Cessationism In 1 Cor 13:8–12 -- By: Donald G. McDougall

Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 14:2 (Fall 2003)
Article: Cessationism In 1 Cor 13:8–12
Author: Donald G. McDougall


Cessationism In 1 Cor 13:8–12

Donald G. McDougall

Associate Professor of New Testament

Looking at the setting of 1 Corinthians 13 first in 1 Corinthians as a whole and then in the setting of 1 Corinthians 12–14 is the beginning of an investigation of cessationism in 1 Cor 13:8–12. Next comes a study of 1 Cor 13:8–11 in the context of 1 Corinthians 13. The following step is an investigation of the terms used in 1 Cor 13:8–11, including prophecies, knowledge, and tongues. At that point the study addresses the subject of the cessation of gifts spoken of in 1 Cor 13:8–10, followed by attention given to “tongues shall cease.” The time of the cessation of the gifts in 1 Cor 13:10 is next for consideration, a time that depends heavily on the meaning of teleios in that verse. The term means “mature” in that instance, referring to a maturation that would come to the church. Then comes a tracing of the argument’s progression in 1 Cor 13:8–11. The whole discussion of the gifts’ cessation is part of the emphasis of chapter 13 on the supremacy of love, a factor that should always be in mind in a discussion of cessation. First Cor 13:8–12 intertwines revelation, cessation, and maturation with cessation and maturation coming at a related point in time, but speaking of the cessation of revelatory gifts at the time the church matures.

The Setting Of Chapter 13 In 1 Corinthians

The larger context of the 1 Corinthians as a whole is important to a study of 1 Cor 13:8–12. After Paul’s introduction in 1:1–9, which leads strongly into his initial address, in 1:10–6:20 he mentions matters communicated to him through a personal report. But beginning in chapter 7, he responds to issues addressed to him in a written report,1 introducing the section with the words, “Now concerning the things about which you wrote ...” (7:1). He follows that with “now concerning virgins” in 7:25, “now concerning things sacrificed to idols” in 8:1

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