The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth and explains that when he first came to them he spoke to them not in mysteries but in simple terms, speaking only about Jesus, Him crucified, and the salvation that comes from that act. Paul says he spoke “not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NKJV).
This was not because Paul was incapable of eloquent speech. Before his conversion he was a Pharisee who had been educated at the knees of Gamaliel, a most respected teacher of Judaism (Acts 5:34). Paul was known for his persuasive speeches. But he chose to approach the Corinthians with simple speech. He goes on, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature … the wisdom of God is a mystery … ordained before the ages for our glory … as it is written:
‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:7-9 NKJV).
God knows everything. God reveals to us, His followers, only what we can handle and only as we need it. Paul did not approach the residents of Corinth with eloquent speeches to show his vast knowledge and wisdom (which would have tended to make them revere Paul, not Jesus) but by telling the gospel of Jesus and describing the power of Jehovah in simple, concise terms. Paul sometimes used miracles (such as healing the sick) to demonstrate the power of God.
Corinth was a major hub of commerce and a cultural center. It was host to many temples of pagan gods, and was populated largely by Greeks. The Greek culture held logic and reason in high regard and lauded, almost revered, their best philosophers. Going to a forum or theater to listen to these pundits eloquently debating hot issues of the day was their top entertainment, a version of today’s reality TV.
As a result, the citizenry tended to think that amassing knowledge made you a better person and added to your power in the world. The new Christian converts were, therefore, eager to know more about Jesus, God, and the mysteries God promised to reveal to His people. But their eagerness was misplaced. They sought wisdom not because of their love for Jesus, but to elevate their status among their peers.
In this passage Paul reminds them of the way he approached them, and why. God reveals His secrets to His children as they grow in maturity and stability. As long as new Christians are embracing the ways and wisdom of the world, they cannot properly handle the wisdom of God. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12).
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them for they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
As we grow in faith-filled maturity, God reveals more to us by the Holy Spirit through the Holy Word (Deuteronomy 29:29). As we prove faithful in the little things, we are entrusted with more. Don’t seek the deep wisdom first. Seek first Jesus Christ, Him crucified for our salvation. Come to a true understanding of that and God will unfold more of His mysteries before you.
