I’ve just wrapped up my studies for the evening in Romans 12. It’s very interesting to see some argument over the meaning of the ‘measure of faith” in v3. It reminds me of my studies over the last few weeks in 1 Corinthians 12-14. I’m no seminary-trained pastor, but I’ve had my nose buried in my share of commentaries, and after these few years you begin to notice some things.
What really stood out to me in looking at 1 Corinthians is how most of us, including myself, brutalize chapters 12-14 by looking to them only for proof-texts of our pet theological issues and not in proper context. In particular, as I was preparing for chapter 14, it seemed like the dispensational commentators were more concerned with keeping the reader from becoming charismatic than with actually explaining the text.
It was certainly cause for me to look at how my own biases influence my approach. Over the years some of my viewpoints have changed. One example of this is how I define the “perfect” in 1 Corinthians 13:10. In my heart I was fearful that in capitulating to the view that “the perfect” could not refer to the completed canon of Scripture, I would be opening the door to the charismatic view of modern-day tongues. This is a terrible and even irresponsible way to approach Bible study and it is sure to undermine sound hermeneutics.
As my understanding of Scripture has (hopefully!) improved, I now see that ! Corinthians 13:10 is not the cornerstone of argumentation that I once thought. My view of modern-day tongues has evolved (i.e. show me known but unlearned languages and I’ll show you Biblical tongues). But in many other respects I find that it is of utmost importance to humble myself before Scripture and strive to leave my own agendas at the door.
I find 1 Corinthians 12-14 to be a wasteland for isogesis and contextual abuse. These chapters are about the expression of the doctrine of the cross in the corporate life of the church. Explained in philosophy, motivated by love, and realized in edification. That there is much to be learned about the miraculous gifts is sure, but it is subordinate to Paul’s explanation of how the message of the cross has impacted our daily life and weekly corporate worship.
Matt,
Thanks for your reflection on this. Years ago, I was present for and regrettably guilty of some very unloving discussions of the end of 1 Corinthians 13, which is such a blatant hypocrisy considering the context.
I am convinced of the cessationist position based on the discrepancy between what is described then and witnessed now, but “the perfect” argumentation is not convincing to me. I have had similar difficulty finding commentators that thoroughly work out the questions regarding “the perfect”. Which did you find most helpful? I hope that when I see clearly face-to-face, God will put my uncertainty on this topic to rest 🙂
Matt,
Your position basically summarizes my views on the subject. The commentary I found most helpful was actually a book lent to me by Erik Raymond, “Showing the Spirit” by DA Carson. It is fair an even-handed, assessing many views on all the difficult massages, and there are many. A drawback is that it only looks at chapters 12-14. His book “The Cross and Christian Ministry” is outstanding also. Though it only covers chapters 1-10 or so, i found it to definitively shape my understanding of the whole book.