1 Corinthianschapter 2
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Speaks with:1 Corinthians 2×51 Corinthians 1×41 John 2×2Hebrews 5×2Romans 8×2Galatians 6×1
Summary
Chapter summary
Paul determined to know nothing among them but Jesus Christ and him crucified. He came not with excellency of speech but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. We speak wisdom among the perfect. God's wisdom in a mystery, hidden, now revealed by the Spirit. The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit; the spiritual man judgeth all things. We have the mind of Christ. Henry notes the chapter's double rebuke. To the Greek philosopher and to the boastful Christian preacher.
Context
Epistle · Paul — 1 Corinthians overview
- A. 1–5 Paul Arrives Trembling and Preaches Only Christ Crucified
- B. 6–9 A Hidden Wisdom No Ruler Recognized
- C. 10–16 The Spirit Searches the Deep Things of God
The outline
A.Paul Arrives Trembling and Preaches Only Christ Crucifiedvv. 1 to 5
Read vv. 1 to 5 →B.A Hidden Wisdom No Ruler Recognizedvv. 6 to 9
Read vv. 6 to 9 →C.The Spirit Searches the Deep Things of Godvv. 10 to 16
Read vv. 10 to 16 →
The world behind this chapter
1 Corinthians 2The history
Public speaking was entertainment, education, and status all at once. Professional orators, often called sophists, toured the cities, charged fees, drew crowds, and were graded on delivery, voice, polish, and physical presence. Corinth, with its games and its traffic, was a natural stop on that circuit.
Paul's reminder that he came in weakness and fear and much trembling, without lofty speech or wisdom, is a direct comparison with that world. He is admitting he failed the standard measurement — and claiming it was deliberate, so their faith would rest on God's power rather than on a performance.
The word "wisdom" in this letter carries the flavour of that culture: not knowledge in general but the clever, admired eloquence that made a man's reputation. Paul contrasts it with a wisdom hidden from the rulers of this age, revealed by the Spirit.
What it meant to them
For Corinthians tempted to be ashamed of a plain-spoken founder, the chapter reframed everything. He had resolved to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and him crucified, and the demonstration that mattered was of the Spirit and of power.
It also told them why some people simply could not see it. Spiritual things are discerned spiritually; a natural person finds them foolish. Their neighbours' contempt was not evidence against the message.
Sources cited
- Bruce W. Winter, After Paul Left Corinth
- Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament
The text of this chapter
This page carries no textual note on 1 Corinthians 2. Where this site has examined a place the manuscripts differ, the examination is in the manuscripts room. Every place this site examines →
Connections from this chapter
v. 8 · A guardrail on the reading
Faulkner's theological objection: faith comes by hearing the word (Rom 10:17) and the rulers of this age did not know the hidden wisdom (1 Cor 2:8) - redemption was not legibly pre-written in the constellations.
Romans 10:17→Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Faulkner, J. Creation 12(2):169-172 (1998); Rom 10:17; 1 Cor 2:8 (ASV)
This page draws on Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory; John Calvin, Commentaries; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary.