“That Which Is Perfect”

1. “That Which Is Perfect” Key passage: "8: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10: But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 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. 12: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (I Cor. 13).

2. “That Which Is Perfect” Regarding three of the nine gifts, prophecies, tongues, and knowledge, Paul said that they shall “fail” (Greek katargeo), “cease” (pauo), and “vanish away” (argethesetai). One key expression is, “in part” (meros). The antithetical expression is, “…that which is perfect” (to teleion). The “in part” or fragmentary shall be replaced by the whole (“perfect”) and at that time, the “in part” shall be “done away” (katargethesetai). Hence, before we can focus on “that which is perfect,” we need to establish the “in part.” Slide 2

3. “That Which Is Perfect” It is apparent from the Corinthian Epistle that there was much ignorance and improper exercise regarding these gifts, particularly the gifts of tongues and prophecy. Moreover, it is evident that they were fascinated with the gift of tongues to the neglect of the gift of prophecy (I Cor. 14: 1f.). It is also evident that as a rule, some of the early Christians possessed various gifts as opposed to possessing all nine (see I Cor. 14, 12: 28-31). I suggest, then, that the “in part” pertained to the then system of truth being dependant on these various gifts and each one who possessed a gift. At best, the system was incomplete (not perfect) and only temporary, looking to something else (“that which is perfect”). Slide 3

4. “That Which Is Perfect” The expression “that which is perfect” is the Greek to teleion. Teleion is in the neuter gender and Marshall in Nestle’s Interlinear Greek-English New Testament renders it, “the perfect thing.” The Greek teleion simply describes action that is essentially progressive. The action was begun at the point of inception, continues in the proper course, and then it arrives at its destination.  This latter state is the idea of teleion.  Teleion, then, is the arrived at state, the state to which all anterior action looked, the goal to which all previous forward effort and action was directed.  Hence, teleion is complete or the completed as opposed to “in part” or fragmentary. Slide 4

5. “That Which Is Perfect” There are a number of views as to “that which is perfect” or, as seen, “the perfect thing.” Some say “the perfect thing” (to teleion) is love. Whatever “the perfect thing” is, when it came the “in part” (nine miraculous gifts of the Spirit) would be “done away,” we must remember. I do submit that we can ascertain what is “the perfect thing.” One wrote regarding “the perfect thing” as follows: “It appears to me that ‘that which is perfect,’ that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 13 is not speaking of anything in particular, but all things in general.” Slide 5

6. “That Which Is Perfect” The more “excellent way” to which Paul introduces them is love as the impetus and motivation (ch. 13). Love would “abide” and is set forth as exalted (I Cor. 13: 13). However, they could and were to have love as the motivation for the exercise of their gifts (cp. I Cor. 13: 1f.). I do not think it follows, then, that when love was present, the “in part” (gifts) would cease to exist. Slide 6

7. “That Which Is Perfect” Along this line, some have suggested that the “perfect thing” that Paul anticipates is individual spiritual maturity. How, I ask, can the ceasing of the fragmentary and arrival of the complete be determined based on individual maturation, seeing that all arrive at different times and obtain various levels of maturity, while others remain immature? Slide 7

8. “That Which Is Perfect” The view and explanation that is held by many regarding “that which is perfect” is expressed in the following quotation: “The fourth position is the one I have come to believe as the best interpretation of the verse. This interpretation understands to teleion to refer to the Eschaton or the return of the resurrected Lord at the End of Time.” Slide 8

9. “That Which Is Perfect” The Second Coming of Christ.  If the return of Christ is meant, why did not Paul write, "but when the Christ is come (oh Christos)?" Instead, Paul used the neuter gender, referring to a thing, not a person. Moreover, if the Second Coming of Jesus is meant, then we are in the "in part" state, seeing Christ has not come. This presents a serious problem in view of all the scriptures that emphasize the completeness of revelation and of our present system being complete (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17, 2 Pet. 1: 3). Slide 9

10. “That Which Is Perfect” Paul wrote, "And ye are complete in him." (Col. 2: 10, the illustration of I Corinthians 13: 11-13 can also be understood of the word, see James 1: 23-25). Also, the stated purpose of Jesus' miracles is that of producing faith (John. 20: 30, 31). Why the need of ongoing miracles? In addition, we have the written word and the written word confirms itself; hence, no need of miracles. We test teachers by their teaching, because we have the complete, revealed revelation (2 John. 9-11, compare I John. 4: 1, 2: 18-20). Slide 10

11. “That Which Is Perfect” Some continue to accept the inevitable consequence of the nine miraculous gifts of the Spirit being present today. They must, those who hold the second coming of Jesus is meant by “the perfect thing.” One wrote: “For many years I have had a big problem trying to understand why brethren tend to want to try to show that gifts of the Spirit have ceased in our time…I do not get the slightest hint where the New Testament teaches that….” Slide 11

12. “That Which Is Perfect” In view of the dialectic consequence of the Jesus' coming view demanding the gifts of the Spirit today, another wrote: “I have known some brethren that I thought had a special gift of the Spirit even though the brother never did claim a special gift that I know of. I knew one elder in the church and you would recognize some very close relatives of his if I should name him, (he has been dead for several years), but his brother in the flesh may have never known what he told me, and discussed with me:    He told me, after I got to know him well, that:   ‘Seldom does a day pass that I do not speak in tongues,’ Another brother who is a ‘full time’ preacher and is still living told me that he often speaks in tongues.” Slide 12

13. “That Which Is Perfect” Some emphatically contend that no scholar ever held the view that to teleion refers to the completed word of God, the New Testament. Notwithstanding, we read the following: "With the completion of the canon of Scripture prophecy apparently passed away, 1 Cor. 13: 8, 9. In his measure the teacher has taken the place of the prophet, cp. the significant change in 2 Pet. 2:1. The difference is that,whereas the message of the prophet was a direct revelation of the mind of God for the occasion, the message of the teacher is gathered from the completed revelation contained in the Scriptures." * [* From Notes on Thessalonians by Hogg and Vine, pp. 196,197.] (W.E. Vine, ExpositoryDictionary of New Testament Words, comments found under "prophesy"). Slide 13

14. “That Which Is Perfect” A parallel passage: "8: Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9: (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10: He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:… Slide 14

15. “That Which Is Perfect” 13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"(Eph. 4). Slide 15

16. “That Which Is Perfect” In both texts, spiritual or miraculous gifts are being discussed.  Also in both texts, the duration of these gifts and functions that have miraculous assistance is under consideration. To the Corinthians, Paul said when the "perfect thing" came and to the Ephesians, "till we all come in the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man..."  The “faith” or gospel system was at first dependant on the parts supplied by various ones who possessed spiritual gifts and was a vulnerable system. Slide 16

17. “That Which Is Perfect” The New Testament was not in existence, as the books were then being written, circulated, and compiled (cp. Col. 4: 16, cp. I John 2: 1).  As a result of the compilation of the New Testament books, we can learn about what to do to be saved, how to live, the church, heaven and hell, and all other necessary subjects.  The scriptures being God-breathed, thoroughly furnish as to "doctrine," "reproof," "correction," and "instruction in righteousness," and result in, "...the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17).  Christians can reach maturity through a study and application of the revealed word (I Pet. 2: 1f., Heb. 5: 11-14). Slide 17

18. “That Which Is Perfect” I submit that with the completion of the New Testament, we have all we need relative to personal and spiritual identification, growth, and maturation (Jas. 1: 23-25, 2 Pet. 1: 5-11).  I find it interesting that James refers to the teleion nomon (perfect law) and speaks of looking into the looking glass and seeing one's image; the same phraseology and idea Paul used in the text in which he referred to the coming of the to teleion (perfect thing, Jas. 1: 25, I Cor. 13: 12).  As we consider the teaching of the New Testament in its totality, we spiritually see ourselves and are transformed to what we should be, at least, this is the way it is designed to work (Jas. 1: 23-25, cp. 2 Cor. 3: 18). Slide 18

19. “That Which Is Perfect” The teleion has arrived, I contend, any imperfection is our fault for not making all the application and exerting the necessary effort.   I, therefore, submit that to teleion in I Corinthians 13: 8-10 is the teleion nomon of James 1: 25, the “perfect thing” or “perfect law of liberty.” The means, when applied, to make us teleion (Heb. 5: 14). This complete word is the standard of fellowship and determining truth and shall judge us in the last day (2 John 9-11; John 12: 48). Slide 19

20. “That Which Is Perfect” Conclusion: We are not now in the “in part” or fragmentary, but the recipients of God’s full and final will, “the faith once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3, ASV). As to the nine miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit seen in the infant church, the “in part,” they have been “done away.” Notwithstanding, there continues to be “lying wonders” (2 Thes. 2: 9). The “perfect thing” is so complete that all change and alteration is absolutely forbidden (Gal. 1: 6-9, Rev. 22: 18, 19). Slide 20