived solely to reveal Him to His creation and to each other and thus to glorify Him every moment of the day. Humbly they accepted the position of a creature with the Creator--that of complete submission and yieldedness to His will. Because they always submitted their wills to His, because they lived for Him and not for themselves, they were also completely
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

A Word to Workers
Some time ago I read this expression in an old author: --"The first duty of a clergyman is humbly to ask of God that all that he wants done in his hearers should first be truly and fully done in himself." These words have stuck to me ever since. What a solemn application this is to the subject that occupied our attention in previous chapters--the living and working under the fullness of the Holy Spirit! And yet, if we understand our calling aright, every one of us will have to say, That is the one
Andrew Murray—The Deeper Christian Life

The Greatest of These is Love.
"The greatest of these is Love."-- 1 Cor. xiii. 13. That the shedding abroad of Love and the glowing of its fire through the heart is the eternal work of the Holy Spirit, is stated by no one so pithily as by St. Paul in the closing verse of his hymn of Love. Faith, Hope, and Love are God's most precious gifts; but Love far surpasses the others in preciousness. Compared with all heavenly gifts, Faith, Hope, and Love stand highest, but of these three Love is the greatest. All spiritual gifts are precious,
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Christ or Satan.
"But the greatest of these is Love." --1 Cor. xiii. 13. However fearful the Scripture's revelation of the hardening of heart, yet it is the only price at which the Almighty offers man the blessed promise of Love's infinite wealth. Light without shadow is inconceivable; and the purer and the more brilliant the light, the darker and the more distinctly delineated the shadows must be. In like manner, faith is inconceivable without the opposite of doubt; hope without the distressful tension of despair;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Whence the Greatness of this Service, unto the Undertaking of which we have According...
31. Whence the greatness of this service, [2101] unto the undertaking of which we have according to our strength exhorted, the more excellent and divine it is, the more doth it warn our anxiety, to say something not only concerning most glorious chastity, but also concerning safest humility. When then such as make profession of perpetual chastity, comparing themselves with married persons, shall have discovered, that, according to the Scriptures, the others are below both in work and wages, both
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Climax of Ecclesiastes' Exercises Seems to have Been Reached in the Previous Chapter. ...
The climax of Ecclesiastes' exercises seems to have been reached in the previous chapter. The passionate storm is over, and now his thoughts ripple quietly along in proverb and wise saying. It is as if he said "I was altogether beyond my depth. Now I will confine myself only to the present life, without touching on the things unseen, and here I can pronounce with assurance the conclusion of wisdom, and sum up both its advantages and yet inadequacy." The proverbs that follow are apparently disjointed,
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to
St. Augustine—On Patience

Wherefore it Now Remains to Consider, in what Manner we Ought not to Follow...
25. Wherefore it now remains to consider, in what manner we ought not to follow these, who profess that they will lead by reason. For how we may without fault follow those who bid us to believe, hath been already said: but unto these who make promises of reason certain think that they come, not only without blame, but also with some praise: but it is not so. For there are two (classes of) persons, praiseworthy in religion; one of those who have already found, whom also we must needs judge most blessed;
St. Augustine—On the Profit of Believing.

The Christian Graces. --1 Cor. xiii. 13
The Christian Graces.--1 Cor. xiii. 13. Faith, Hope, and Charity,--these three, Yet is the greatest Charity! Father of lights, those gifts impart To mine and every human heart:-- Faith, that in prayer can never fail, Hope, that o'er doubting must prevail, And Charity, whose name above Is God's own name, for "God is love." The morning star is lost in light, Faith vanishes at perfect sight; The rainbow passes with the storm, And Hope with sorrow's fading form:-- But Charity, serene, sublime, Beyond
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Could I Command with Voice or Pen
Gifts.--I Cor. xiii. Could I command with voice or pen The tongues of Angels and of men, A tinkling cymbal, sounding brass My speech and preaching would surpass; Vain were such eloquence to me Without the grace of Charity. Could I the martyr's flame endure, Give all my goods to feed the poor; Had I the faith from Alpine steep To hurl the mountain to the deep, What were such zeal, such power to me Without the grace of Charity? Could I behold with prescient eye Things future as the things gone by;
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Obedience Entire.
The government of God accepts nothing as virtue but obedience to the law of God. But it may be asked, Why state this proposition? Was this truth ever called in question? I answer, that the truth of this proposition, though apparently so self-evident that to raise the question may reasonably excite astonishment, is generally denied. Indeed, probably nine-tenths of the nominal church deny it. They tenaciously hold sentiments that are entirely contrary to it, and amount to a direct denial of it. They
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Introductory Notice
By the Editor. St. Augustin speaks of this book in his Retractations, l. ii. c. 63, as follows: "I also wrote a book on Faith, Hope, and Charity, at the request of the person to whom I addressed it, that he might have a work of mine which should never be out of his hands, such as the Greeks call an Enchiridion (Hand-Book). There I think I have pretty carefully treated of the manner in which God is to be worshipped, which knowledge divine Scripture defines to be the true wisdom of man. The book begins:
St. Augustine—The Enchiridion

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