1 Corinthians 2:12-16 Commentary
In this passage, Paul continues to explain the nature of spiritual wisdom and how it is perceived by the natural man. He emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual perspective in understanding the things of God.
We Have Received the Spirit
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God.
In this verse, Paul contrasts the "spirit of the world" with the "Spirit who is from God". The "spirit of the world" refers to the human perspective, which is limited and carnal. On the other hand, the "Spirit who is from God" is the Holy Spirit, who gives us spiritual understanding and insight. Paul emphasizes that as believers, we have received the Holy Spirit, who enables us to understand the things of God.
The Spirit Searches All Things
13 which things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
In verse 13, Paul explains that the Holy Spirit searches all things, including the deep things of God. He uses the phrase "comparing spiritual things with spiritual" to illustrate the idea that spiritual truths can only be understood through the lens of the Spirit. This means that spiritual wisdom cannot be obtained through human understanding or worldly wisdom.
The Natural Man Receives Not the Things of the Spirit
14 But 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.
In verses 14-16, Paul contrasts the natural man, who does not have the Spirit, with the spiritual man, who has received the Spirit. The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit because they are foolishness to him. This is because spiritual truths can only be understood through the work of the Holy Spirit.
But He Who is Spiritual Judges All Things
15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is correctly judged by no one.
In verse 15, Paul highlights the contrast between the spiritual man and the natural man. The spiritual man, who has received the Spirit, is able to judge all things, including the deep things of God. However, the spiritual man is not judged by anyone, because his understanding is not based on human wisdom, but on the wisdom of God.
For "Who Has Known the Mind of the Lord?"
16 For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
In verse 16, Paul quotes from Isaiah 40:13, which asks the rhetorical question, "Who has known the mind of the Lord?" The answer, of course, is no one. But as believers, we have the mind of Christ, which enables us to understand the things of God. This is a remarkable statement, as it underscores the idea that, as believers, we have been given a share in the mind of Christ, which enables us to understand spiritual truths.
