Category Archives: That Which Is Perfect

1 Corinthians 13:8-12 (that which is perfect), Part 5 (“maturity”)

Another possible reading of “that which is perfect” or teleios is “maturity.” However, the more general definition is — In the NT “perfect” is usually the tr[anslation] of teleios, primarily, “having reached the end” … L. Walker, “Perfect, Perfection,” ed. … Continue reading

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1 Corinthians 13:8-12 (that which is perfect), Part 4 (“abides”)

Faith after Jesus returns The argument that faith ends at the Second Coming is usually based on — (Heb 11:1 ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. The idea is that … Continue reading

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1 Corinthians 13:8-12 (that which is perfect), Part 3 (“face to face”)

On the other hand, as clear as it seems to be that Paul is looking ahead to the Second Coming, Paul’s language leaves us to wonder what he means when he writes, (1Co 13:13 ESV)  So now faith, hope, and love … Continue reading

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1 Corinthians 13:8-12 (that which is perfect), Part 2 (miracles)

When Alexander Campbell wrote and preached in the early 1800s, he struggled against teachings of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and similar denominations that taught that the Spirit presently inspired believers at the same level as scripture. As a result, … Continue reading

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1 Corinthians 13:8-12 (that which is perfect), Part 1 (the Second Coming)

(1Co 13:8 ESV) Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. N. T. Wright gives the context, in particular, the fact that Paul now looks … Continue reading

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Jonathan Storment: Strange Fire and Churches of Christ

I’m looking forward to working on Wineskins together with its featured authors (see list in the righthand column). Among the featured authors is Jonathan Storment, the pulpit minister for the Highlands congregation in Abilene, who blogs at Part of a … Continue reading

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“That Which Is Perfect”: Laying On Hands (expanded)

It’s long been argued that miracles died out a generation after the apostles, because miraculous gifts were given exclusively through the laying on of apostolic hands. And there are indeed a number of verses that suggest this to be true. … Continue reading

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“That Which Is Perfect”: What Does It Mean to Know “Face to Face”?

[With thanks to Charles McLean for his post found here.] As previously discussed, both 1 Cor. 13:8-14 and Eph. 4:11-14 promise the mature Christian a personal knowledge of Jesus–to know “face to face” or to have the “knowledge of the … Continue reading

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“That Which Is Perfect”: Implications for the Churches of Christ

I am deeply concerned about a creeping Deism within the Churches of Christ. Following Campbell’s lead, many among us have long denied the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We just have trouble getting comfortable with the mystical and miraculous. … Continue reading

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“That Which Is Perfect”: Have Miracles Ceased?

And so, does this mean that tongues and other miraculous manifestations are with us today? Well, it’s not the purpose of these posts to answer all the questions–largely because I don’ t have all the answers. I have no reason … Continue reading

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