1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't just talking about growing up; he's highlighting that even spiritual maturity involves leaving behind immature ways of understanding God and His purposes. The emphasis is on a fundamental shift in perspective, moving from limited, self-focused reasoning to a deeper, more mature grasp of spiritual truths. This isn't just about age, but about a profound transformation in how we think and perceive reality.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's immaturity and their factions, comparing their current spiritual state to that of children. He's just explained how all spiritual gifts, even prophecy and speaking in tongues, are temporary and will cease, making it clear that a more mature understanding is needed. This verse emphasizes that just as a child grows into adulthood and leaves behind childish things, so too should believers mature in their faith and move beyond immature ways of thinking and acting.
Ever look back at your teenage self and cringe a little? That's the feeling Paul is tapping into here.
Paul uses the metaphor of childhood to describe the early, immature stage of spiritual understanding and expression.
Childlike Stages:
The Maturing Process:
When Paul says, 'When I became a man, I gave up childish ways,' he's talking about a transition. This isn't about losing innocence, but about shedding immaturity. In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, this maturity is directly linked to embodying love. It means moving from a self-focused, limited understanding to a more profound, selfless, and comprehensive way of living and relating, especially within the community of faith.
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Paul just spent chapter 13 extolling the virtues of love. So, what's the ultimate sign that we've 'grown up' spiritually?
The entire argument of 1 Corinthians 13 points to love as the supreme gift and the defining characteristic of spiritual maturity. The 'childish ways' are those that lack true, self-sacrificing love.
Understand the original words
nēpios · Greek Noun/Adjective
Refers to the state of being an infant or minor, characterized by immaturity, lack of understanding, and dependency. In a spiritual sense, it often represents the early, undeveloped stages of Christian growth.
anēr · Greek Noun
The state of being an adult; in a biblical context, it implies maturity, completeness, and spiritual stability as opposed to the instability of infancy.
katargeō · Greek Verb
To cease, abolish, or put away; it signifies a decisive action to abandon former states or behaviors in favor of a new, mature reality.
This passage speaks about the 'natural person' not accepting spiritual things, much like a child's undeveloped understanding, highlighting the need for mature spiritual discernment that comes with growth.
Ephesians 4:14It describes believers being tossed to and fro by false teachings, no longer being children, which directly parallels the idea of outgrowing childish ways and reaching spiritual maturity.
Hebrews 5:12-13This text contrasts those who are immature and still need milk with those who, through training, have reached maturity and can handle solid food, illustrating the progression from undeveloped to seasoned understanding.
Colossians 1:9-10Paul prays for believers to be filled with knowledge and wisdom, walking in a manner worthy of the Lord and growing in their understanding, echoing the theme of spiritual development beyond a childlike state.
Paul isn't just talking about growing up; he's highlighting that even spiritual maturity involves leaving behind immature ways of understanding God and His purposes. The emphasis is on a fundamental shift in perspective, moving from limited, self-focused reasoning to a deeper, more mature grasp of spiritual truths. This isn't just about age, but about a profound transformation in how we think and perceive reality.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's immaturity and their factions, comparing their current spiritual state to that of children. He's just explained how all spiritual gifts, even prophecy and speaking in tongues, are temporary and will cease, making it clear that a more mature understanding is needed. This verse emphasizes that just as a child grows into adulthood and leaves behind childish things, so too should believers mature in their faith and move beyond immature ways of thinking and acting.
Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's immaturity and their factions, comparing their current spiritual state to that of children. He's just explained how all spiritual gifts, even prophecy and speaking in tongues, are temporary and will cease, making it clear that a more mature understanding is needed. This verse emphasizes that just as a child grows into adulthood and leaves behind childish things, so too should believers mature in their faith and move beyond immature ways of thinking and acting.
"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." — Paul isn't just talking about growing up; he's highlighting that even spiritual maturity involves leaving behind immature ways of understanding God and His purposes. The emphasis is on a fundamenta…
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