John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 13:9

"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;" — 1 Corinthians 13:9 (ASV)

He now proves that prophecy, and other gifts of that nature, pass away, because they are conferred upon us to help our infirmity. Now, our imperfection will one day have an end. Therefore, the use even of those gifts will, at the same time, be discontinued, for it would be absurd for them to remain and be of no use. They will, therefore, perish. This subject he pursues to the end of the chapter.

We know in part: this passage is misinterpreted by most people, as if it meant that our knowledge, and similarly our prophecy, is not yet perfect, but that we are daily making progress in them. Paul’s meaning, however, is this: that it is due to our imperfection that we currently have knowledge and prophecy. Therefore, the phrase in part means: “Because we are not yet perfect.” Knowledge and prophecy, therefore, have their place among us as long as that imperfection clings to us, for which they are helps.

It is true, indeed, that we should make progress throughout our whole lives, and that everything we have is merely begun. Let us observe, however, what Paul intends to prove: that the gifts in question are only temporary. Now, he proves this from the fact that their advantage is only for a time—as long as we aim at the mark by making progress every day.