1 Corinthians 13:10
but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.
but when
The phrase "but when" introduces a contrast and a future expectation. In the Greek, "ὅταν δὲ" (hotan de) signifies a transition from the current state to a future event. This anticipates a change, suggesting that the current state is temporary and will be replaced by something more complete. The use of "when" indicates certainty about the future event, emphasizing the hope and assurance that believers have in God's promises.

the perfect
The term "the perfect" is translated from the Greek word "τὸ τέλειον" (to teleion), which means complete, mature, or fully developed. In a conservative Christian perspective, this is often understood as the culmination of God's plan, possibly referring to the return of Christ or the full realization of God's kingdom. The perfect is not merely an abstract idea but a concrete reality that believers anticipate. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the completion of His work in the world and in the lives of believers.

comes
The word "comes" is derived from the Greek "ἔλθῃ" (elthē), indicating arrival or appearance. This suggests an active and dynamic event, not a passive occurrence. The coming of the perfect is an event that will transform the current state of affairs. It implies divine intervention and the ushering in of a new era. This coming is awaited with hope and expectation, as it will bring about the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

the partial
"The partial" translates from "τὸ ἐκ μέρους" (to ek merous), meaning that which is incomplete or in part. This refers to the current state of human knowledge, prophecy, and understanding, which are limited and imperfect. In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, it highlights the limitations of spiritual gifts and human comprehension in this present age. The partial is a reminder of our current limitations and the need for humility and reliance on God.

passes away
The phrase "passes away" comes from the Greek "καταργηθήσεται" (katargēthēsetai), meaning to abolish, nullify, or render inactive. This indicates a decisive end to the current state of partiality. When the perfect comes, the partial will no longer be necessary or relevant. This speaks to the transformative power of God's future work, where the limitations of this world will be overcome by the fullness of His presence and truth. It is a promise of renewal and completion, where the temporary gives way to the eternal.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Apostle Paul
The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul was addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and moral challenges. He wrote to correct misunderstandings and to guide the church in love and spiritual maturity.

2. Corinth
An ancient city in Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts.

3. The Corinthian Church
A diverse group of believers struggling with issues of unity, spiritual gifts, and moral conduct. Paul's letters aimed to instruct and unify them in Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding The Perfect
The term "perfect" (Greek: "teleion") can be understood as completeness or maturity. In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, it refers to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, possibly the return of Christ or the full realization of God's kingdom.

The Temporary Nature of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the church but are temporary. They serve a purpose until "the perfect" comes, at which point they will no longer be necessary.

Living in Anticipation
Believers are called to live in anticipation of "the perfect." This means focusing on love, which is eternal, rather than temporary gifts or knowledge.

Maturity in Christ
As believers, we are to grow in spiritual maturity, moving from partial understanding to a fuller knowledge of God as we await "the perfect."

The Supremacy of Love
Love is the greatest virtue and will remain even when "the perfect" comes. Our lives should be marked by love, reflecting the eternal nature of God's character.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does "the perfect" refer to in the context of 1 Corinthians 13:10, and how does this understanding impact our view of spiritual gifts?

2. How can we apply the concept of "the perfect" coming to our daily lives and spiritual growth?

3. In what ways does the anticipation of "the perfect" influence our relationships within the church and with others?

4. How does the idea of "the perfect" coming relate to other biblical teachings on the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God's kingdom?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that love remains the central focus of our lives, in light of the temporary nature of spiritual gifts?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 13:9
This verse precedes 13:10 and speaks of the partial nature of our current knowledge and prophecy, setting the stage for the contrast with "the perfect."

1 John 3:2
This verse speaks of the future revelation of Christ and our transformation, which aligns with the idea of "the perfect" coming.

Philippians 3:12-14
Paul discusses pressing on toward the goal, which can be seen as striving for the "perfect" that is to come.
The Christian Doctrine of the Perfectibility of ManJ. Foster.1 Corinthians 13:10
The Perfect StateJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:10
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
Charity Abiding: Gifts TransientJ. H. Hinton.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity Enduring: Gifts TransientJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity Never FailethJ. T. Smith, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity Never FailethJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity Never FailethThornley Smith.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity Never FailethJ. A. James.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity Towards the DeadW. Baxendale.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity Unfailing and EverlastingJ. Cross, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Heaven, a World of LoveJ. Edwards.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Knowledge in PartE. E. Hale, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Knowledge Vanisheth AwayProf. Henry Drummond.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Life: Partial and PerfectBenjamin Waugh.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Love Never FailsHom. Review1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Now I Know in PartC. A. Bartol.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
The Holy Spirit for EverJon. Edwards.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
The Immortality of LoveD. Thomas, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
The Imperishableness of LoveU. R. Thomas.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
The Limitations of KnowledgeBp. Westcott.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
The Vanishing GnosisA. Jessopp, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Transitiveness of GiftsJ. Cross, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
We Know in PartW. B. O. Peabody, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Permanence of LoveC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Limited KnowledgeJ. J. S. Bird, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
Our Partial KnowledgeL. W. Bacon, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
Partial KnowledgeD. Thomas, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
Present Defect and Future PerfectionJ. Parsons.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
Present Imperfection and Future PerjectionJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
The Partial and the PerfectJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 13:9, 10
We Know in PartJ. Lyth, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
We Know in PartT. M. Herbert, M.A.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
We Know in PartC. H. Parkhurst, D.D.1 Corinthians 13:9-10
People
Corinthians, Paul
Places
Corinth
Topics
Complete, Disappears, Imperfect, Longer, Necessary, Partial, Pass, Perfect, State, Useless
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 13:10

     8321   perfection, divine

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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