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Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS ON 1Co_2:1-16
A. There were some in the church at Corinth who were very intellectually oriented (i.e., first century rhetorical traditions). Into this context of overemphasized human knowledge and performance, Paul begins in chapter 1 with an emphasis on the grace of God (as he also does in Eph_2:1-10). Yet, he admitted that wisdom and knowledge are also among the gifts of God. In chapter 2, Paul continues on this theme by emphasizing revelation versus human discovery. As the Corinthians had no claim on the knowledge they possessed, they equally had no claim on the means of attaining that knowledge.
B. Basically, 1Co_2:1-16 is an amplification of chapter 1Co_1:18-25.
C. 1Co_2:10-16 can be understood as referring to several categories of spiritual insight or revelation. God has acted so as to reveal Himself to us (i.e., revelation, 1Co_2:10-12); He has chosen certain men to record and explain His acts (i.e., inspiration, v.13), and finally the Spirit enables Bible readers to understand the main truths of His revelation (i.e., illumination, 1Co_2:14-16).
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Define Paul's use of the word, "mystery" in this context.
2. What did Paul mean that he came in fear and great trembling to Corinth?
3. What was the evidence that Paul's preaching was empowered by God?
4. Why are the New Testament authors reluctant to describe heaven or hell in detail?
5. Explain the difference between "revelation," "inspiration," and "illumination."
6. List the three distinct ways Paul uses the term "spirit" in this chapter.
7. List the four distinct ways that Paul uses the term, "wisdom," in this chapter.
8. Look up 1Co_2:13 in several English translations. What do you think this verse teaches?