Bible Commentaries
1 Corinthians 2

Verse 1

1 Corinthians 2:1

Saving Souls Like Paul

1. Paul’s Message

2. Paul’s Mind

3. Paul’s Method

Testimony of God -- the "mystery" v. 7 1 Corinthians 2:7

Verse 2

1 Corinthians 2:2

Not to know anything -- This doesn’t mean always preaching the cross but showing how all is "Christ" related.

Verse 4

1 Corinthians 2:4

Power -- Romans 15:19 2 Corinthians 12:12 The Holy Spirit confirming their preaching with signs and wonders.

Verse 5

1 Corinthians 2:5

Power of God -- Romans 1:16

Verse 6

1 Corinthians 2:6

Perfect -- Mature.

Verse 7

1 Corinthians 2:7

We -- The editorial "we" of Paul, cf. v. 1-4.

Wisdom of God -- The Gospel, a mystery now revealed.

Verse 8

1 Corinthians 2:8

Lord of Glory -- Outstanding! Some think this is Paul’s most lofty title for Jesus. James 2:1

Acts 7:2; Ephesians 1:17 of God.

Verse 9

1 Corinthians 2:9

It is written -- Refers to the "mystery" which was being preached. God has now revealed it.

Heart -- Seat of intellect and the inner man - (not the emotions, the word "bowels" is used to suggest the seat of emotions.)

Verse 10

1 Corinthians 2:10

God hath revealed -- By inspired revelation.

Unto us. . To N.T. prophets for the benefit of all of us in the church. Paul doesn’t say to "me" - but to us Christians, not to the learned philodophers.

Verse 11

1 Corinthians 2:11

No one can understand another exactly, except that man. No one can read another’s thoughts and feelings. It isdifficult to judge the moods, feelings, and motives of another and know to react. But God knows!

Verse 12

1 Corinthians 2:12

We -- Paul and the inspired N.T. preachers and writers.

Spirit of the world -- Satan? John 12:31, or is it a reference to attitude.

Spirit of God -- The Holy Spirit. Reference to Paul’s inspiration.

Verse 13

1 Corinthians 2:13

Words -- Evidence of "verbal" inspiration, and not just "thoughts"! 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

Comparing spiritual -- Some think this is referring to the comparison of the revelation of the New Covenant prophets with that of the O.T. prophets.

Verse 14

1 Corinthians 2:14

The NIV inserts "the man without the Spirit" for the Greek "the natural man" or "physical man". In 2:12-13 the word "know" becomes "understand", teaching that we cannot understand the Scripture without the direct operation of the Spirit.

Natural man -- The verse itself identifies him. A reference to an uninspired man.

Verbal inspiration, with out modus operandi explained.

"Translations are inspired as long as they correctly conveys God’s message." (___ quote.)