So, in the letters, how do we discern the difference between things that were temporary, and things intended for us today? Early Christians had no New Testament (it was in the making). They were given miraculous gifts of knowledge, with gifts that “confirmed the message” (Mark 16:20 cf. Hebrews 2:4). Paul wrote about their temporary nature as compared with enduring virtues.
As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away…. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:8, 13)
“Hope” and “faith” typically contrast with sight (Romans 8:24; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7). When temporary gifts passed away, hope and faith continued. Also, if miraculous gifts were given by the apostles’ hands (Acts 8:17-19; 19:6; 2 Timothy 1:6), that method ended with their passing. The purpose of prophetic and apostolic gifts was fulfilled in laying the foundation on which we now build (Ephesians 2:20). Does that lessen passages on miraculous gifts? Far from it. Along with honoring the Spirit’s early work, they are packed with principles for caring relationships, for edifying worship gatherings, for mutual care in the body (church) of Christ, and much more (1 Corinthians 12-14).