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1 Corinthians 13:11
Verse
Context
Love
10but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.12Now 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.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When I was a child - This future state of blessedness is as far beyond the utmost perfection that can be attained in this world, as our adult state of Christianity is above our state of natural infancy, in which we understand only as children understand; speak only a few broken articulate words, and reason only as children reason; having few ideas, little knowledge but what may be called mere instinct, and that much less perfect than the instinct of the brute creation; and having no experience. But when we became men-adults, having gained much knowledge of men and things, we spoke and reasoned more correctly, having left off all the manners and habits of our childhood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
When . . . a child-- (Co1 3:1; Co1 14:20). I spake--alluding to "tongues." understood--or, "had the sentiments of." Alluding to "prophecy." I thought--Greek "reasoned" or "judged"; alluding to "knowledge." when I became . . . I put away--rather, "now that I am become a man, I have done away with the things of the child."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For now we see through a glass,.... In this present life, they that are enlightened by the Spirit of God, see God, the perfections and glory of his nature, the riches of his grace and goodness, as displayed in Christ; they behold the glory of Christ, as full of grace and truth, and are filled with love to him; the desires of their souls are after him, and they are changed into the same image by his Spirit; they discern the things of the Spirit of God; the veil being removed from them, they behold wondrous things, out of the law of God and Gospel of Christ, even such things as are unseen unto, and unknown by the natural man: but then it is all "through a glass"; not of the creatures; for though the invisible things of God may in some sort be seen and understood by the things that are made; and God, as the God of nature, may be seen in the works of creation and providence, yet not as the God of grace; it is only in his Son, and through the glass of the Gospel, he is to be beheld in this light: and so it is through the glass of the word and ordinances, that the glory of the person of Christ, of his offices, fulness of grace and righteousness, is only to be seen; in these he is evidently set forth to the eye of faith, as the surety, Saviour, and Redeemer of his people, and through these the knowledge of divine truths is communicated: and through all these but darkly: "in an enigma", or "riddle", or "dark saying", as the word here used may be rendered; that is, in this present state, in comparison of the future one; for though the sight of things under the Gospel dispensation is clear, and with open face, in comparison of the legal one, yet even this is very obscure, and attended with great darkness and imperfection, when compared with the beatific vision in heaven, which will have no manner of interruption and obscurity in it: but then face to face: there will be no intervening mediums of vision; not the glass of the word and ordinances; there will be no need of them, God and Christ will be seen as they are; the judgments of God, his providential dispensations, will be all made manifest, and will be legible without the help of a glass; the doctrines of grace and truth will lie open and clear, free of all dark speeches, obscure hints, or enigmatical expressions: and as there will be nothing to intervene by way of assistance, there being no need of any, there will be nothing to intercept the sight; the objects will be nigh, even face to face; the view will be full and clear, the sight will be perfect, as well as the converse with the objects will be familiar; and which, without the least obstruction, will always so continue: there seems to be here a double reference, partly to what the Lord says of Moses, in Num 12:8 "with him will I speak, mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches"; and partly to what the Jews say of him, with a view to the same passage: "all the prophets (say they (s)) looked through a glass, which did not give light; (or, as they sometimes say, which was spotted, and was not clear;) Moses our master looked , "through a glass that gave light";'' or, as elsewhere, was bright and clear, and without any spot. Again, they say (t), "all the prophets prophesied by the means of an angel; hence they saw what they saw , "by way of parable and riddle", or dark saying; Moses our master did not prophesy by the means of an angel; as it is said, "with him will I speak mouth to mouth"; and it is said, "the Lord spake to Moses, face to face"; and it is also said, "the similitude of the Lord shall he behold"; as if it was said, that there should be no parable; but he should see the thing clearly without a parable; of which likewise the law testifies, saying, "apparently, and not in dark speeches"; for he did not prophesy "by way of riddle"; (in an enigmatical way, darkly;) but apparently, for he saw the matter clearly.'' The two glasses, clear and not clear, the Cabalistic doctors call "tiphereth" and "malchuth" (u). ""Tiphereth" (they say) is a clear and well polished glass, by which Moses prophesied and had visions, "and saw all things most exactly", in a very singular manner; "malchuth" is the glass that is not clear; so that he that prophesies by that, prophesies "by riddle", and parable.'' Now the apostle suggests, that as there was such a difference between Moses and the rest of the prophets, the one saw clearly, the other through a glass darkly; a like, yea, a much greater difference there is between the clearest views saints have of divine things now, and those they shall be blessed with hereafter, and which he exemplifies in himself: now I know in part; though not a whit behind the chief of the apostles; though his knowledge in the mystery of Christ was such, as had not been given to any in ages and generations past; and though he had been caught up into the third heaven and had heard words not lawful to be uttered, yet owns his knowledge in the present state to be but imperfect; which may be instructive to such, who are apt to entertain an high opinion of themselves, and dream of perfection in this life: but then shall I know, even as I am known; in the other world and state, he signifies that he should know God, Christ, angels, and glorified saints, and all truths in a perfect manner, even as he was known of God and Christ perfectly, allowing for the difference between the Creator and the creature; his sense is, that he should have as full and complete a knowledge of persons and things as he was capable of; it would be like, though not equal to, the knowledge which God had of him; and which would be attended with the strongest love and affection to the objects known, even as he was known and loved of God. (s) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 49. 2. Vajikra Rabba, sect. 1. fol. 147. 2. Zohar in Gen. fol. 30. 2. & 98. 3. & 103. 3. & in Exod. x. 3. & xi. 3. & xiv. 4. & 34, 2. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 46. 4. & 170. 2. Shaare ora, fol. 26. 2. (t) Maimon. Jesode Hatora, c. 7. sect. 6. (u) Lex. Cabal. p. 139. R. Moses in Sepher Hashem in ib.
1 Corinthians 13:11
Love
10but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.12Now 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Dating Sermon
By Paul Washer23K1:34:25DatingISA 1:6MAT 6:331CO 13:11EPH 6:12PHP 1:62TI 2:22HEB 13:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls. The speaker emphasizes the importance of men working, striving, fighting, studying, and thinking. He also mentions the world's perspective on beauty and contrasts it with what the Bible says about beauty. The speaker then transitions to discussing the qualities of a godly husband, including laying down his life for his wife, having integrity and respect for her, and providing for her economically. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about an art exhibit the speaker visited in Lima, Peru, where he encountered a provocative image of a naked woman in a bathtub.
Behaviors That Bind Us
By Charles Stanley11K18:44BehaviorsPRO 22:6MAT 6:19MAT 6:331CO 3:11CO 13:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children that their sense of security comes from a relationship with God, rather than material possessions. The speaker also discusses how a distorted view of God can be formed through negative experiences with parents, particularly fathers. One example given is when a child feels like they can never measure up to their father's expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a distorted view of God as a taskmaster. The speaker encourages listeners to understand the behaviors that bind them in life and trace them back to their root causes, in order to find healing and freedom.
The Wonder
By Vance Havner2.1K38:36MAT 18:3MAT 19:14MRK 10:141CO 13:11EPH 5:141TH 1:31TI 4:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the loss of wonder and imagination in children as they grow older. He mentions how children are full of curiosity and imagination, but as they become exposed to more things through technology, they become cynical and lose their sense of wonder. The preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder and encourages the congregation to not lose it. He also mentions the importance of making decisions and following through with obedience, using the story of the prodigal son as an example.
What God Requires - Walking Humbly Before God
By Zac Poonen1.5K58:57MIC 6:8MAT 11:29LUK 10:191CO 13:11GAL 1:10PHP 2:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking humbly with God, focusing on righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God's will. It highlights the need to seek God's approval rather than seeking honor from men, to rejoice in what God has done for us, and to be aware of subtle pride in our actions and words. The message encourages humility, obedience, and a deep reliance on God's grace to be a blessing to others.
Three Stages of Spiritual Growth - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:13ACT 20:351CO 13:11EPH 4:151JN 2:13REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing Jesus into every area of our lives, particularly our minds, to use our abilities and resources for His kingdom. It challenges believers to move from being spiritual children who only receive blessings to becoming spiritual fathers and mothers who give sacrificially and bless others. The message highlights the choice we have in either remaining self-focused or embracing the responsibilities and blessings of spiritual maturity.
The Full Gospel of the Glory of Christ
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:01:09GEN 1:3PSA 103:3JHN 1:141CO 13:112CO 3:182CO 4:42CO 4:6GAL 3:241TI 6:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a self-centered, materialistic approach to faith and embracing the true gospel of the glory of Jesus Christ. It highlights the need to shift from seeking personal gain to desiring to serve God wholeheartedly, allowing the Holy Spirit to remove spiritual blindness and transform lives into the likeness of Christ.
Living Like Christ Lived (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen1.1K58:10PRO 3:5JHN 16:14JHN 17:3JHN 21:25ROM 5:101CO 13:11GAL 5:22EPH 4:15HEB 5:12JUD 1:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a focus solely on Christ's death on the cross to also understanding and embodying His life on earth. It highlights the need to be led by the Holy Spirit to live a Christ-like life, showing love, humility, and patience in all situations. The speaker encourages believers to grow beyond being spiritual babies, to be mature and loving individuals who reflect Jesus in their daily interactions.
New Year Message 2 of 4 :Be Like a Little Child
By Zac Poonen94051:57ISA 11:6JOL 2:25MAT 18:31CO 13:111CO 14:20EPH 3:18PHP 2:9COL 3:23JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of becoming like little children in God's kingdom, focusing on humility, dependence on God, transparency, teachability, and freedom from critical judgment and worldly ambitions. It encourages seeking the genuine fullness of the Holy Spirit to bring heaven into our hearts, leading to a life filled with the aroma of heaven. The speaker urges listeners to let go of pride, comparison, and pretense, and to approach God with childlike trust, simplicity, and eagerness to learn, ensuring a blessed and transformed life in the new year.
Childlike Wonder
By Phil Beach Jr.3923:08ChildlikenessChildlike FaithWonder Of GodPSA 139:14MAT 18:3MRK 10:14JHN 1:12ROM 8:161CO 13:11GAL 4:6EPH 2:19HEB 11:11PE 2:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder and faith in our relationship with God, drawing inspiration from his daughter's innocent awe at the world around her. He reflects on how adults often lose this sense of wonder due to intellectualism and the burdens of life, which can lead to spiritual stagnation. Beach urges the congregation to seek a deeper, more vibrant connection with God, one that is filled with the splendor and majesty of His presence, akin to the imagination and joy found in childhood. He highlights that true understanding of God transcends mere theology and requires a heart that is open and vulnerable, much like that of a child. Ultimately, he calls for a restoration of this childlike faith to experience the fullness of God's love and power.
Call to Sonship - Heb 4_12
By Phil Beach Jr.3352:03SonshipObedience through SufferingPSA 139:23MAT 16:24JHN 15:5ROM 7:141CO 13:112CO 12:9PHP 3:10HEB 4:12HEB 5:8JAS 1:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the call to sonship through the lens of Hebrews 4:12, illustrating that true obedience is often learned through suffering and tears. He explains that just as Jesus learned obedience through His own struggles, believers must also confront their self-reliance and trust in God alone. The process of spiritual growth involves a willingness to accept responsibility and allow God's Word to penetrate deeply into our hearts, revealing our true motives and idols. Beach encourages Christians not to be discouraged by their struggles, as these are signs of growth and an invitation to deeper union with Christ. Ultimately, he highlights that the path of discipleship requires a commitment to deny oneself and embrace the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Putting Away Childish Things
By J.R. Miller0Spiritual MaturityChildlikeness vs. ChildishnessMAT 18:3ROM 12:101CO 13:11GAL 5:22EPH 4:14PHP 2:3COL 3:12HEB 5:12JAS 3:161PE 2:1J.R. Miller emphasizes the distinction between childlikeness and childishness, urging believers to embrace the former while rejecting the latter. He highlights that childlikeness embodies humility, simplicity, and trust, which are essential for entering the kingdom of Heaven, while childishness represents immaturity and weakness that should be left behind as one matures. Miller illustrates how adult behaviors such as pouting, jealousy, and envy reflect a failure to grow up spiritually, and he encourages individuals to cultivate a spirit of grace and humility instead. He calls for a commitment to put away childish behaviors and to embrace a more mature, Christlike disposition in all aspects of life.
On Adolescence
By Art Katz0Authority in the ChurchSpiritual Maturity1CO 13:11EPH 4:14Art Katz discusses the spiritual parallels of adolescence within the church, likening its current state to the tumultuous teenage years characterized by self-centeredness, rebellion against authority, and a quest for identity and significance. He highlights the church's indulgence in superficiality and the rejection of substantial authority, mirroring the behaviors of adolescents who prioritize peer approval over parental guidance. Katz emphasizes the need for maturity and the dangers of remaining in this adolescent phase, which can lead to spiritual stagnation and chaos. He calls for a deeper understanding and correction within the body of Christ to foster growth and responsibility. The sermon serves as a wake-up call for the church to recognize its current struggles and seek a path toward spiritual maturity.
Winning the Young
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 71:17PSA 127:3PRO 1:8PRO 22:6ECC 12:1MAT 19:141CO 13:111TI 4:122TI 2:22J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the importance of reaching out to the youth to turn them to Christ, emphasizing that youth is the easiest time to accept Jesus before the grip of sin becomes stronger. He shares stories of individuals who found Christ in their youth and urges parents and teachers to influence young hearts. Chapman highlights the impact of personal work for the young, noting that many influential figures in the Church came to Christ at a young age. He stresses the urgency of guiding youth towards Christ before the allure of sin becomes overwhelming.
Be Perfect as Our Father in Heaven Is Perfect
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAT 5:481CO 11:11CO 13:11EPH 4:15EPH 5:11TI 4:12HEB 5:12HEB 12:51PE 4:11JN 2:15Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the journey to spiritual adulthood, emphasizing the call to be perfect and merciful like our heavenly Father, to imitate God, and to follow Christ as Paul did. He highlights the importance of leaders modeling faith, love, and purity, and the need for believers to grow up spiritually by craving the Word of God. The sermon stresses the necessity of submitting to God's discipline and child training to reach maturity in Christ, warning against resisting the Holy Spirit and hindering the growing up process.
Homily 17 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 2:11MAT 5:45MAT 6:141CO 13:112CO 6:14EPH 4:32John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of imitating God by being kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving towards one another, just as God forgave us through Christ's sacrifice. He emphasizes the need to walk in love, following Christ's example of sacrificial love. Chrysostom warns against engaging in jesting, filthiness, and foolish talking, urging believers to instead give thanks and avoid behaviors unbecoming of saints. He highlights the significance of imitating God as beloved children and living a life of love and forgiveness, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ.
A Pearl of Great Price
By G.W. North0The Cross of ChristWisdomMAT 7:61CO 1:181CO 2:51CO 3:31CO 13:111CO 14:20GAL 2:20PHP 3:10COL 2:3JAS 1:5G.W. North emphasizes the tragedy of the Corinthians who, in their pursuit of wisdom, became carnal and misused spiritual gifts for selfish ends, leading to a hollow expression of faith. He highlights that true wisdom, represented as a pearl of great price, is unique and should not be debased by worldly desires. North teaches that to be a true Christian, one must embrace the crucifixion of self, as a crucified person is eternally alive in Christ. He warns that any wisdom or gifts not rooted in the power of the crucified Christ are ultimately ineffective and devoid of spiritual value. The sermon calls for a return to the understanding that true wisdom and power come only through the cross of Christ.
Our Spiritual Objective
By Derek Prince01CO 13:11PHP 3:12HEB 6:1HEB 10:38JAS 1:4Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of moving towards maturity, fulfillment, and completion in our spiritual journey, rather than being stagnant in our faith. He highlights the misconception of sinless perfection and the negative impact of hypocritical attitudes on the pursuit of spiritual growth. Prince encourages believers to have a spiritual objective and to continue progressing in their salvation, avoiding turning back from the path of righteousness.
The Man and His Ministry
By J.C. Philpot0PRO 27:231CO 13:111TI 4:15HEB 13:171PE 5:2J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of evaluating a man of God's ministry as a whole, considering his growth and changes over time, from youth to maturity to old age. Philpot warns against forming premature judgments based on one period of a minister's career, urging listeners to observe the minister's entire journey. He also highlights the significance of a minister's impact on his hearers, noting that the character and depth of the congregation can serve as a testimony to the authenticity and effectiveness of the minister's preaching.
Can You Hear What the Spirit Is Saying?
By Chip Brogden0PSA 19:1PSA 119:105PRO 3:5ISA 30:21JHN 10:27ROM 8:141CO 13:11HEB 11:1JAS 1:5Chip Brogden preaches about God's desire to confound us in order to teach us to walk by the Spirit, leading us away from relying solely on feelings and experiences to a deeper reliance on faith and maturity in hearing God's voice. As we grow, God weans us from seeking constant spiritual highs and teaches us to discern His guidance in more subtle ways, including through the Bible, creation, and ordinary people and circumstances. The Lord's methods of communication evolve as we mature, moving from extraordinary means to a more intuitive, Spirit-led guidance that requires humility, patience, and a deeper understanding of His ways.
I Know Whom I Have Believed
By Chip Brogden01CO 13:11PHP 3:10COL 2:2HEB 5:122PE 3:18Chip Brogden delivers a sermon on the stages of spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of moving from knowing WHAT we believe to understanding WHY we believe, and ultimately reaching the pinnacle of maturity by knowing WHO we believe in - Jesus Christ. He highlights the journey from being spiritually immature, heavily influenced by external sources, to becoming a mature believer who is liberated from limiting beliefs and possesses a deep, personal relationship with Christ. Brogden encourages self-examination to ensure continual growth and maturation in the knowledge of Christ, urging believers to embrace questioning, seeking, and a genuine hunger for truth.
Full-Fledged Sons
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 46:1ISA 8:11MAT 10:281CO 13:112CO 6:18GAL 4:1EPH 6:101PE 2:8Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of growing into full-fledged sons and daughters of God, highlighting that Jesus did not begin His ministry until He reached full manhood, symbolizing the need for maturity in our spiritual walk. He urges believers to move beyond mere spiritual experiences and ecstasies, emphasizing the necessity of walking in the footsteps of Jesus, carrying our cross, and enduring reproach for His sake. Bieber stresses the significance of having a new walk with Jesus, a mind unshaken by circumstances, a vision of God's holiness, a reverent fear of God, and finding our sanctuary in Him alone.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When I was a child - This future state of blessedness is as far beyond the utmost perfection that can be attained in this world, as our adult state of Christianity is above our state of natural infancy, in which we understand only as children understand; speak only a few broken articulate words, and reason only as children reason; having few ideas, little knowledge but what may be called mere instinct, and that much less perfect than the instinct of the brute creation; and having no experience. But when we became men-adults, having gained much knowledge of men and things, we spoke and reasoned more correctly, having left off all the manners and habits of our childhood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
When . . . a child-- (Co1 3:1; Co1 14:20). I spake--alluding to "tongues." understood--or, "had the sentiments of." Alluding to "prophecy." I thought--Greek "reasoned" or "judged"; alluding to "knowledge." when I became . . . I put away--rather, "now that I am become a man, I have done away with the things of the child."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For now we see through a glass,.... In this present life, they that are enlightened by the Spirit of God, see God, the perfections and glory of his nature, the riches of his grace and goodness, as displayed in Christ; they behold the glory of Christ, as full of grace and truth, and are filled with love to him; the desires of their souls are after him, and they are changed into the same image by his Spirit; they discern the things of the Spirit of God; the veil being removed from them, they behold wondrous things, out of the law of God and Gospel of Christ, even such things as are unseen unto, and unknown by the natural man: but then it is all "through a glass"; not of the creatures; for though the invisible things of God may in some sort be seen and understood by the things that are made; and God, as the God of nature, may be seen in the works of creation and providence, yet not as the God of grace; it is only in his Son, and through the glass of the Gospel, he is to be beheld in this light: and so it is through the glass of the word and ordinances, that the glory of the person of Christ, of his offices, fulness of grace and righteousness, is only to be seen; in these he is evidently set forth to the eye of faith, as the surety, Saviour, and Redeemer of his people, and through these the knowledge of divine truths is communicated: and through all these but darkly: "in an enigma", or "riddle", or "dark saying", as the word here used may be rendered; that is, in this present state, in comparison of the future one; for though the sight of things under the Gospel dispensation is clear, and with open face, in comparison of the legal one, yet even this is very obscure, and attended with great darkness and imperfection, when compared with the beatific vision in heaven, which will have no manner of interruption and obscurity in it: but then face to face: there will be no intervening mediums of vision; not the glass of the word and ordinances; there will be no need of them, God and Christ will be seen as they are; the judgments of God, his providential dispensations, will be all made manifest, and will be legible without the help of a glass; the doctrines of grace and truth will lie open and clear, free of all dark speeches, obscure hints, or enigmatical expressions: and as there will be nothing to intervene by way of assistance, there being no need of any, there will be nothing to intercept the sight; the objects will be nigh, even face to face; the view will be full and clear, the sight will be perfect, as well as the converse with the objects will be familiar; and which, without the least obstruction, will always so continue: there seems to be here a double reference, partly to what the Lord says of Moses, in Num 12:8 "with him will I speak, mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches"; and partly to what the Jews say of him, with a view to the same passage: "all the prophets (say they (s)) looked through a glass, which did not give light; (or, as they sometimes say, which was spotted, and was not clear;) Moses our master looked , "through a glass that gave light";'' or, as elsewhere, was bright and clear, and without any spot. Again, they say (t), "all the prophets prophesied by the means of an angel; hence they saw what they saw , "by way of parable and riddle", or dark saying; Moses our master did not prophesy by the means of an angel; as it is said, "with him will I speak mouth to mouth"; and it is said, "the Lord spake to Moses, face to face"; and it is also said, "the similitude of the Lord shall he behold"; as if it was said, that there should be no parable; but he should see the thing clearly without a parable; of which likewise the law testifies, saying, "apparently, and not in dark speeches"; for he did not prophesy "by way of riddle"; (in an enigmatical way, darkly;) but apparently, for he saw the matter clearly.'' The two glasses, clear and not clear, the Cabalistic doctors call "tiphereth" and "malchuth" (u). ""Tiphereth" (they say) is a clear and well polished glass, by which Moses prophesied and had visions, "and saw all things most exactly", in a very singular manner; "malchuth" is the glass that is not clear; so that he that prophesies by that, prophesies "by riddle", and parable.'' Now the apostle suggests, that as there was such a difference between Moses and the rest of the prophets, the one saw clearly, the other through a glass darkly; a like, yea, a much greater difference there is between the clearest views saints have of divine things now, and those they shall be blessed with hereafter, and which he exemplifies in himself: now I know in part; though not a whit behind the chief of the apostles; though his knowledge in the mystery of Christ was such, as had not been given to any in ages and generations past; and though he had been caught up into the third heaven and had heard words not lawful to be uttered, yet owns his knowledge in the present state to be but imperfect; which may be instructive to such, who are apt to entertain an high opinion of themselves, and dream of perfection in this life: but then shall I know, even as I am known; in the other world and state, he signifies that he should know God, Christ, angels, and glorified saints, and all truths in a perfect manner, even as he was known of God and Christ perfectly, allowing for the difference between the Creator and the creature; his sense is, that he should have as full and complete a knowledge of persons and things as he was capable of; it would be like, though not equal to, the knowledge which God had of him; and which would be attended with the strongest love and affection to the objects known, even as he was known and loved of God. (s) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol. 49. 2. Vajikra Rabba, sect. 1. fol. 147. 2. Zohar in Gen. fol. 30. 2. & 98. 3. & 103. 3. & in Exod. x. 3. & xi. 3. & xiv. 4. & 34, 2. Tzeror Hammor, fol. 46. 4. & 170. 2. Shaare ora, fol. 26. 2. (t) Maimon. Jesode Hatora, c. 7. sect. 6. (u) Lex. Cabal. p. 139. R. Moses in Sepher Hashem in ib.