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CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS ON I CORINTHIANS 2:1-16
There were some in the church at Corinth who were very
intellectually oriented (i.e., first century rhetorical traditions).
Into this context of overemphasized human knowledge and performance,
Paul begins in chapter 1 with an emphasis on the grace of God (as he
also does in Eph. 2:1-10). Yet, he admitted that wisdom and knowledge
are also among the gifts of God. In chapter 2, Paul continues on this
theme by emphasizing revelation versus human discovery. As the
Corinthians had no claim on the knowledge they possessed, they equally
had no claim on the means of attaining that knowledge.
Verses 10-16 can be understood as referring to several
categories of spiritual insight or revelation. God has acted so as to
reveal Himself to us (i.e., revelation, vv. 10-12); He has chosen
certain men to record and explain His acts (i.e., inspiration, v.13),
and finally the Spirit enables Bible readers to understand the main
truths of His revelation (i.e., illumination, vv. 14-16). (1)
“God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden
wisdom”
his wisdom is from God (i.e.,
Theos
is fronted, or placed first, in the Greek
text for emphasis); this is hidden wisdom (i.e., PERFECT PASSIVE
PARTICIPLE); this mystery has now been clearly manifested in Christ
(cf. Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:3-5; Col. 1:26). This uncovered secret (i.e.,
the gospel) emphasizes God’s revelation versus human discovery (cf.
Rom. 16:25-26; Eph. 1:9-10; 3:3-5; Col. 1:26; 2:2-3). The most
comprehensive definition of this mystery is that Jew and Gentile are
united in one new people of God (i.e., the church, cf. Eph.
2:11:-3:13). (2)
Questions:
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(1) Dr. Utley; Free Bible Commentary;
http://freebiblecommentary.org/pdf/EN/VOL06.pdf
p. 39
(2) cf.
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