1 Corinthians 13:10

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

'when' -this verse then is telling us 'when' the gifts would cease. (1 Corinthians 13:8)

'that which is perfect is come' -5046. teleios tel'-i-os; from 5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with 3588) completeness: -of full age, man, perfect.

Points to Note:

1. While Jesus is 'perfect', this same word is also used in reference to the Word of God. (James 1:25)

2. The word perfect here refers to something that has reached the end or goal. 'Refers to that which is whole or complete, that beyond which no further advance in excellence can be made; it lacks nothing.' (Willis p. 463)

3. Ultimately, only the context can tell us what the "perfect" is in this passage.

Problems with the "perfect" being the Second Coming of Christ:

(1) If Paul is saying that the gifts will continue until the Second Coming, then logic must force us to conclude that the Church will never have. complete written revelation of God's truth. And if such is the case, then why did the N.T. end at the close of the First Century? If this view is correct, then the NT would or should contain many more books, especially books from other centuries, besides the First Century. (Like the O.T.-books were written from the beginning of prophetic activity, until the end. Matthew 23:35). If the gift of prophecy has lasted for the last 1900 years, they why didn't any of these "prophets" record their works? Why did N.T. writers consider the written revelation to be complete? (Judges 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3)

(2) Doesn't this view make Jesus' promise in John 16:13 look rather meaningless? 'You shall be guided into all truth..and yet, only the generation at the end time will really be in possession of all truth.' ??

(3) Paul places 'faith and hope' also above the gifts. (1 Corinthians 13:13) And yet, hope will be realized at the Second Coming (Romans 8:24) 'By the time the commentators have finished, they have the gifts lasting just as long as faith and hope.' (Willis p. 460)

(4) When they cease, they cease! Various Pentecost groups have claimed. "second outpouring of the Spirit" (a second Pentecost) in the twentieth century.. rebirth or revival of spiritual gifts. Such contradicts verse 10.

(5) Logically "that which is perfect" must refer to the completeness or perfection IN THE SAME REALM as that referred by the phrase "in part" (1 Corinthians 13:9). And seeing that "in part" refers to the revelation of God's will, that which is perfect must contextually refer to the complete revelation of the will of God.

(6) When the NT was complete, the means to reveal it (prophecy, knowledge) and confirm it (healing, miracles, tongues, etc..) where not longer needed. Such makes perfect sense.. body of truth would be revealed (John 16:13), it wouldn't be. limitless supply (seeing that no man could comprehend or obey such. limitless and never-ending body of truth). Logic demands that eventually all truth was revealed. At which point, the gifts no longer were needed.

In the following verses Paul will give two illustrations to further explain or clarify what he has just said. The gifts gave partial revelation or revelation in parts, in view of finally providing the complete or perfect revelation of God's truth. In like manner, the spiritual gifts were comparable to childlike tendencies that are abandoned when adulthood arrives. Or, looking in. mirror of poor quality compared to seeing someone in person.