The Core Misunderstanding: 1 Corinthians 13:10 and "The Perfect"

The Core Misunderstanding: 1 Corinthians 13:10 and "The Perfect"

The central error in Jeffrey Khoo's argument lies in his interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:10, which states, "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

Context is Key: To understand this verse, we must look at its immediate context. 1 Corinthians 13 is often called the "love chapter." Paul is discussing the superiority of love over all spiritual gifts. In verses 8-12, he explains that gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are "in part" or "partial" and temporary. They are means by which God gives us glimpses of His truth and power.

What "The Perfect" (τὸ τέλειον - to teleion) Truly Means:

Eschatological Perfection, Not a Book: The Greek word teleion here refers to completeness, maturity, or perfection. In this specific context, it is overwhelmingly understood by biblical scholars to refer to the consummation of God's plan at the return of Christ and the believer's entry into His full, unveiled presence.

Why it can't be the Bible:

The Contrast: Paul contrasts "in part" with "the perfect." He illustrates this with a childhood analogy ("When I was a child...") and a mirror analogy ("For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face"). Our current understanding, even with the Bible, is like looking into a dim, imperfect mirror. "Then," when "the perfect" comes, we will see "face to face"—a clear reference to our ultimate fellowship with God in eternity.

Gifts Cease When God's Full Presence Comes: The gifts like prophecy and knowledge are "in part" because they are necessary for a time when God's revelation and presence are not yet fully manifest. Once we are "face to face" with God, these partial means of knowing Him will be superseded by direct, perfect knowledge. The Bible, though God's perfect Word, still functions within this "in part" era, guiding us until we see Him fully.

The Flawed Conclusion about Spiritual Gifts Ceasing:

Jeffrey Khoo's Error: Because he misidentifies "the perfect" with the completed Bible, he concludes that once the "perfect Bible" (TR/KJV) was established, spiritual gifts like knowledge and prophecy "passed away." This is a fundamental theological error.

Why Spiritual Gifts Continue: The church is still "in part." We have not yet seen Christ return, nor do we fully know God "face to face." Therefore, the Holy Spirit continues to empower believers with spiritual gifts, including forms of knowledge, prophecy (not new infallible revelation, but Spirit-inspired insight and encouragement), and other manifestations, to build up the church until Christ's return. To say they have ceased with the Bible's completion is to deny the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the church today.

In Conclusion

Jeffrey Khoo's stance is based on a mistaken interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:10 and a limited understanding of biblical textual criticism and translation history.

"The perfect" in 1 Corinthians 13:10 refers to the eternal state of glory with Christ, not the completed Bible.

The idea that spiritual gifts like knowledge and prophecy have ceased because the "perfect Bible" (TR/KJV) is here is contrary to the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in the church until Christ's return.

While the KJV is a cherished translation, the Textus Receptus is not a perfect Greek text, and modern critical editions, underlying translations like the NIV and ESV, are based on a more robust and ancient manuscript tradition.

Attacking other faithful translations creates unnecessary division and can hinder believers from engaging with the Word of God in a language they can readily understand.

It's vital for Christians to approach God's Word with humility, recognizing that while the original autographs were inspired and inerrant, our understanding and translations are always striving for greater accuracy. We should celebrate the accessibility of Scripture in many faithful translations, rather than creating barriers over preferences for one particular version. Our ultimate focus should be on Christ, who is the perfect revelation of God, and on growing in love, which truly endures.