QUESTION: Why weren’t all of the gifts mentioned in I Corinthians 13:8?

ANSWER: In I Corinthians 13:8-12, the thrust was not to show that only specific gifts were to cease, but rather to show that that which was in part (the miraculous and the miraculous age, necessary for confirmation and edification) was to terminate when that which was “perfect/complete” came, as previously discussed. The point would have been made no stronger by citing all of the nine gifts, since the purpose of all was the same. Therefore, it is clear and understood by biblical scholars at all levels that the three mentioned are simply representative of the total. The principle is used throughout the scriptures, e.g., Acts 20:7: “breaking of bread” is a part of the worship that stands for the whole;that is, “breaking of bread” in this context, means “to worship.”