Perfect in the biblical sense of the word is not about sinless perfection, but maturity and completeness. It may be about sinless perfection if it is about God, but in regard to men.. it is going to be about maturity and completeness.
So in 1 Corinthians 13.. 'that which is perfect' or the 'perfect thing'.. is something that was immature/incomplete that is coming to maturity/completion.
At the time of Paul writing, the New Testament was in process of God guiding holy men to record His Word. It wasn't completed.
Prophecy, tongues and knowledge gifts were being used to show people Jesus' authority and there was no complete bible. People could not look at the people performing miracles by Jesus authority and read it from a book like we can now know.
They could refer to the Old Testament and see the fulfillment of it in the people in the NT-- especially in Jesus.. but not the NT complete yet.
Now.. when Paul refers to the perfect thing, or that which is perfect coming and tongues and prophecy cease.. this is a point in the future of PAUL's writing. It isn't like Paul is writing to us, now today..
There has been around 2000 years since Paul was guided by God to pen what he did..
To say that prophecy and tongues haven't ceased is to say that in 2000 years after Paul wrote they would cease.. that in that time they did not.
But aside from this, just look at the boundaries around how the spiritual gifts were to be used. Even if the gifts are for now, what church have you seen that abides by these boundaries? I have seen a number of pentecostal and charismatic churches and NONE have abided those boundaries.
And like the OP says (altho I don think they can now reply, being a guest).. tongues are not the most important thing.. prophecy superceded it.
Perfect:
From Strong's Concordance:
G5046:
TELIOS:
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.
The question I have is:
What is incomplete about Jesus?
If 'the perfect thing' or 'that which is perfect' is Jesus..
Well.. this is something that was 'in part'
What was in part about Him?
I know the bible was 'in part'.. and then 'complete'
But Jesus? No.
(1Co 13:9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
(1Co 13:10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
That which is perfect-- completes what is in part.
So.. if you read on Paul does say to desire spiritual gifts.. but he isn't speaking to us now! He was writing to the church at Corinth 2000 years ago, when the gifts were in operation.
chapter 13 was a point in the future.. from Paul's time on..
chapter 14-- was NOW-- but not now as in our day.. but now as in the present time of Paul's writing 2000 years ago.
Of course much of scripture does apply to us now.. but God has put limits on some things.
God won't flood the world again-- evidenced by the rainbow being the symbol of that promise.
The old testament system of sacrificing lambs and bulls has finished.. NT covenant now.
The customs and traditions of the past we don't now do.. eg.. greeting each-other with a holy kiss! (Still could I guess
) But you get the idea.
In the end the simplest thing is focusing purely on Jesus. Everything comes out of what He did and is doing now.
