I Corinthians 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 (KJV)

Then: The Corinthians knew Christ was crucified. Paul starts with that fact and then makes a highly political statement. He doesn't name names; i.e, specific rulers, but everybody already knew who they were. He judges them philosophically. Paul states that if they'd known their actions would free believers from life long subservience and dominions, they would never have crucified Christ. People who know there is more to life than a physical lifetime and are looking forward to eternity have no fear of temporal authorities (Baker, p. 26).

Now: Kingdoms of the world rise and fall. Rulers do all they can to keep their own self-power, riches, and prestige. Their interest is always self-preservation. For awhile, many Western Christians were blessed with rulers who understood their job as rulers to be servants or shepherds. Those convictions and that time is disintegrating. Wisdom and knowledge of the Lord is passing away. Soon many will actively need to choose earthly or heavenly allegiance. For those who choose Christ, temporal punishment will come, but the rulers themselves can never evade the Lord's authority either in the short term or the long term. That's why Paul teaches "all things work together for good for them that love the Lord" (Romans 8:28).

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.