What does 1 Corinthians 2:2 mean?

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

Explanation

1 Corinthians 2:2 is a declaration of the Apostle Paul concerning his ministry and message to the Corinthians. In this verse, Paul is emphasizing that his primary focus and the content of his teaching was Jesus Christ, and particularly the event of Christ’s crucifixion. The phrase “For I determined not to know any thing among you” signifies Paul’s intentional choice to prioritize the message of the Gospel over other forms of wisdom or knowledge that were esteemed in the Corinthian society. His use of “save” means “except for,” indicating that everything else he might have discussed was secondary to the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The verse can be understood as both a statement of Paul’s commitment to the core Christian message, as well as a call for the Corinthians to center their faith and practice around Christ’s sacrificial death and its implications.

Historical Context

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was written to a church in Corinth, a prominent city in ancient Greece known for its wealth, intellectualism, and moral laxity. The time was around A.D. 53-54. This bustling city was also a melting pot of cultures and religions, contributing to a range of philosophical ideas and religious practices. During this period, eloquent speech and wisdom were highly prized among Greeks, which may have influenced some Christians to seek eloquence and wisdom in presentations of the Gospel.

In this context, Paul is emphasizing that he didn’t cater to these expectations. Instead, he kept his message simple and focused: Jesus Christ as Lord and His crucifixion for sinners. This was counter-cultural and surprising to a community attracted to sophisticated rhetoric and novel wisdom.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Paul’s emphasis on “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” touches on several key points:

• Christocentricism: Paul’s message is Christ-centered, revolving entirely around the person and work of Jesus Christ.
• Atonement Theology: The crucifixion is central because it represents Christ’s atoning sacrifice for sin, a foundational doctrine in Christian theology.
• The Power of Simplicity: The Gospel, while profound, is presented in a simplistic manner that is accessible to all, regardless of social or intellectual standing.
• Counter-Cultural Witness: Paul’s stance defies the societal norms of his day, suggesting that true wisdom comes from God and can challenge human traditions and expectations.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize different aspects of this verse. For example, Reformed theology would highlight God’s sovereignty in salvation through the preached word of Christ crucified, whereas other traditions might focus on the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ as central to the Gospel message.

Practical Applications

The focus of 1 Corinthians 2:2 provides several practical applications for contemporary believers:

• Prioritize the Gospel: In all forms of ministry and daily living, Christians are encouraged to prioritize the Gospel message in their communication and actions.
• Embrace Simplicity: Believers can take heart that the Gospel is not about complex theology or eloquence but is fundamentally about the person of Jesus and what He accomplished.
• Resist Cultural Conformity: Christians are called to maintain the distinctiveness of the Gospel message, even when pressured by cultural expectations to conform.
• Power in Weakness: Paul’s method suggests that there is power in perceived weakness—what seems foolish to the world (the message of a crucified savior) is the wisdom and power of God.

Cross-References

• Galatians 6:14: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:23: “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;”
• 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

Language Study

In examining the original Greek:

• “Determined” (ekrina): From the Greek ἔκρινα, which means “to judge,” “to resolve,” or “to decide.” Paul is explaining a decisive judgment he made about his approach.
• “Know” (eidēnai): From the Greek εἰδέναι, meaning “to perceive,” “to be aware of,” or “to understand.” Paul is saying he chose not to make anything else a subject of discussion or instruction.
• “Crucified” (estaurōmenon): From the Greek ἐσταυρωμένον, a perfect passive participle of σταυρόω, meaning “to crucify.” This form emphasizes the enduring significance of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, sacrifice and mythology often interfaced with religious practice. However, the concept of a god willingly being crucified was absurd to the Greeks and Romans. Thus, the message of Christianity was a stark contrast to existing religious beliefs, which often glorified the power and immortality of the gods, rather than their vulnerability or sacrifice.

In comparison to other ancient myths where demigods and heroes might experience trials, none of them are depicted as offering themselves as a sacrifice for the redemption of humanity in the way that the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion is presented in Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective generally does not engage directly with theological claims of scripture such as those asserted in 1 Corinthians 2:2. The crucifixion is a historical event and as such can be examined by historians for consistency and evidence, but its theological meaning and significance are matters of faith rather than scientific inquiry. The discussion of the crucifixion would largely fall within the domains of history, archaeology, and textual criticism.

Commentaries

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians 2:2 tend to reflect the shared understanding that Paul is demarcating his ministry’s distinctive emphasis on the crucifixion as the central tenet of his preaching. Scholars such as John Chrysostom emphasized that Paul’s focus on the crucified Christ was meant to confront the wisdom of the world with God’s wisdom, which transcends human understanding. More modern commentaries, such as those by Gordon D. Fee or Richard B. Hays, underscore the counter-cultural and subversive nature of Paul’s gospel proclamation and reiterate its ongoing relevance and challenge for the church’s witness in the world today.