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Category: 1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 2:6 – Wise Maturity

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Will

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.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians understand the true wisdom of God’s Word.

Behind the Words

“We speak” is translated from the Greek verb laleō, which means “to speak.” It is a reference to the ability to speak rather than the quality of speech. It is expressed here in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

The word “mature” is translated from a form of telos, meaning “the goal, completion, or end purpose” of something. As used here, it is a reference to those who are complete or fully grown. It could be a reference to those who have reached adulthood, or it could be a reference to mature Christians, as implied in Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Aiōn is the word translated “age.” It is a reference to a period of time or of the characteristics of that time period. Paul is probably referring to the time before the return of Christ.

The word “rulers” is from archōn, which means “one who is first in rank or power,” that is, a ruler.

The words “coming to nothing” are translated from the verb katargeō. This word is made up of kata, used as an intensifier, and argeō, which means “to be idle.” Katargeō generally means “to be completely useless or without purpose.”

Meaning Explained

In verse four, Paul talked about some of the things that are not characteristics of his teaching and preaching style. In today’s verse he talks about something that is characteristic of his style. In the previous chapter he contrasted the worldly view of the gospel message (foolishness) with the supposed wisdom of the world’s teachers. Throughout this chapter he has been talking about his wise method of delivering the simple gospel message.

After describing the wisdom of the world as foolish and un-wise, he now tells us about the true wisdom of God’s Word. Our faith is not based on the wisdom of men, as he said in yesterday’s verse, but on true wisdom. This true wisdom is spoken to those who are mature. As we pointed out in Behind the Words, the Greek word telos refers to someone who has reached spiritual maturity; however, many of the Corinthian Christians were anything but mature in their faith.

This seems to be a slight jab at those who had been so easily distracted from the simple truths of the good news. They were not spiritually mature. So, what Paul means is that those who are mature in their Christian faith would understand the wisdom that he is talking about. The immature Christians in Corinth were still under the impression that the wisdom of the philosophers and sophists was desirable. However, Paul points out that the supposed great ones of the world system not only were not very wise, but their lack of true wisdom will eventually result in their total destruction.

Application

Are you seeking after truth and godly wisdom? If so, you won’t find it in the world. You will only find it in the Word of God, faithfully taught by those who are well grounded in the Bible.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:5 – Wisdom vs. Power

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Will

that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Truth to Learn

Man’s message may be wise, but God’s message is powerful.

Behind the Words

The word translated “faith” is pistis. This is the noun form of the verb peithō, which means “to win over,” “to persuade,” or “to convince.” Therefore, pistis refers to “belief in, or reliance on, an idea” or “conviction.”

The words “should … be” are from the Greek verb eimi, which is the verb of being (I am, you are, he is). It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of occurrence. It is often translated as “should be, may be, or might be.”

Sophia is the word translated “wisdom,” which we have looked at several times recently. It refers to “wisdom, skill, tact, or expertise.” It is based on sophos, which does not refer to the possession of knowledge, but the skill in applying that knowledge in the affairs of life.

“Power” is from the Greek word dunamis, which refers to “the ability, authority, or power to do something.” However, this word emphasizes the accomplishment of some task or deed rather than just the potential to do it.

Meaning Explained

You will recall that Paul has been speaking about the divisions within the church at Corinth which were caused by people following specific teachers or preachers rather than the message they proclaimed. Because they were easily persuaded by eloquent speakers who were skilled in the use of words and powerful arguments instead of the truth of the message, the Corinthian Christians had become easily swayed to believe in half-truths and lies rather than the truth of the simple gospel message. For Christians, it is of utmost importance to believe in God’s message, not in the messenger.

Every one of us has faith, Christian and non-Christian alike. The difference between Christians and others is the basis of that faith. Some people have faith in their government to protect and take care of them. Some people have faith in their doctor to protect them and take care of them. Some people have faith in their employer to protect them and take care of them. Some people have faith in themselves. Many of the people in the church in Corinth had faith in their leader to protect and take care of them. True Christians, however, have faith in God.

This is the crux of Paul’s message in today’s verse. Our faith should not be in our church leaders, no matter how good their teaching may be. This is especially true if that teaching is based on human wisdom and eloquent speaking. Instead, our faith should be in the truth of God’s word as demonstrated by His miraculous power to change lives and to care for and protect His children.

Application

This week, as you listen to the message proclaimed from the pulpit in your church, ask yourself, “Is this a message from man or a message from God as revealed in the Bible?” If the message is not from God, no matter how wise or how well proclaimed, it may not be worth listening to. Now, that’s something to think about!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:4 – Persuasion vs. Power

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Will

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

Truth to Learn

Man’s preaching may be persuasive, but God’s message is powerful.

Behind the Words

“Speech” is translated from logos, which refers to “a word as an expression of intelligence.” It can refer to a singular word, a saying, or a verbal expression of ideas.”

The word translated “persuasive” is peithos, which is unique to Paul, not having been found in any other Greek writings. It is based on the verb peithō, which means “to persuade.”

Apodeixis is the Greek word translated “demonstration.” This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “away from” but used as an intensifier and a form of deiknumi, meaning “to show” or “to exhibit.” Thus, apodeixis means “something exhibited outwardly” or “clearly demonstrated.”

The word “Spirit” is from the Greek noun pneuma (from which we get our English words pneumatic and pneumonia). It is based on the verb pneuō, meaning “to breathe.” Hence, pneuma refers to “a breath or blast of air” or “a breeze.”

Meaning Explained

As we pointed out in verse one of this chapter, Paul is now contrasting his style of teaching and preaching with that of the Greek orators of that day. At that time, there was a class of speakers known as the sophists (wise ones), who traveled from place to place presenting stirring and powerful messages to teach everything what was necessary to be successful in life. However, the sophists were more focused on oratory skills than on the soundness of the “truths” they were teaching. They specialized in using philosophy and rhetoric in persuading their listeners to believe what was popular and politically correct rather than the truth. As a result, the word sophist has come to mean someone who uses powerful and effective speech to deceive someone else.

It is against this backdrop that Paul makes the current comments about his own speaking style. His reference to “speech” is probably a reference to his communication with individuals and small groups, whereas “preaching” is likely a reference to his public preaching. He tells us here that in neither situation did he utilize persuasive words or “politically correct” human wisdom. The people of Corinth, being in the mainstream of Greek society and culture, were drawn to the sophist style of preaching, preferring to hear great public speakers rather than the plain truths of the gospel message.

Paul, on the other hand, relied on the unseen power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrated by the miraculous changes in the lives of the people who believed his simple message. Throughout the New Testament we read about the many miracles performed by the Holy Spirit at the hands of the apostles and the many conversions that resulted from them. This was Paul’s style: simply declare the good news and let the Holy Spirit produce the change in people’s lives.

Application

As we have asked before, do you like the preaching you hear every Sunday because it is effectively persuasive? Or do you like it because the simple truth causes you to humble yourself before your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ?

In God's service, for His glory,

To see all of our verse studies, visit http://www.ministryofgrace.org

1 Corinthians 2:2 – And Him Crucified

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Will

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Truth to Learn

Christ’s crucifixion is the central theme of Christianity.

Behind the Words

“Determined” is translated from the Greek verb krinō, which literally means “to discriminate between good and evil,” that is “to judge, to choose, or to select.”

The words “to know” are from the verb eidō. It literally means “to see with perception.” In its most common usage it refers to understand mentally, that is “to know.”

“Anything” is from the Greek indefinite article ti, which means “someone, some thing, or a certain thing.”

The expression “except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is constructed such that it places the emphasis on “Him crucified.” It could be literally translated as “except Jesus Christ and this one as crucified.” The central theme of Paul’s gospel message is not just Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but the fact that He was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins.

Meaning Explained

As we discussed in yesterday’s verse, the Apostle Paul was not known for his eloquent style of preaching but for simply and plainly declaring the good news about Jesus Christ. Today we learn that at some time in the past Paul made a conscious decision to preach the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Notice that he did not say “Jesus and Him crucified.” He was not focused on the humanity of Jesus, but His divinity. Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed King who, as part of the Godhead, was the creator of all that is. And, as the Messiah, He is the one promised to come and save the world.

The Jews expected their Messiah would come as a conquering King who would free them from oppression. However, He came instead as a humble servant who was condemned to death and was crucified because He claimed to be the Son of God. This is precisely why the Jews find Him to be a “stumbling block,” and the great philosophical minds of the day considered Paul’s message to be foolishness:

but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Christ’s crucifixion was the central theme of Paul’s preaching, but he did not preach only the crucifixion; He preached the whole Word of God, knowing that there is much more to the Christian life than just Christ’s death on the cross:

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:11)

For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:27)

how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, … (Acts 20:20).

It is of vital importance to preach the crucifixion of Christ, but that is only the beginning of the Christian experience.

Application

Fortunately, there are still many churches today that preach the salvation message. Unfortunately, there are still churches where that is the only thing being proclaimed. There is much to know about being a Christian beyond salvation.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:1 – Not Eloquent Preaching

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Will

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.

Truth to Learn

Paul did not depend on eloquence to get his message across.

Behind the Words

The words “when I came” are from the verb erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having come.”

“Excellence” is translated from the Greek word huperochē. This word is based on the verb huperechō, which is made up of huper, meaning “above” and echō, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Huperechō, therefore, means “to hold above,” “to make prominent,” or “to hold oneself as superior to others.”

Katangellō is the verb translated “declaring.” It is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and angellō, meaning “to deliver a message.” Thus, katangellō means “to declare a message openly and with authority.”

The word translated “testimony” is marturion, which refers to “a witness” or “a testimony.” However, the best Greek texts have the word musterion. It is based on the verb mueō, which means “to close” or “to initiate.” It is an allusion to the mystery religions of the day where secret knowledge was revealed only to those who have been initiated into the religion.

Meaning Explained

Having spent the better part of chapter one on the divisions within the Corinthian church, Paul now will contrast the mode and style of his preaching with those of worldly preachers. It appears that the Christians in Corinth were attracted to eloquent, philosophical preachers who tickled the ears of the congregation with well-turned phrases and rhetorical devices.

That had not been Paul’s purpose or method, however. His own method of preaching may have seemed base or lacking in style, but he stayed true to the content of his preaching. You may recall from the introductory notes on this letter, that Corinth was an exceedingly rich and wicked city. The members of the Corinthian church had grown up amidst such worldliness and had a difficult time letting go of their worldly ways. Because of this, they were attracted to the type of people and the style of teaching that was a hallmark of Greek society.

Please don’t misunderstand the message here. Paul is not condemning those who are gifted preachers. We even noted in our discussion of 1 Corinthians 1:27, that Paul used a well-constructed rhetorical argument to refute the supposed wisdom of the Greek orators and philosophers of that day. However, what he is declaring here is that the message is far more important than the methods of preaching. Paul’s method and message are to simply and plainly declare his testimony, or witness, concerning Jesus Christ.

Paul’s preaching and teaching were singularly focused on Jesus Christ and the implication for all mankind of His death and subsequent resurrection. He avoided philosophical arguments and, as we will learn in tomorrow’s verse, preached “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Application

What is it that you appreciate about the messages you hear at your church every week? Is it the humorous stories you hear, the captivating style of the preaching, or is it the messages centered on the truths of the Bible and Jesus Christ crucified?

In God's service, for His glory,