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 2:9
KJVBut 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.
Read it in context
The Wisdom of God Revealed by the Spirit
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 2:1 (1 Corinthians 2:1 to 1 Corinthians 2:16).
The entire chapter 2 focuses on the contrast between human wisdom and God's wisdom, which is revealed by the Holy Spirit, making 1 Corinthians 2:1 the natural starting point for this discourse unit.
- 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
- 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
- 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
- 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
- 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
- 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 main event or theme? The main theme is the contrast between the wisdom of men and the wisdom of God. The passage emphasizes that God's wisdom, which includes the 'things which God hath prepared for them that love him', is a mystery revealed not through human intellect but by the Holy Spirit.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing 'the deep things of God' and 'the things that are freely given to us of God', which are the 'things which God hath prepared for them that love him'. These are spiritual truths and blessings that are beyond human comprehension through natural means.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is that of an epistle, characterized by didactic teaching and argumentation, contrasting two types of wisdom (human vs. divine) and explaining the means of divine revelation (the Holy Spirit).
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 55. book background
- When does the event take place? The writing of the letter and the events Paul describes (his initial preaching in Corinth) occurred during Paul's third missionary journey. The 'things which God hath prepared' are eternal realities, revealed in the present by the Spirit, and fully realized in the future.
Where
- Where did it happen? The events Paul refers to, specifically his preaching and establishment of the church, happened in Corinth. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Ephesus when he wrote this letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Wisdom of God Revealed by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:1 to 1 Corinthians 2:16). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 2:1. The entire chapter 2 focuses on the contrast between human wisdom and God's wisdom, which is revealed by the Holy Spirit, making 1 Corinthians 2:1 the natural starting point for this discourse unit.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a climactic statement in Paul's argument in chapter 2, emphasizing that God's wisdom and the blessings He has prepared are far beyond human perception or understanding, and are only revealed by His Spirit. It contrasts with the 'excellency of speech or of wisdom' that Paul avoided and the 'wisdom of this world' that comes to nought, reinforcing the superiority of God's divine revelation.
- How does it point to Christ? The 'wisdom of God in a mystery' that God ordained before the world unto our glory is centered on 'Jesus Christ, and him crucified'. The 'princes of this world' did not know this wisdom, for if they had, 'they would not have crucified the Lord of glory'. The 'things which God hath prepared for them that love him' are made possible through Christ's redemptive work, and it is through having 'the mind of Christ' that believers can begin to comprehend these spiritual realities. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are encouraged to seek spiritual understanding not through human intellect or worldly philosophies, but through the Holy Spirit, who reveals the deep things of God. This passage reminds us that God has prepared unimaginable blessings and truths for those who love Him, which are far superior to anything the world offers, fostering hope and reliance on divine revelation and the Spirit's guidance.
Cited: 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 2:1, 1 Corinthians 2:2, 1 Corinthians 2:4, 1 Corinthians 2:5, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 2:11, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Isaiah 64:4, Psalm 31:19, Romans 8:28
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
- Eye Isa 64:4 John 3:16 1 Pet 1:12
- the things Ps 31:19 Matt 20:23 Matt 25:34 Heb 11:16
- them Rom 8:28 Jas 1:12 Jas 2:5 1 John 4:19
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.