1 Corinthians 2:7-12: The Wisdom of God
The Mystery of God's Wisdom
In 1 Corinthians 2:7-12, the apostle Paul writes about the wisdom of God, which is a mystery that has been hidden for centuries. This wisdom is not of this world, but is a divine revelation that comes from God.
The Wisdom of God's Secrecy
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages unto our glory (1 Corinthians 2:7)
Paul here emphasizes that the wisdom of God is a mystery that has been hidden from the ages. This wisdom is not something that can be understood through human reasoning or intellectual pursuits. Rather, it is a revelation from God that has been ordained for our benefit and glory.
The World's Inability to Understand
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8)
The rulers of this world did not understand the wisdom of God, and if they had, they would not have crucified Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. This verse highlights the stark contrast between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world.
The Revelation of the Spirit
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Paul here quotes from Isaiah 64:4, emphasizing that the things that God has prepared for those who love Him are beyond human comprehension. It is only through the revelation of the Spirit that we can understand the wisdom of God.
The Spirit Reveals the Deep Things of God
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10)
The Spirit of God searches the deep things of God, revealing them to us. This is a profound truth, as it highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us into all truth.
The Spirit Teaches Us
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:11)
Paul uses the analogy of a person's thoughts being known only to their own spirit to illustrate that the things of God are known only to the Spirit of God.
The Spirit Gives Us Understanding
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (1 Corinthians 2:12)
The Spirit of God gives us understanding, enabling us to know the things that are freely given to us by God. This is a profound truth, as it highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us into all truth.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 2:7-12 highlights the wisdom of God, which is a mystery that has been hidden for centuries. This wisdom is not of this world, but is a divine revelation that comes from God. May we seek to understand the wisdom of God, which is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit.
