1 Corinthianschapter 2

16 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 276 cross-references outward and receives 303 — heaviest partner: 1 Corinthians.

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.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 1 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

1 And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

6 We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:

7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory:

8 which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:

9 but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, Andwhichentered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.