1 Corinthians 2

Summary

 

1 Corinthians 2 underscores the reliance on the Spirit in preaching the Gospel and understanding God's wisdom. Paul emphasizes that the wisdom of God, which includes the message of the cross, is revealed by the Spirit to those who have received Him. This chapter sets the foundation for Paul's further discussions on divisions, spiritual gifts, and the unity of the body of Christ in the Corinthian church.

 

1. Preaching the Cross in the Power of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:1-5): Paul begins by stating that he did not come with eloquence or human wisdom when he preached the Gospel to the Corinthians. Instead, he relied on the power of the Spirit, demonstrating the Spirit's power through the message of the crucified Christ.
2. God's Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6-16): Paul explains that he speaks a wisdom that is not of this age but a hidden wisdom ordained before the ages. This wisdom is revealed to believers by the Spirit. While worldly wisdom is insufficient to comprehend God's plan, the Spirit imparts God's thoughts to those who have received the Spirit. Paul contrasts the natural person, who does not understand spiritual truths, with the spiritual person, who judges all things through the mind of Christ.

 

References