1 Corinthians 13:9 Commentary and Bible Study

We cannot know everything by any means on earth. The apostle Paul knew far more than any of us will ever have the privilege of knowing on earth, because he was taken up into heaven; and with his revelations he heard and received truth, which was unutterable on earth – too deep, too mysterious – that he was not permitted to impart to us. But even he did not hear the half of what he will understand and know in heaven. ‘But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.’ Again, some people today think that verses 9-12 refer to the completion of the word of God, but they undoubtedly refer to the coming of the Lord. The transformation he is speaking of is too exalted, too comprehensive, and too sudden to refer to the extra level of knowledge that would come with the remaining Scriptures. If ‘that which is perfect’ refers to the completed canon, then ‘that which is in part’ must refer to the already given Scriptures, but it would be wrong to speak of these as being ‘done away’. ‘When that which is perfect is come’ – and Christ comes, and the eternal age is ushered in – ‘then that which is in part shall be done away’. Not totally done away; the word of God is eternal; it will be treasured in heaven, but it will be superseded by the intuitive knowledge of all things.