Perhaps there is a degree of implicitness associated with the question, but it is not a total implicitness.

1 Cor 13:8 "Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."

The question of "extraordinary" or "sign" gift should not be confined to miracle-working. If miracles are still present, then it follows that there should be other indicators of signs present as well--such as prophecy (continuing revelation), tongues (mastery of a recognizable language--correct syntax and grammar included, please--without previous study), and knowledge (Spirit-endowed intuition or information). But if these are not to be expected, then neither should miracle-workings be expected.

Scripture does not record uninterrupted miracles occurring from Creation to the Apostles. Rather, the miracles of the Bible are mainly confined to three extraordinary periods: the Exodus, Elisha/Elijah, and the Apostolic age. God did amazing things at other times, but rarely through human agency, which is what so much "miracle working" these days is all about. People want a following, they want self-authentication. But the church doesn't require a new establishment or foundation.

Paul's words to the Corinthians in vv8-10 do not need to be referred to the "perfection" of glory, or the end of everything. He is in the middle of extended argument for the superiority of the less-extravagant or "notable" gifts. In that context, I would argue that he is explaining that these "showy" demonstrations will no longer be necessary or useful. They have limitations, being "in part" and never "perfect". The fullness, or perfection, of NT revelation is not long in coming. He may well be referring to another kind of "fullness of knowledge" in v12. But this would only reinforce the argument: someday we will have the kind of face-to-face knowledge that will transcend even the present-age need for a full, permanently written revelation. But, v13, for now (in this age) abide faith, hope, and love [for as he asks in Rom 8:24--"Who hopes for what he sees?"].

__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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