perfection in 1 Corinthians 13:9-10

Polycarp66 at aol.com Polycarp66 at aol.com
Tue Feb 22 18:23:40 EST 2000


This is a line inserted to avoid the problem of posts not being sent when the 
first line is the same.  Sorry about inadvertently sending a reply that 
hadn't even been started.  I got "click-happy" when the system was slow.

In a message dated 2/22/2000 4:38:49 PM Central Daylight Time, 
parousia_occ at yahoo.com writes:

<< "But whenever should come the 'perfect,' the 'from part' is destroyed."
 
 I have heard several explanations for this (from the completion of the 
 canon to the Second Coming), but I think there may be something more in the 
 word TELEIOS than we acknowledge here.
  >>

The powers that be in this group ordain that we eschew the discussion of 
theology and limit our discussion to the Greek -- generally, and here in 
particular, I concur.  Having said that there is something which can be said 
concerning the use of TELEI* in this letter.

2.6 SOFIAN DE LALOUMEN EN TOIS TELEIOS
      We speak wisdom among the mature

14.1 ADELFOI, MH PAIDIA GINESQE TAIS FRESIN ALLA THi KAKIAi NHPIAZETE, TAIS 
DE FRESIN TELEIOI GINESQE.
        Brothers, don't be children in understanding. Instead be infants in 
evil but be mature in understanding.

In these the idea is that of maturity.  This is slightly different in the 
passage under consideration -- but not much.  I think he builds on this 
concept.   He contrasts the "complete" with

PROFHTEIAI -- KATARGHQHSONTAI
GLWSSAI     -- PAUSONTAI
GNWSIS       -- KATARGHQHSETAI

My guess would be that this was in opposition to some Gnostic tendencies 
being exhibited.  When was this to occur?  I would say that it would be at 
the expected parousia.

1.7  WSTE hUMAS MH hUSTEREISQAI EN MHDENI CARISMATI APEKDECOMENOUS THN 
APOKALUYIN TOU KURIOU hHMWN IHSOU CRISTOU
. . . so that you might not be lacking in any gift as we await the revelation 
of out Lord Jesus Christ.

Much of the early church seemed to expect to still be alive when the parousia 
would occur.

gfsomsel



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