However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Co 2:6–8).
Here we get into some of the depths of Paul’s theology on wisdom. In this verse, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthians and explains the nature of the wisdom that he and other mature believers speak. Paul suggests that divine wisdom is revealed by God and understood by those who deeply understand spiritual matters. It is the knowledge that surpasses the conventional wisdom of the world and is only revealed to spiritually mature people.
Paul asserts, "We communicate the wisdom of God, concealed within a mystery." The query arises: what does this imply? How did they convey God's wisdom concealed within a mystery? The Old Testament also alludes to a comparable notion of wisdom. It is possible that Paul drew upon this understanding while penning those words.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for wisdom is "hokmah," which refers to both practical wisdom for living and a deeper understanding of God and His ways. For example, Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse highlights the connection between fearing God and gaining true wisdom. in addition, the book of Job delves into the nature of wisdom and wrestles with questions about suffering the mystery of God's ways, and the limitations of human understanding. Through the dialogue between Job and his friends, the book explores different perspectives on wisdom and ultimately emphasizes the need for humility and reverence before God. The book of James confirms this humbling position by saying that if you're a bit clueless in the wisdom department, come to God in prayer, and He'll generously deliver it to you.
When Jesus asked everyone whom they thought He was, Peter acted as the spokesperson, throwing out a summary of mixed opinions. But then, Jesus wanted the juicy details straight from Peter's mouth as to whom Peter thought Jesus was. And guess what? Peter nailed it! He boldly proclaimed, "You're the real deal, the Christ, Son of the living God!" Jesus gave him a nod of approval, revealing that this mind-blowing insight didn't come from a late-night Google search—it was a divine revelation. Jesus wanted everyone to know that flesh and blood didn't spill the beans to Peter; it was God's secret reveal. Talk about a divine knowledge bomb, right? So there is an example of divine Knowledge.
If one definition of wisdom can be defined as “knowledge rightly applied”, then the following should serve to bring this point home. Jesus, being the master of stirring the pot, once dropped a bombshell about slurping His blood and munching on His flesh. Oh boy, did that ruffle some feathers! People were like, "Say what? That's just too much, man!" And they hightailed it outta there, leaving Jesus hanging. But let's give props to the disciples—they stuck around. Jesus turned to them, with a sly grin on His face, and asked, "Hey, you guys leaving too?" And their epic response? "Lord, seriously, where else are we gonna go? You've got the secrets of eternal life!" Boom! Talk about divine wisdom smacking human logic right in the face. Those who bailed based their decision on conventional wisdom, thinking Jesus had lost the plot. They didn't realize they were missing out on the ultimate redemption party.
Paul's point in this passage is clear. The "wisdom of the age" or "wisdom of this world" refers to the prevailing philosophies, ideologies, and trends shaped by human understanding and reasoning in a specific culture and time. The wisdom of the age is not necessarily opposed to all forms of truth or moral values. However, it is a myopic view of reality, where human achievements and personal desires take center stage. It lacks a deeper understanding of spiritual matters and the truths that come from God. This worldly wisdom disregards divine revelation, spiritual insights, and an eternal perspective.
In contrast, the wisdom of God surpasses human understanding and is revealed through spiritual insight and a relationship with God. Paul is dropping some truth bombs in this passage. He's like, "Listen up, folks! According to worldly wisdom, nobody in their wildest dreams could have guessed how God would pull off the redemption of mankind.
As for divine wisdom? Well, picture this: the Savior of the world being born in a humble barn, rejected by His own peeps, and, to top it off, dying a criminal's death. Who saw that coming? Not the top strategists of worldly wisdom-Right? Then came the ultimate worldly wisdom wrecker - the resurrection! Boom!
Talk about turning the world's wisdom on its head. God raised Jesus from the dead, shattering all expectations, confounding the skeptics, and leaving the worldly-wise scratching their heads. It's like a divine mic drop moment that declares, 'Guess what, folks? The Almighty has a sense of humour and a flair for the unexpected.
コメント