PER:What Is The Perfect in 1 Corinthians 13:10?  by Jim Reyna

     The purpose of this article is to discern the meaning of "the perfect" 
(TO TELEION, Greek) in 1 Corinthians 13:10.

          "but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away."

     Historically, there are several meanings assigned to "the perfect" in this passage.  We will discuss six possible meanings and determine which is scriptural and thus accurate.

     "The perfect" (TO TELEION) is said to refer to:
          1.  Christ
          2.  Heaven
          3.  Love
          4.  The inclusion of the Gentiles into the church
          5.  The maturity of the body of Christ (the church)
          6.  The completed canon of Scripture.

    Each viewpoint is presented with positive and negative evidences.  This method is applied to each position, with the exception of "the inclusion of the Gentiles into the church."  In my research,  this position was not specifically refuted.  This is not to say that the position is irrefutable.  Perhaps the evidences presented to refute "the maturity of the body of Christ" are also applicable to the "gentile" view.  Also, the acceptance of any specific view eliminates acceptance of other views.

     It is helpful at this point to offer a definition of (TO TELEION) in order to avoid lengthy explanations in the body of this article.  TO TELEION is defined "complete, entire, as opposed to what is partial and limited, 1 Cor. 13:10;  brought to completion; fully accomplished, fully developed, James 1:4."[1]

     It also carries the meaning of "full-grown," "mature," or "adult" when 
referring to people. [2]

     Let us also consider that with the coming of "the perfect," specific spiritual gifts would be done away or would cease.  These gifts would include charismatic prophecy, knowledge, and speaking in tongues.  If "the perfect" (TO TELEION) has come, then the practice of charismata by the present-day "tongues movement" is neither valid nor Spirit-bestowed.  Herein lies the controversy.

     In view of this controversy, it is imperative to assign a valid meaning to "the perfect" by using available scholarship and ultimately and most authoritatively, the Scriptures.  By weighing the negative and positive evidences, we should be able to ascertain which definition of "the 
perfect" is correct.

     "Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it 
will be done away.  For we know in part, and we prophecy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away."  1 Corinthians 13:8-10

     The first position that we will evaluate is the "Christ view."  This position states that "the perfect" refers to Jesus.

     Some modern-day pentecostals adhere to this position because it validates their belief in the use of tongues and other spiritual gifts.  The use 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 to substantiate this belief.  It is believed that the charismata is valid because "the perfect," Jesus, has not come.  When He comes, the gifts will cease.

     There is no Biblical evidence to support this assertion.  Gary Workman has explained that since Paul uses a neuter article (TO) and a substantive (an adjective used as a noun), "the perfect" should therefore be translated as "the perfect thing."[3]   Jesus is always referred to in masculine terminology in the New Testament.  Jesus is not a "thing."  He is a perfect man.  Jesus could not be the object of the neuter adjective.  The usage of the neuter article (TO) precludes "the perfect" from being Jesus or any other person, whether masculine or feminine.

     To further weaken this idea, Jimmy Jividen says that faith, hope, and love are to abide even when "the perfect" is realized.[4]   When Christ returns, faith will be made sight, hope will be fulfilled, and love will continue.  Keeping this in mind, "the perfect" cannot refer to Christ at His Second Coming.

     [1] Howard K. Moulton, editor, The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982), p. 400.

     [2] W. Arndt and F.W. Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979), p. 809.

     [3] Gary Workman, "That Which Is Perfect, (1 Cor. 13:10)," The Spiritual Sword, 12,3 (1981): pp. 13-14.

     [4] Jimmy Jividen, Glossolalia From God or Man, A Study In The Phenomenon of Tongue Speaking, (Ft. Worth: Star Bible Pub., 1971).

by  Jim Reyna





Outline of Hebrews

     Jesus, The High Priest Forever According To The Order of Melchizedek,     Chapters 1 - 8:5
     Theme: 8:1,2 ... "Now the main point is what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man."

I.   The Superiority of Christ, 1 - 5:10
     A.   His superiority over prophets, 1:1-3
     B.   His superiority over angels, 1:4-14
     C.   His superior salvation, 2:1-3
     D.   His superiority over all things, 2:4-8
     E.   His superior propitiation, 2:9-17
     F.   His superiority over Moses, 3:1-6
     G.   His superior rest, 3:7 - 4:13
     H.   His superior assistance, 4:14-16
     I.   His superior designation as High Priest, 5:1-10

II.  Rebuke for spiritual immaturity, 5:11 - 6:20
     A.   Time did not mature them, 5:11 - 6:8
     B.   Exhortation to Godly action, 6:9-20

III. Melchizedekian Priesthood, 7:1-10

IV.  Nature of Jesus' Perfect Priesthood, 7:11 - 8:5
     A.   Former priesthood set aside, 7:11-21
     B.   The better covenant, 7:22-25
     C.   The Holy High Priest, 7:26 - 8:5

Jesus As The Mediator Of A Better Covenant, 8:6 - 10:31
Theme: 8:6, "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises."

I.   Limitations of the First Covenant, 8:6 - 9:10
     A.   Not faultless, 8:6-13
     B.   Earthly regulations of the tabernacle, 9:1-10
II.  The greater and more perfect tabernacle, 9:11-22
     A.   Blood of Christ cleanses, 9:11-14
     B.   Death is necessary, 9:15-17
     C.   Blood is necessary, 9:18-22
III. The Better Sacrifice, 9:23 - 10:31
     A.   Jesus died "once for all", 9:23 - 10:18
     B.   Exhortation to new life in Jesus, 10:19-31

The Former Days Of Endurance, 10:32 - 12:26
Theme: 10:32, "But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured  a great conflict of sufferings."

I.   Conflict of sufferings, 10:32-34
II.  Examples of faith and endurance from the Old Testament, 11:1-40
III. Run the race with faith in Christ, 12:1,2
IV.  Endurance brings discipline, 12:3-13
V.   Seek sanctification, 12:14-17
VI.  The unshakable kingdom, 12:18-32

Exhortations And Restatements, 13
Theme:  13:22, "But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly."

I.   Exhortation to hospitality, benevolence, moral purity, 13:1-6
II.  Faith in the unchanging Christ, 13:7,8
III. Jesus' sacrifice surpasses Judaism, 13:9-14
IV.  Be thankful, do good, obey leaders, 13:15-17
V.   Request for prayers, 13:18,19
VI.  Benediction, 13:20,21
VII. Take heed to the writing, 13:22-24
VIII.Benediction, 13:25

     ----- Jim Reyna -----



     Free Correspondence Course Offer!

     With the demands of life, I know that it is hard to find time to study the Bible as much as you would like to.  It is even harder if you don't have a systematic method of study.  This enlightening, Scriptural Bible correspondence course will really be beneficial to you.

     You can study at your own pace!  You can delve deeply into God's Word and grow spiritually as you follow the course.

     The course is offered at no cost to you.  Simply request the first lesson.  It will be mailed to you.  When you complete it, return it to address on your lesson.  It will be graded and returned to you with Lesson Number Two.  When you complete all the lessons, you will be awarded a handsome certificate of completion.

     Take advantage of this offer now by requesting Lesson Number One.  Write to:

          B.C.C.
          4302 Rowe Avenue
          Farmington, NM   87401











