Lesson 474: 1 Corinthians 13:12
The Blueprint — The Verse
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
is the famous love chapter, placed between teaching on spiritual gifts. Corinthian believers prized spectacular gifts while neglecting love that builds the community.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More showed love's superiority to tongues, prophecy, knowledge, and sacrifice. He described love's character, then contrasted childhood seeing with mature face-to-face knowledge that awaits the eternal state.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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But now faithTrust in God’s character, promises, and guidance — choosing confidence in Him even when circumstances are uncertain. More, hope, and love remain — these three. The greatest of these is love.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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How does 'seeing through a glass darkly' describe our current knowledge?
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What will it mean to know fully when we see God face to face?
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How does eternal hope change how you handle partial understanding now?