Ephesians 4 is also a passage that clearly shows that spiritual gifts had an expiration date. They would be given until they had served their purpose and the purpose for which they were given had been fulfilled.
Ephesians 4
13 …until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God…
until…
The key word here is until. These gifts were given for a specific period, namely until they ceased, as is also explained in 1 Corinthians 13, where the childish stage gives way to adulthood. We see the same principle in Ephesians 4.
Unity
The unity of faith and the unity of the understanding of the Son of God speak of the moment when the ecclesia would possess the Word of God in its complete form. Unity is the key concept here. No partial knowledge of faith and of the Son of God, as in the time of the spiritual gifts. Those revelations were piecemeal and local. But when God’s Word had been brought to completion, unity in faith and understanding of the Son of God would have been achieved.
Ephesians 4
13 …the mature man, to the measure of the full stature of Christ,
14 that we should no longer be infants…
from child to adult
Here, as in 1 Corinthians 13, it also concerns the childish stage that would transition into adulthood. The word rendered “infant” here is usually translated “child.” It is the same word that appears five times in 1 Corinthians 13:11.
Guidance
Until adulthood arrived, the ecclesia was like a child, immature, and needed guidance. God provided this guidance through apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. They guided and spoke with authority. When God’s word was completed, this stage of immaturity was over, and we find everything in His Word. As Paul also writes to Timothy:
2 Timothy 3
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching, for proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped, thoroughly prepared for every good work.
God’s Word is Perfect
All Scripture is given by God so that the believer may be thoroughly prepared for every good work. In His Word we possess everything, for it is perfect and complete! Therefore, spiritual gifts are no longer (necessary). What could they possibly add to something that is perfect?