I Corinthians 2:16 -- "The Mind of Christ"

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ (KJV)

Then: On the edge of the swimming pool, Paul philosophically challenges Corinthians to know wisdom, the mind of Christ. The words culminate Paul's teaching to the Corinthians. He only speaks and teaches those with the mind of Christ. He can teach because he himself has it. He did not tell them that he clothed his explanation (bent it) with the intellectual jewels or ideas valuable to Sophists: wisdom, oratory, maturity, mysteries, knowledge, revelation, gifts and talents, discernment, and being spiritual (a list from Magness' outline). He used the approach to draw in and mentally disarm their self-defenses. They heard what he said and recognized its truth. The teachings of the mysteries of God are special because the ability to know the mind of Christ is limited to those who believe.

Now: US citizens have so long lived in a culture pervaded by the teachings of Christ, a place where salt has been liberally spread, they have not noticed, the infilitration and increasing numbers of those who do not know Christ, who do not know and cannot discern his mind. The people speak two languages, but only the non-Christian seem to recognize the duplicity of words. Collins (p. 137) brings back thoughts of the hidden knowledge of mystery religions versus that which is open to believers. Even New Agers are fascinated by the mystery religions, but the only mystery in Christianity is crossing the line to revelation, opening the door to Christ's teachings, and severing the barrier between belief and non-belief.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Raymond F. Collins, ed. by Daniel J. Harrington (Liturgical Press, Collegeville MN, c1999) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=c4VXq9fKoRwC&dq=Collins+Harrington+Corinthians&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=uogjS7rkLJDflAfk2uX_CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCkQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man (KJV)

Then: Paul stops and treads water just a bit. He wants to be absolutely clear that he's covered the subject of the Holy Spirit residing within and how that impacts believers. Each spiritual person, that is each one who has the spirit, is able to make good decisions about problems, situations, people, personal actions, or any aspect of life here on earth. What he does is accountable to Christ, not to anyone on earth - even ultimately, fellow believers.

Now: A secular world confuses the difference between right and wrong. It often teaches everything is gray and that there is no way to judge or know. On the contrary, Paul shows us that believers can make decisions according to the values of God. Collins (p. 136-137) uses the term "testing," which often brings to mind "testing the spirits." That's a different dimension of judging. More than deciding what actions to take, it goes to the level of deciding who is being followed in making a decision. Who is advocating a particular choice? God? Corruptible mankind? Satanic forces? The followers of Christ choose rightly and cannot be judged by anyone but the Lord.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Raymond F. Collins, ed. by Daniel J. Harrington (Liturgical Press, Collegeville MN, c1999) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=c4VXq9fKoRwC&dq=Collins+Harrington+Corinthians&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=uogjS7rkLJDflAfk2uX_CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCkQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 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 (KJV)

Then: Paul reached the deep end of the swimming pool, and turns around to swim across the same territory again. He wants to explain the thought from the other point of view, the side of non-believers in Christ. Anyone who denies God and lacks the Holy Spirit thinks that those asking a non-existent god for advice are foolish. It's non-sensical to think advice, wisdom, or knowledge can come from nothing. Corinthians have to know that. How can they talk to non-believers without understanding that point of view? They have to go back to their own days of non-belief to find common ground.

Now: Working with the same difficulties, Christians have to find words of the popular culture which can somehow match and bring enlightenment to those who do not hear and do not see into the kingdom of God. Studying Paul, studying the culture, listening to the Spirit the pathways open by which non-believers can come to understand.

I Corinthians 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 (KJV)

Then: Paul is swimming on the surface of deep water. He's trying to explain the spiritual in the physical realm and have it move into the spiritual realm of fellow believers. Tough. So the Holy Spirit speaks to Paul's inner man and teaches him ways to live and what to do to tell others the good news. Paul has to recognize the difference between his own thoughts and those of the Spirit. Then he uses God's words and ideas to talk to the Corinthians. He's also very careful to compare that which is spiritual to things which are spiritual, not physical. Henry elaborates that it is a waste of time to try to validate revelations of the spirit by looking at the things of science or art or anything of the physical world. Spiritual wisdom is revealed by comparing the side-by-side prophecies of the Old Testament with the work of Christ on earth and with the teachings given to the saints, apostles, or disciples.

Now: Spiritual maturity evolves with the faithful practice of prayer or conversations with the Spirit. Learning to discern the words of the Lord and separate them from personal thoughts takes a lot of time. Paul's guideline here is to be sure you compare things spiritual with things spiritual, i.e., the written words in the Bible, words given to other faithful Christians, and the past spiritual events of your own individual experience. If you thought the Lord told you to help someone, you did it, and God received glory; then later you will be able to recognize that same prompting of the Spirit as being valid, not personal or satanic.

Extra sources: Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume VI (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.iii.html

1 Corinthians 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 (KJV)

Then: Paul hops back to his main topic of wisdom (Fitzmyer, p. 181 - 2:10-11 are a digression). Men know God's wisdom when his spirit is in them - not the spirit of the world. The connection starts at conversion, and enables a closeness with God (Baker, p. 49). Before the resurrection, only a few designated individuals could speak with the conviction of having God's direction. Now all believers and followers of Christ have access to his wisdom.

Now: Secular vs. Spiritual. With the Spirit's presence, we pay attention to words proceeding from our mouths, thoughts which tear down or build up others, ideas which can bring peace and hope to friends and neighbors. No more is life a "me first" kind of thing. The Spirit shows ways to "Love one another" and increase the kingdom of God. Paul helps us understand and expect to use the knowledge and wisdom coming into our lives.

Extra Source: Joseph A Fitzmyer First Corinthians: a new translation with introduction and commentary (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, c2008) http://books.google.com/books?id=W3b-mWk1SxoC&dq=Corinthians+and+Fitzmyer&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=fMkQjo3eGY&sig=MB1oT-4Ir0uoDeiFJ8C7J9oum2I&hl=en&ei=k_sgS_CYKc6SlAeRv6z3CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 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 (KJV)

Then: Paul plops down two basics about the Holy Spirit. First he is omniscient and second he is a communicator. Paul deposits these thoughts in the Corinthians' minds for them to know and use. Henry describes what's happening between man to Spirit to God and God to Spirit to man. The connection is so close (Triune God) that God and the Spirit are united, one and the same. Paul is showing the proof of the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

Now: We don't spend a lot of time wondering about the place of the Holy Spirit in the trinity. As we come to know Christ, it's embedded in our learnings and conversations with the Lord. Paul's teachings have already clarified it for us. Confrontation sometimes occurs with those who argue a monotheistic (one) God cannot be three. They do not separate the various functions of the Lord and cannont understand "God in three persons." I personally compare it to my personal status as daughter, spouse, and parent. One person, doing three things. Or I compare it to the three dimensions of any physical object - height, width, and depth. One object, three sides. God is one. Paul's explanation helps our understanding of who God is.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.iii.html

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (KJV)

Then: There's a dual teaching here. The Spirit reveals what the Corinthians know about God's plans for the salvation of mankind and provides the way for them to have eternal life. At the same time it enables them to look into their own hearts and see the ways in which they fall short of being the person God orignally planned. The deep things of God are sweet, but the contrasting presence of personal failings brings sadness. Paul wants members of the Corinthian church to do better and be better.

Now: Henry believes this is a statement of the divine authority of scripture. Paul teaches what he knows and that comes from the Spirit of God. I like the fact of "us." The Spirit teaches one-on-one to each of us, not just Paul. That truth comes through knowledge of pesonal relationship with the Triune God. Thinking that the Spirit searches the depths of our hearts is discouraging because we know man's deptravity, but encouraging to know that he cares so much that he wants us to be better. There's more than the acceptance and recognition that "Christ is Lord."

Fitzmyer (p. 169) discusses the first person plural use as different from the first person singular in 2:1-5. Some commentators may view it as "non-Pauline"; others see it as a particular view of "wisdom"; and some like Lindemann take the "us" to mean "we Christians."

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.iii.html
First Corinthians: a new translation with introduction and commentary Joseph A. Fitzmyer (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, c2008). http://books.google.com/books?id=W3b-mWk1SxoC&dq=Corinthians+and+Fitzmyer&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=fMkQjo3eGY&sig=MB1oT-4Ir0uoDeiFJ8C7J9oum2I&hl=en&ei=k_sgS_CYKc6SlAeRv6z3CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 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 (KJV)

Then: The Corinthians probably understood this to mean that no one yet knows nor can even dream of the things God has in store for those who love him. They also knew the original references which Paul was using to talk to them. For readers, the imagery is striking: The things that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard appeal to imaginations. God's world and work far surpasses human ability to see, hear, and imagine. The thoughts that the Lord has more to teach them would have encouraged the Corinthians.

Now: Grammar for the verse confuses the commentators because there is no main verb (Thiselton, p. 248-250). That difficulty compounds in trying to locate the exact source of Paul's quote - Maybe Isaiah 64:4 and maybe 65:16. Baker (p. 45) states that the Gospel of Thomas has Isaiah 64:4 reading with words closer to that of Paul's than those in the septuagint. The message still inspires readers today to know that the Lord is great and we can rejoice in being able to depend upon his greatness.

Extra source - The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Eerdman, 2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=aNkcqC9bdAMC&dq=Corinthians+and+Thiselton&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=eoboP0fSHQ&sig=DLgK1fuY0qIDxrDL1oog1wwHZ9w&hl=en&ei=MfofS9XKLJGHlAfY_8j7Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnu
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

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.

1 Corinthians 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 (KJV)

Then: Paul explains part of the Christian World View in an age when the term didn't exist. Christians -- believers in Christ, recipients of the Holy Spirit -- have access to knowledge and understanding which others don't. The words are just a mystery to non-believers. In a way it's like reading a book filled with PC words. Until you know the double definitions, you can't understand what's really being said. In Paul's presentation, of course, it's"the mystery" which provides the extra level of ability past human knowledge which is needed to understand hidden wisdom. The Corinthians were already prepared to understand. They had the Holy Spirit within them. Paul knew they needed to keep reading to learn more about what the "book" says. That's where he's going.

Now: The mystery is just as difficult for non-believers today as it was for those in Corinth. Only when the Holy Spirit resides within one's heart can the hidden wisdom be understood. It starts with wanting to know; it starts with being willing to accept spiritual evidence, not just physical evidence; and it starts with a reaching out conversation to the Creator of the world. It continues with recognition of events as not being coincidental, or fortuitous, but answers to prayer. It expects acceptance, not denial of inspired thoughts or inexplicable "audible" words, signs or knowlege. It moves to praise and thanksgiving for the presence of one who will love, teach, guide and direct you to the Truth of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit throughout your life -- if you ask.

1 Corinthians 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 KJV

Then: A status check reminder comes right in the first phrase. Those hearing the letter are already perfect, but not in the sense of being flawless. It's the kind of "perfect" related to time. Similar to the past perfect, present perfect and future perfect tenses of grammar, one thing joins them together. The believers have the Holy Spirit within them. That part of their spiritual journey is completed or finished. Within their hearts and minds they now have a wisdom which comes not from the world and cannot be understood by non-believers, even if they happen to be educated rulers. The wisdom of the world will come to nothing, be abolished, but the wisdom from God will abide forever.

Now: We put ourselves in the place of the Corinthians. We see our world tugged apart by the wisdom of the greenies, the druggies, the elitists, the populists, the boomers and the whatevers. Like the Corinthians we can take heart that only the wisdom revealed through the Spirit has lasting value. We know that we can depend on the source of our wisdom. We are perfect (completed) because of his presence.