Not the Wisdom of this Age

 

1 Corinthians 2:6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

 

The writer of 1 Corinthians is the apostle Paul. He wrote this letter to the church at Corinth, Greece during his third missionary journey. The church was established by Paul during his second missionary journey when he ministered in Corinth for a year and a half during A. D. 51-52. 

Paul wrote this letter during his two year and three-month ministry in Ephesus, Asia in A. D. 54-56. It was actually his second letter to the church (1 Cor. 5:9). However, the first letter obviously was lost. The purpose of this letter is to emphasize that Jesus is our Lord and Master. 

In this passage Paul writes of spiritual wisdom. This is the wisdom from God. This is the wisdom we receive from the Holy Spirit when we become a Christian. As we grow as a Christian and as we study the Bible the Holy Spirit speaks to us His wisdom. These mature Christians “speak wisdom among those who are mature” (v. 6a). 

Spiritual wisdom is not he same as worldly wisdom, “the wisdom of this age” (v. 6b). Worldly wisdom comes from Satan, and his demons. “The rulers of this age” (v. 6c), those in authority who rule by worldly wisdom, “are coming to nothing” (v. 6d). They will be removed from power, in God’s time. Their wisdom is perishable, just as are they. 

In contrast to those unbelieving rulers, Christians speak “the wisdom of God in a mystery” (v. 7a). The “mystery” refers to the mystery of the gospel, including the crucifixion, God’s plan for redemption, and the mediation of God in our lives. This divine wisdom is a mystery because it is not understood by unbelievers. 

Spiritual wisdom is “hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory” (v. 7b). It is hidden in that it cannot be comprehended outside of the Holy Spirit living within us. The Bible cannot be properly understood without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells every person the instant that they receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and become a Christian. This is why we must first become a Christian before we can properly understand the Bible. 

Paul completes this passage by writing that “none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (v. 8). He is writing of those rulers who crucified the Lord Jesus. They did not possess spiritual wisdom, divine wisdom. They were an example of rule by those who are not Christians. 

This passage speaks to the need for Christian rulers in our world. Those who possess spiritual wisdom are best able to exercise authority in the will of God. They are best able to allow for the spread of Christianity, instead of suppressing it. They are best able to rule fairly, and with compassion. 

As we Christians decide who best to vote for in elections it is our responsibility to seek out Godly men and women. We should vote for those who possess spiritual wisdom, not worldly wisdom. 

Also, as we make decisions in our own lives we should always pray over those decisions. We need to make sure that we are being led by spiritual wisdom and not by worldly wisdom. In doing so, we will be able to stay in the center of God’s will for our lives.

Art Toombs Ministries 

Online Bible Commentary