1 Corinthians 2
1And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
6However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.#
Wisdom in 1Corinthians 1-3 is a book of problems. Paul focuses on issues of things that tore at the unity of the church. First problem addressed was divisions that developed. At Corinth as little groups formed, claming allegiance to this or that leader. Paul invited the Corinthians to think about the nature of wisdom, for he believed their division was caused by the application of merely human wisdom to spiritual issues.
OT (Old Testament) wisdom. Wisdom literature in the OT includes Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, And several Psalms.(19, 37, 104, 107, 147, 148) wisdom literature does not express itself in terms prescriptive law. Nor even in exposition of Mosaic Law. Rather, wisdom literature describes a life style, contrasting the wise and foolish choices that individuals make. Only one who approaches life with a deep awe and fear of the Lord will discover and apply wisdom. OT
NT (New Testament) NT wisdom is “Sophia” Greek. The concept of wisdom is expressed in the Greek NT by Sophia. In Greek culture “wisdom” represents an unusual ability, an attribute. By Nt times the subject of wisdom was philosophic or speculative knowledge. Words in this group appear seldom in the gospels. But when they do appear, they are used in OT sense. The greater number of uses for “wise” and “wisdom” are clustered in 1 Cor. 1-3. In the rest of the NT wisdom focuses on that same practice of the Godly life that is the concern of the OT.
Wisdom personified in Proverbs
One section of the book of Proverbs uses a distinctive literacy device: it presents wisdom as a women. The use of this device in Proverbs 1-9 is partly explained by the fact that the noun “wisdom” is feminine. Yet the is powerful. Leading some scholars to speculate that the wisdom mentioned in proverbs is the Logo’s of the NT. Most , however, doubt such an identification
Having denounced the divisive spirit which Characterized the Corinthian assembly, the apostle Paul. Addresses the Corinthians. Paul states the real genius of the Christian assembly is unity, not controversy. Chapter 2 is based on stating while the former deals with a worldly attitude, the latter deals with a worldly mentality. His message is in demonstration of divine wisdom.
Human wisdom-I.e.~ man’s approach to the problem of relationship with god- is thus demonstrated to be foolishness, Though God’s approach is viewed as foolishness by the world. Paul shows for a correct perspective, one must gain access to the very thought process of God.
Wisdom of divine power (2:1-5)
2:1-2 I=did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to the testimony of God
Paul was a brilliant scholar, easily he could have overwhelmed his listeners with intellectual arguments and persuasive oratory. Instead he just let the Holly Spirit lead the teaching through him. The Holly spirit gives a power to our words.
As said in Vs 2 I Determined Not to know .
Determined Greek 2919 krino, Kree-no, proposition to distinguish. As a verb, means to distinguish, choose to condemn.
Paul chooses to condemn his own knowledge and choosing to follow divine wisdom.
Vs 4 but in demonstration of the spirit and of power
Paul announces that his speech, his preaching, were not persuasive, or of human wisdom. Demonstrating how powerful the Holy Spirit was to have one trained in human wisdom, to be set in humility and in modesty by the spirit of god. Also to know as human that our own opinions, knowledge, and training influence our actions and speech. But to be set apart from the world. To remove worldly mentality and worldly attitude. To actually be able to keep your mouth shut but words still come out.
Vs 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of man but in the power of God.
Here we have Paul stating that his clever speech and polished orientation can save no one. Furthermore, he knows if they are merely drawn by the logic of his arguments, their faith will be at the mercy of the next man who comes with a more clever presentation. “Their faith should stand in the power of God.”
Wisdom of divine origin 2:6-9
Vs 6 We speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of the age, nor of the rulers of this age.
Paul does not depreciate wisdom as some anti-intellectuals do today. On the contrary, what Paul is the only true wisdom. Paul wants them to know his message has not changed. but the wisdom could only be appreciated buy those who are perfect ( mature ) Paul can not resist the use of irony in “are coming to nothing” Who are being ineffective.
vs. 7 but we speak the wisdom of God as a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory.
This hidden wisdom spoken of by Paul here must be received by the Holly Spirit to train your mind to understand the “Rama” living word of God. 4487 rhema, ray-mah, the word of God,
Ephesians 6:17 The sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.
Here the reference as not to the whole bible as such, but to the individual scripture which the spirit brings to our remembrance for use in the time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the mind with scripture.
vs. 7 this is the “wisdom of God” in contrast to the grouping speculation of fallen men, Paul’s message is the unchanging truth of God.
Sophia , 4678 , sof-ee-ah, higher or lower, worldly or spiritual, broad and full of intelligence, is used of knowledge of very diverse matters. Here is the wisdom that belongs to man, human wisdom. Specifically varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, and summoned up in proverbs and Science and learning. The act of interpreting dreams and always giving the sagest advise. The intelligence in discovering the meaning of some mysteries number or vision. Skilled in the management of affairs. Devout and proper prudence in intercourse with man not disciples of Christ. (jude25). This word also denotes the wisdom of God as evidence informing and executive counsels in the formation and government of the world and the scriptures.
Nt wisdom “Sophia” in greek culture “wisdom” represents an unusual ability, an atribute, by Nt times the subject of wisdom was philosophic or speculative knowledge. Words in this group appear seldom in the gospels, but when they do appear, they are used in OT sense. The great number of uses for “wise” and “wisdom” are clustered in 1 Cor 1-3 in the rest of the Nt wisdom focused on that . Same practice of the Godly life that is the concern of the Ot.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31. 18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
20Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”
Paul notes that the worlds Sophia “wisdom” did not bring it to a knowledge of God this is because the Jews(who demanded miracles) and the Greeks (who look for wisdom in the sense of a philosophical system) approach god on their own terms , such as do those in the world today. Their basic orientation to life left no room to recognize Christ as the power and wisdom of god 1 Cor1:24.
Vs 7 Mystery 3466 moos-tay-ree-on , derived from muo(to shut the mouth) Greek, in NT it denotes, not the mysterious (as with the English word) but that which, being outside the range of unassisted natural apprehension, can only be made known by Devine revelation, and is made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God. And to those only who are illuminated by the Holy Spirit. The ordinary since means or implied knowledge withheld.
In the OT the word “mystery “ or “secret” only appears in Daniel 2: 18,19, 27, 28, 29 ,30, 47. 49. It relates specifically to Gods revelation through Daniel of dreams and visions whose meanings were hidden to others. It occurs only 27 times in the NT . 20 of which are in Paul’s writings. It is used as an insight into some present-day Christian experience of future expectation not unveiled.
Vs 8 None of the rulers of this age : for had they know they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Jesus was misunderstood and rejected by those whom the world considered wise and great. He was put to death by the leaders in Palestine_ the high priest, king Herod, Pilate, and Pharisees. And Sadducees. Jesus rejected by their leaders was predicted in Isaiah 53:3 and Zechariah 12:10-11.
Human kind has failed to acknowledge God. But failure to acknowledge God has consequences. Mankind’s thinking has been distorted by refusal to fit God into its perception of the world. And this has led to intellectual and moral folly. God has given mankind a nature that also recognizes moral issues, man continues to act against that innate knowledge. Romans 7: 17-32 God has revealed himself in words. When God had revealed his own moral standards in the world, he intended to give man not only more knowledge about himself but also self knowledge. As Paul recognized he was a sinner so shall we reshape our perception when observing our outer and inner reactions. Relying only on Christ and not our own judgments and moral potential. As in 1 Corinthians 2 Paul criticizes the philosophers approach to knowledge. Thee Greek thinkers supposed they could grasp the nature of reality by applying rational processes to evaluate the data they gained by observing the universe. Paul states that the shape of reality can only be known through revelation, for Gods spirit must communicate the things known only by God. Some information is simply not available to humanity through the senses.
Vs 9 Paul employs Isaiah 64:4 “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love him”
To demonstrate the wisdom of God is not of human origin. Contrasting Vs 10 not knowing what god has in store for us in this lifetime and eternity until then his Holy Spirit guides us and comforts us.
Quote from Empedocles. ~” weak and narrow minded are the powers implanted in the limbs of man. ; many of the woes that fall on them and blunt the edges of thought; short is the measure of life and death through which they toil. Then they are born away; like smoke the vanish into air; and what they dream is what little each has stumbled upon in wandering about the world. Yet they boast all they have learned all the whole. Vain fools! For what no eye has seen, nor ear has heard , nor can it be conceived by the mind of man.”
Wisdom of divine perception 2:10-16
One can not move from data obtained from the material universe to deduct the whole, for only God knows the reality beyond the material. AS 1 Corinthians 2 10 God has chosen to reveal himself and reality to us.
Vs 10 refers to those things concerning God that cannot be discovered by human beings apart from special revelation, such as his attributes and his intentions.
The deep things of God are Jesus’ resurrection. And Gods plan for salvation. Revealed only to those who choose to believe that what God says is true. This knowledge, however, cannot be grasped by ever the wisest people unless the accept Gods message. All who reject Gods message are foolish, no matter how wise the world thinks they are.
The truth which the apostle Paul is speaking about =. Is not truth that remains hidden to every human heart; on the contrary, it is revealed unto us. For the mature believer all that God has revealed is open.
Paul is talking about the doctrine of revelation for the believer today. The truth he is talking about is contained in that record which God has given us the Bible.
Vs 11 Deals with doctrine of illumination, which has to deal with human perception of divine truth.
The things of God can only be recognized by the highest element of human personality. The spirit.
They have not entered the heart but he spirit Vs 9. The spirit being the principle point of contact with God. Since the truth of God is divine origin, it requires divine enablement to properly understand it.
Doctrine of inspiration
Vs 12 Paul talks about the content of inspiration. “that we may know the things that are freely given to us by god”
Vs 13 is the communication of inspiration “these things we also speak” Paul’s message is of human scheme. . He was a channel, simply communicating Gods truth.
The term “comparing” comparing spiritual things with spiritual only appears here and in 1 Corinthians 10:12. The meaning is clearly “compare” however in classic Greek, the term was always used in the since of “ to compound” or “ to interpret” having established the principles how God’s truth is made known. The apostle contrast two kinds of men to whom the truth comes. The natural man and the spiritual man.
Vs 14 Not receiving. He is unreceptive. He does not admit the truth in his heart. “They are foolishness to him” neither can he know- literally- he can not know.
As a spiritual discernment is generated only by the Holy Spirit. The capacity to know spiritual truth is beyond the innate powers of the natural man. Because they are spiritually discerned. Speaking of the impatient human spirit which prejudges the truth and wants to anticipate the full judgment. On the spiritual plain the natural man does not even have the ability to sift through the facts.
Vs 15 he who is spiritual judges all things. He who is dominated by the spirit . The difference between natural man is primarily that the spiritual man has been exposed to God’s revelation, has received it, and found his faith upon it. He can now judge both earthly and heavenly things. He can discern what is and what is not of the gospel and salvation, and whether a man truly preaches the word of God.
It is important to make note that the spiritual man does not loose his power to reason. Nor does Paul renounce the concept of reason or logic. Rather he elevates revelation above reason, and subjects the imaginations of human reason to the objective truth of God. The natural operates in reverse. Discerning all things, the spiritual man is judged of no man who is not spiritual.
Vs 16 But we have the mind of Christ
This answers the question Paul places in the same Vs. Who has known the mind of the Lord.
The answer the Believer.
