What does 1 Corinthians 2:6 mean?

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: 1 Corinthians 2:6

Explanation

In 1 Corinthians 2:6, the apostle Paul distinguishes between two types of wisdom: the wisdom of this world and the wisdom that comes from God. When Paul mentions “wisdom among them that are perfect,” the term “perfect” here refers to those who are mature in their faith, not those who are sinlessly perfect. These mature believers are able to understand and appreciate the deeper wisdom that Paul and other apostles impart, which is divine in origin and often hidden from the understanding of unbelievers and spiritual novices.

This divine wisdom is not aligned with the transient wisdom of worldly rulers and authorities (“the princes of this world”), who are ultimately bound to fail or “come to nought.” Instead, it is a wisdom that has eternal value and profound spiritual implications. Paul is suggesting that the message of the cross, which is foolishness to those perishing, is actually the wisdom and power of God for those who are being saved.

Historical Context

This verse comes from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, which was written to the church in Corinth around AD 53-54. Corinth was a major Greek city known for its intellectual and material prosperity. The Christian community in Corinth was composed of both Jews and Greeks and was challenged by issues such as factionalism, moral indiscretion, and doctrinal confusion.

In this context, Paul is addressing the intellectual snobbery and the factional disputes that were occurring within the Corinthian church. He reminds them that the gospel he preaches is not based on the sophisticated rhetoric or philosophical wisdom valued in Greek culture but on the transformative power of the Spirit.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse emphasizes the contrast between human wisdom and divine revelation. In Christian theology, this passage is often cited to show that spiritual understanding is not something that can be attained by human intelligence or worldly power alone. It speaks to the concept of spiritual discernment, which is granted by the Holy Spirit to believers, enabling them to comprehend truths that are spiritually appraised.

From a Reformed viewpoint, it emphasizes the doctrine of total depravity and the necessity of God’s grace in understanding spiritual matters. On the other hand, the Armenian perspective may focus on the role of human free will in responding to and understanding the wisdom that God reveals.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can encourage believers today to seek God’s wisdom above worldly wisdom. In practical terms, this may mean prioritizing the values of the scripture over cultural or societal norms or making decisions based on faith principles rather than purely on logic or personal benefit. It also implies the importance of spiritual maturity and the need for Christians to grow and become “perfect” or mature in their understanding of God’s word.

Cross-References

• James 3:15-17: “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
• Ephesians 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:20: “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”
• 1 Corinthians 3:18-19: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as “perfect” is “teleios,” which often means mature or complete. The phrase “wisdom of this world” includes the word “sophia,” which denotes wisdom but with an emphasis on knowledge or an intellectual understanding. The term “princes of this world” could also be translated as “rulers of this age” and suggests transient authorities in contrast to the eternal reign of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, wisdom was a prized attribute and often personified in deities (such as Athena in Greek mythology or Thoth in Egyptian belief). In the religious texts of Judaism, such as the wisdom books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), wisdom is also personified and seen as a gift from God. Paul’s teaching contrasts with these by claiming that true wisdom is not a human achievement or a general divine attribute but is specifically found in the revelation of God through Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly intersect with scientific subjects, the distinction between God’s wisdom and worldly wisdom can lead to discussions around the philosophy of science. There is a dialogue between faith and science, where some believe they are in conflict, while others find them complementary. This verse supports the idea that while empirical and observable knowledge (science) has value, there is a different, transcendent wisdom (faith) which science cannot grasp because it pertains to spiritual truths.

Commentaries

Commentators such as John Calvin have noted the irony in Paul’s words, showing that the wisdom proclaimed to the mature is not a system of philosophy or worldly reason, but the simple and scandalous message of the cross. Matthew Henry comments on the necessity of God’s Spirit in understanding spiritual truths and the futility of worldly wisdom.

Contemporary biblical scholars also emphasize the stark contrast between worldly power structures and the subversive nature of the Gospel’s wisdom, highlighting how Paul’s message was countercultural both then and now. They often focus on the empowering aspect of the Holy Spirit in revealing divine wisdom to believers, which is consistently accessible irrespective of their worldly status or intellectual capabilities.