Read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
A typical first-century Greek or Roman person regarded the gospel with contempt. Commentator Leon Morris described an ancient picture of an early Christian standing before a crucified man who was represented with a human body but a donkey’s head. The inscription read, “Alexamenos worships his god.”
The message of the Cross is nonsense to unbelievers, both in the days of the Corinthians and now. Thankfully, we know the wisdom of God transcends human wisdom (see Prov. 9:10). We cannot grasp Him on our own any more than we can save ourselves from sin. He has revealed Himself most perfectly in His Son, who has accomplished our redemption. This is the good news that is the church’s mission and privilege to declare! But even when we faithfully declare it, we shouldn’t expect success by human means or standards. Gospel wisdom, as Paul wrote here, is qualitatively different.
What is the nature of gospel wisdom (vv. 6–10)? It is a mystery revealed. Though long-prophesied and part of God’s sovereign, eternal plan, it had arrived and been fulfilled in unexpected ways. Its truth remains hidden from society’s usual VIPs and is discerned only by the spiritually mature, that is to say, those who have been spiritually reborn by trusting in Christ for salvation.
What is the source of gospel wisdom (vv. 10–16)? The Holy Spirit. He knows the mind of God because He is God. He enables believers to understand the “mystery” and empowers us to obey God’s will (see John 14:16–17). He teaches us the words we need to declare God’s wisdom and good news among the nations. Spiritual rebirth, growth, and understanding are His work. Without the Holy Spirit, the natural human mind cannot grasp the spiritual truth of the Cross. The church, however, has “the mind of Christ.”
APPLY THE WORD
As you dig into 1 Corinthians this month, you might want additional study aids. A helpful one is the Moody Bible Commentary, from the faculty at Moody Bible Institute. Another good commentary is 1 Corinthians by Leon Morris, part of the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries series, which is readable and efficient.
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 