Paul's manner of preaching
1 Corinthians 2:1–5FocusFaith resting on God's power
Connection to the wholePaul recalls a proclamation centered on Jesus Christ crucified so that the readers' faith would not rest on human wisdom.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 2:14
KJVBut the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Read it in context
Wisdom revealed by the Spirit
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 2:6 (1 Corinthians 2:6 to 1 Corinthians 2:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul distinguishes God's wisdom from the wisdom of the age and explains the Spirit's role in receiving and discerning what God reveals.
- 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
- 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
- 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
- 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
- 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
- 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
- 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
- 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
- 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
- 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
- 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21): Paul addresses the Corinthian church about divisions, boasting, and the roles of gospel workers such as himself and Apollos. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Wisdom revealed by the Spirit. Read 1 Corinthians 2:6 through 1 Corinthians 2:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul distinguishes God's wisdom from the wisdom of the age and explains the Spirit's role in receiving and discerning what God reveals. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Wisdom revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6 to 1 Corinthians 2:16). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 2:6. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 2:16, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- the natural man 1 Cor 15:44,46 Jas 3:15 Jude 1:19
- receiveth Matt 13:11-17 Matt 16:23 John 3:3-6 John 8:43 John 10:26-27 John 12:37 Rom 8:5-8
- the things 1 Cor 2:12 John 14:26 John 15:26 John 16:8-15
- they 1 Cor 1:18,23 John 8:51-52 John 10:20 Acts 17:18,32 Acts 18:15 Acts 25:19 Acts 26:24-25
- neither Prov 14:6 John 5:44 John 6:44-45 Acts 16:14 2 Cor 4:4-6 1 John 2:20,27 1 John 5:20 Jude 1:19
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 2
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
FocusUnderstanding what God gives
Connection to the wholePaul distinguishes God's wisdom from the wisdom of the age and explains the Spirit's role in receiving and discerning what God reveals.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation Liberty and responsibility
1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation Order in the assembly
1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.