1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Tongues Shall Cease

In 1 Corinthians 13:8–13, Paul teaches that while the miraculous sign gifts of prophecy, tongues, and revelatory knowledge were temporary and served to establish the early church during the giving of God's revelation, they would cease with the completion of Scripture. Using the illustrations of a child maturing into adulthood and a dim mirror giving way to clear sight, Paul points believers to the sufficiency of God's completed Word rather than ongoing revelation. In contrast to these temporary gifts, faith, hope, and especially charity abide forever, demonstrating that Christlike love—not spectacular gifts—is the true mark of spiritual maturity.