1 Corinthians 2:6

We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet. wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:

'We speak wisdom' -'Yet we do speak wisdom' (NASV). Let no one say that the Bible isn't intellectually challenging. (2 Peter 3:16)

'among them that are fullgrown' -'among those who are spiritually mature' (Phi). Paul's term for matured Christians. (Vincent p. 195) (1 Corinthians 14:20; Hebrews 5:14)

Points to Note:

1. The wisdom that Paul spoke he has already defined for us, i.e. Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

2. In this context, the fullgrown, seem to refer to the same group as are labeled "spiritual" in 1 Corinthians 2:15.

3. Paul isn't saying that he reserved. "wisdom" for the fullgrown, and preached something different to babes in Christ. The whole gospel was the wisdom of God.

4. The use of the word "fullgrown/spiritually mature" seems to be. jab at the Corinthians:

'the argument of this paragraph is full of bite. The Corinthians, enamored by wisdom and thinking of themselves as "spiritual" are less than enchanted with Paul's message, which they regard as "mere milk". With fine irony Paul demolishes these various misperceptions and false boastings..' (Fee p. 98)

The same type of argument seems to be used in 1 Corinthians 14:37. A person demonstrates their possession of or lack of spiritual maturity by their acceptance or rejection of the gospel message. Ouch! God will have Paul take another hit at the Corinthians pride in 1 Corinthians 3:1, 'I..could not speak to you as to spiritual men'.

The whole point seems to be, "Spiritual people", appreciate the gospel message, they see in "Christ crucified", the wisdom of God. So much for the so-called "wise men" of Eastern religions and many of this nation's college philosophy professors. If you don't appreciate "Christ crucified", then your not "spiritual".

'yet. wisdom not of this world' -'not of this age' (NASV) 'This wisdom does not belong to the passing age of fleeting things, but to the enduring and eternal.' (Robertson p. 84) 'This "age" (era) must end. Then what about it's "wisdom"? (Lenski p. 96)

'nor of the rulers of this world' -'nor of the leaders of this age.' (Nor) 'Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that his proclamation was not of human origin. Man didn't manufacture this message. It is God's wisdom. Neither pagans nor princes thought this wisdom up.' (McGuiggan p. 43) 'The wisdom of which Paul speaks is not secular wisdom, which is dominated by the rulers or powers that control the current climate of opinion.' (F.F. Bruce p. 38)

In view of verse 8, the "rulers" of this verse are to be understood as human leaders. The "wise, mighty and noble" of this world. (1 Corinthians 1:26) Despite what they may claim, the movers and shakers of this world, have never had. good grasp of reality. Keep this in mind when you listen to the radio or watch television.

'who are coming to nought' -'the Greek present participle. fact in process of accomplishment.' (Vincent p. 195)

Points to Note:

1. The world's elite all eventually pass away.

2. Many. philosophy has been abandoned, by the next generation.

3. Increasingly, especially in our age, the reputed wisdom of the world's way of handing moral issues, is seen to be bankrupt.