Theological Emphasis
Love will be perfected in the eternal state when we "know fully" and see "face to face." Now we see dimly, love imperfectly; then we will love perfectly in the presence of Christ forever.
Application Themes
- 1Now is imperfect; then will be perfect
- 2Love will be complete in eternity
- 3We await face-to-face knowing
Preaching Angles
The perfect comes when Christ returns
Now is dimly; then is clearly
Eternity perfects what now is partial
Key Textual Observations
ἀγάπη (agape) in Greek was uncommon before Christians gave it new meaning
μακροθυμεῖ (patient) is literally "long-tempered"
τέλειον (perfect/complete) in v.10 points to eschatological fullness
Recommended Commentators for This Tradition
- John Walvoord
- Charles Ryrie
- J. Dwight Pentecost
- Arnold Fruchtenbaum
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