1 Corinthians 13:10- “But when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s teaching about the temporary nature of spiritual gifts compared to the permanent nature of love.

• “When completeness comes” – Paul is referring to a future time when something perfect, whole, or complete will replace what is temporary and partial. This suggests that our current understanding of God, spiritual gifts, and even prophecy is not the full picture.
• “What is in part disappears” – Right now, we only know in part (1 Corinthians 13:9). Spiritual gifts, like prophecy and knowledge, serve an important purpose for now, but one day, they will no longer be needed.

Paul is pointing to a future reality when we will fully experience God’s truth. Some believe this refers to when believers are with God in eternity. Others think it refers to the return of Jesus, when everything will be made clear. Either way, Paul’s main point is that love lasts forever, while knowledge and spiritual gifts are temporary.

Historical Context

The Corinthian church was focused on spiritual gifts like prophecy, speaking in tongues, and knowledge. Many believers saw these as signs of spiritual superiority. Paul was correcting their thinking—these gifts are only temporary tools.

In the Greek culture, people valued wisdom and knowledge, believing they could reach ultimate truth through learning and philosophy. But Paul reminds them that human wisdom and even spiritual gifts are not the final goal—the goal is knowing God fully in the future.

For the early church, prophecy and spiritual gifts were important because they helped spread the gospel. But Paul wanted them to understand that these gifts were never meant to be permanent—they were meant to point to something greater and eternal.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches an important truth: our current knowledge and spiritual experiences are incomplete.

• Spiritual gifts are temporary. Prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will one day no longer be needed.
• A greater reality is coming. When the “complete” comes, everything partial will disappear. This could mean being in God’s presence in eternity, where we will fully understand His truth.
• Love is the greatest. Since love is eternal, it is more important than any temporary spiritual gift.
• Faith requires trust. Since we only see part of the picture now, we must trust in God’s plan even when we don’t fully understand it.

This verse reminds us that life on earth is only temporary—one day, everything will be made perfect in God’s presence.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses a contrast between what is partial and what is complete to emphasize the difference between temporary spiritual gifts and eternal truth.

• “When completeness comes” – This suggests a future transformation when all things will be made whole.
• “What is in part disappears” – This means that everything we now rely on (like knowledge and prophecy) will no longer be needed in the full reality of God’s kingdom.

Paul’s wording here builds on what he said in the previous verse (1 Corinthians 13:9), where he explained that our current knowledge is incomplete. Now, he makes it clear that one day, that will change.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 13:12 – “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (Paul expands on this idea, explaining that we will one day see everything clearly.)
• Philippians 3:12 – “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Paul acknowledges that he has not yet reached completeness.)
• Colossians 3:4 – “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (The full reality of our faith will be revealed when Christ returns.)
• Revelation 21:3-4 – “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people… He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (This describes the future completeness of God’s kingdom.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches patience and trust. Right now, we don’t have all the answers. We may struggle to understand God’s plan, but we can trust that one day, everything will become clear.

• Do we rely too much on temporary things? Paul reminds us that spiritual gifts, knowledge, and even human wisdom will one day fade. Love is what lasts forever.
• Do we get discouraged by what we don’t understand? This verse encourages us to have faith, knowing that God’s full plan will be revealed in time.
• Are we living for temporary things or eternal things? We should focus on what truly matters—knowing and loving God, and loving others.

Paul is calling believers to live with eternity in mind. Instead of being consumed by temporary concerns, we should focus on growing in love and faith, knowing that one day, we will fully experience God’s perfect plan.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God, in His love and wisdom, has chosen to reveal some things now but to keep other things hidden until the right time.

• God reveals what we need to know. He gives us enough truth to guide our faith (Deuteronomy 29:29).
• God is preparing something greater. Our current world is not the end—He is bringing a future where everything will be made perfect (Revelation 21:5).
• God’s love is complete. Even though our knowledge is incomplete, His love for us is already perfect and eternal (Romans 8:38-39).

This verse reminds us that God’s plan is greater than what we see now, and His love will carry us into eternity.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s complete plan.

• Jesus revealed part of God’s truth, but the full revelation is still to come. He said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear” (John 16:12).
• Jesus is the “completeness” we are waiting for. When He returns, everything partial will disappear, and we will know Him fully (1 John 3:2).
• Jesus is making all things new. Revelation 21:5 says, “I am making everything new!” His second coming will bring the final and complete fulfillment of God’s plan.

Right now, we only see part of the picture, but through Jesus, we are moving toward the full reality of God’s perfect kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to understand God’s plan? How does this verse encourage you to trust Him?
2. Do you focus more on temporary things (like knowledge, success, or spiritual gifts) than on what truly lasts (love, faith, and eternity)?
3. How does knowing that “completeness” is coming change the way you live today?
4. How can you develop a mindset that focuses on eternal things rather than temporary ones?
5. How does Jesus’ promise to return and make all things new give you hope?

This verse reminds us that our current understanding is incomplete, but one day, we will see the full picture. Until then, we are called to live by faith, trust in God’s love, and focus on what truly matters—loving Him and loving others.