1 Corinthians 2:13
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
12We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which things also we speak - We dare no more use the language of the Jews and the Gentiles in speaking of those glorious things, than we can indulge their spirit. The Greek orators affected a high and florid language, full of tropes and figures, which dazzled more than it enlightened. The rabbins affected obscurity, and were studious to find out cabalistical meanings, which had no tendency to make the people wise unto salvation. The apostles could not follow any of these; they spoke the things of God in the words of God; every thing was plain and intelligible; every word well placed, clear, and nervous. He who has a spiritual mind will easily comprehend an apostle's preaching. Comparing spiritual things with spiritual - This is commonly understood to mean, comparing the spiritual things under the Old Testament with the spiritual things under the New: but this does not appear to be the apostle's meaning. The word συγκρινοντες, which we translate comparing, rather signifies conferring, discussing, or explaining; and the word πνευματικοις should be rendered to spiritual men, and not be referred to spiritual things. The passage therefore should be thus translated: Explaining spiritual things to spiritual persons. And this sense the following verse absolutely requires.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:12). WAHL (Key of the New Testament) translates, "explaining (as the Greek is translated, Gen 40:8, the Septuagint) to spiritual (that is, Spirit-taught) men, spiritual things (the things which we ourselves are taught by the Spirit)." Spirit-taught men alone can comprehend spiritual truths. This accords with Co1 2:6, Co1 2:9-10, Co1 2:14-15; Co1 3:1. ALFORD translates, "Putting together (combining) spirituals with spirituals"; that is, attaching spiritual words to spiritual things, which we should not do, if we were to use words of worldly wisdom to expound spiritual things (so Co1 2:1, Co1 2:4; Pe1 4:11). Perhaps the generality of the neuters is designed to comprehend these several notions by implication. Comparing, or combining, spirituals with spirituals; implying both that spiritual things are only suited to spiritual persons (so "things" comprehended persons, Co1 1:27), and also that spiritual truths can only be combined with spiritual (not worldly-wise) words; and lastly, spirituals of the Old and New Testaments can only be understood by mutual comparison or combination, not by combination with worldly "wisdom," or natural perceptions (Co1 1:21-22; Co1 2:1, Co1 2:4-9; compare Psa 119:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the natural man,.... Not a babe in Christ, one that is newly born again, for though such have but little knowledge of spiritual things, yet they have a taste, and do relish and desire, and receive the sincere milk of the word, and grow thereby; but an unregenerate man, that has no knowledge at all of such things; not an unregenerate man only, who is openly and notoriously profane, abandoned to sensual lusts and pleasures; though such a man being sensual, and not having the Spirit, must be a natural man; but rather the wise philosopher, the Scribe, the disputer of this world; the rationalist, the man of the highest attainments in nature, in whom reason is wrought up to its highest pitch; the man of the greatest natural parts and abilities, yet without the Spirit and grace of God, mentioned Co1 1:20 and who all along, both in that chapter and in this, quite down to this passage, is had in view: indeed, every man in a state of nature, who is as he was born, whatever may be the inward furniture of his mind, or his outward conduct of life, is but a natural man, and such an one receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: not the things relating to the deity, personality, and perfections of the Holy Spirit, though these the natural man knows not, nor receives; nor the things done by him, particularly the operations of his grace on the souls of men in regeneration, concerning which he says, as Nicodemus did, "how can these things be?" but the truths of the Gospel before spoken of; so called, because they are contained in the Scriptures edited by the Spirit of God, are the deep things of God, which he searches into and reveals; and because they are made known by him, who is given and received for that end and purpose, that the saints might know them; and because they are delivered by the preachers of the Gospel, in words which he teacheth; now these the natural man receives not in the love of them, so as to approve of and like them, truly to believe them, cordially embrace them, and heartily be subject to them, profess and obey them, but on the contrary abhors and rejects them: for they are foolishness unto him; they are looked upon by him as absurd, and contrary to reason; they do not agree with his taste, he disrelishes and rejects them as things insipid and distasteful; he regards them as the effects of a crazy brain, and the reveries of a distempered head, and are with him the subject of banter and ridicule: neither can he know them: as a natural man, and whilst he is such, nor by the help and mere light of nature only; his understanding, which is shut unto them, must be opened by a divine power, and a superior spiritual light must be thrown into it; at most he can only know the literal and grammatical sense of them, or only in the theory, notionally and speculatively, not experimentally, spiritually, and savingly: because they are spiritually discerned; in a spiritual manner, by a spiritual light, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. There must be a natural visive discerning faculty, suited to the object; as there must be a natural visive faculty to see and discern natural things, so there must be a spiritual one, to see, discern, judge, and approve of spiritual things; and which only a spiritual, and not a natural man has.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths: Just as spiritual wisdom is different from human wisdom, so the way spiritual wisdom is taught must be different from the way human wisdom is taught. The communicating and learning of spiritual truth must be done in the dimension and power of the Spirit; it is not simply a rational, human exercise.
1 Corinthians 2:13
Spiritual Wisdom
12We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Jude #8 - Lessons and Conclusions
By Chuck Missler4.8K1:15:56Jude1CO 2:13HEB 4:7JAS 1:52PE 1:21JUD 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a three-dimensional image and its analogy to the word of God. He explains that a hologram, with its ability to be viewed from different angles, represents the depth and substance of the scriptures. The speaker also highlights how the Bible, when viewed in natural light, may appear as a collection of stories and ideas, but when illuminated by the laser of God's truth, it reveals its true meaning and resolution. He further emphasizes that the scriptures are diffused and distributed throughout the 66 books, just like a communication engineer would do to counter hostile jamming. The speaker concludes by mentioning his fascination with the concept of time and how it relates to the vastness of the universe as observed through a telescope.
Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Helps You Tell the Truth
By Warren Wiersbe3.7K41:37JHN 7:17JHN 16:121CO 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in truth and the consequences of practicing lies. He highlights that when we live in truth, God blesses us, but when lies enter our lives, we experience bondage, fear, and guilt. The speaker also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us confront and live in truth. He explains that God has given us three editions of truth: Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit, each meeting a specific need in our lives. The Holy Spirit teaches us by comparing spiritual things with spiritual, helping us understand and apply God's truth in our lives.
(Guidelines) in What Way Is the Bible Unique
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K14:052TI 3:16GEN 1:1PSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 4:6ROM 8:231CO 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible correctly. They acknowledge that there are many different interpretations of the Bible, but express the hope that there will be perfect agreement in God's presence. The speaker describes the Bible as a book that can communicate a life to its readers and can lead them to become children of God. They also highlight the dual nature of the Bible, as both a divine and human book, comparing it to Jesus who was both God and man. The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to read the Bible and appreciate its uniqueness and thrilling story.
Preparing a Sanctuary for God
By George Warnock2.1K1:01:55SanctuaryEXO 15:2PRO 4:23MAT 6:33LUK 8:181CO 2:132PE 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the movement of the Spirit of God upon the waters, symbolizing a new beginning. The preacher explains that God's creative power will shake both the earth and the heavens, removing all things that are shakeable. The sermon warns against being terrified by the crumbling of human institutions, as God is only shaking those things that can be shaken. The preacher encourages believers to overcome evil with good, darkness with light, and to lay down their lives for others, trusting in God's ultimate intention for their lives.
Excuses
By William MacDonald2.1K47:39ExcusesMAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:27MAT 6:33LUK 14:33ROM 12:11CO 2:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing confusion over CNN's positive portrayal of a system that promotes all religions leading to God. He emphasizes the need for a strong movement of the Spirit of God in our time. The preacher then references the story of Joshua encountering a man with a drawn sword and discusses the importance of recognizing God's authority. The sermon also touches on the belief in the inerrancy and inspiration of the Bible as the Word of God. Additionally, the preacher mentions the different phases of the kingdom of God and how the Sermon on the Mount applies to believers in the present time.
Skyland Conference 1988 (Two Kingdoms) - Part 3
By William MacDonald1.2K38:27Kingdom Of GodROM 5:1ROM 14:171CO 2:132TI 3:16HEB 6:102PE 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Bible in our lives and the attacks it faces. He explains that we must believe in the Bible first and then we will see its truth. The speaker also addresses common arguments against the scriptures, such as the idea that certain teachings are only for the kingdom. He encourages listeners to stand firm in their belief in the Word of God, regardless of the consequences.
Ministry From 1 John 4
By William MacDonald1.1K45:27MinistryMAT 6:331CO 2:132TI 3:161JN 2:11JN 4:61JN 4:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and giving in the Christian faith. He contrasts love with lust, stating that love is manifested through giving, while lust is focused on getting. The preacher highlights the ultimate act of love by God, who gave His only Son for the salvation of the world. He also addresses the fear of judgment at the moment of death, reassuring believers that if they have faith in Christ, they do not need to fear judgment because His love casts out fear. The sermon concludes with a reminder to test the spirits and discern false prophets, emphasizing the importance of confessing Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh.
Holy Spirit 11
By William MacDonald61026:15Holy SpiritMAT 5:18MAT 6:191CO 2:13GAL 3:162TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of accepting the Bible by faith and the authority it holds in preaching the word of God. He emphasizes that one cannot argue people into the kingdom of God, but rather encourage them to read the Bible and experience its living materials. The speaker also addresses the topic of money, stating that Jesus talked more about money than heaven and hell, and challenges the notion that everyone should be prospered. He highlights four common excuses people make to avoid following certain biblical teachings and urges believers to not explain away verses they don't like, but rather accept the Bible without reservations.
The Biblical Evangelism of the Westminster Confession #2
By Ernest C. Reisinger21759:09EvangelismLUK 14:27LUK 14:31JHN 8:31ACT 20:271CO 2:41CO 2:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of addressing the needs of the audience and applying the teachings of the Bible to their lives. He emphasizes the necessity of evangelism and the biblical doctrine of assurance. The preacher also shares a personal experience of being deceived by someone who only told him partial truths. He concludes by expressing his frustration in not knowing how much to touch on in his sermon, comparing it to a bishop who lost his train ticket but was recognized by the conductor.
Victories in the Pastorate
By George Kulp01CO 2:13George Kulp preaches about the pastoral work of Mr. Smith, highlighting his dedication to reaching souls for Christ through personal interactions and fervent prayers. Mr. Smith's compassionate and impactful approach led to powerful conversions and deep spiritual experiences, demonstrating the importance of genuine care and prayer in ministry. Through Mr. Smith's pastoral qualifications and duties, many individuals encountered the love and mercy of God, experiencing profound transformations and finding salvation in Christ.
Jehoshaphat's Reform
By C.I. Scofield02CH 19:3LUK 24:34ROM 3:211CO 2:131CO 15:52CO 5:21JAS 5:171JN 1:91JN 3:7C.I. Scofield preaches on the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:1-11, highlighting the importance of recognizing and repenting from sin, and the fruits of righteousness that follow true faith in God. He emphasizes the need for sinning saints to seek restoration to divine favor and service, using examples like Jehoshaphat and Peter to show that despite failures, there is hope for renewed strength and service for God. Scofield challenges the common belief of despair after disobedience, reminding believers of the biblical truth that confession, cleansing, restoration, joy, power, service, worship, and communion are available for those who repent and turn back to God.
God's Full Intention Governs Everything That He Does
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthBiblical InterpretationPSA 119:105JHN 16:13ROM 15:41CO 2:13EPH 1:17COL 3:162TI 3:16HEB 4:121PE 1:20REV 22:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles of Biblical interpretation, asserting that God's full intention governs everything He does. He outlines five key principles: the eternity of God, the comprehensiveness of Christ, the Holy Spirit as the interpreter, the significance of the final mention in Scripture, and the spiritual value of Biblical knowledge. Sparks illustrates how these principles help us grasp the deeper meanings of Scripture, urging that true understanding comes from spiritual insight rather than mere intellectual knowledge. He encourages believers to seek spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Christ through their study of the Bible.
Profitable Bible Study
By R.A. Torrey0Spiritual GrowthBible Study1CO 2:13R.A. Torrey emphasizes that profitable Bible study is not merely about methods but about fundamental conditions that must be met. He outlines seven essential conditions: being born again, having a love for the Bible, a willingness to work hard, a surrendered will, immediate obedience to its teachings, a childlike mind, and studying it as the Word of God. Torrey argues that these conditions enable deeper understanding and appreciation of the Scriptures, which are spiritually discerned. He encourages believers to approach the Bible with humility and prayer, ensuring they are receptive to God's teachings.
John Wesley Quotes
By John Wesley0Growth in FaithAuthority of ScripturePSA 119:105MAT 22:37JHN 14:16ROM 10:171CO 2:132TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:52PE 1:201JN 4:8John Wesley emphasizes the gradual growth of faith and the importance of genuine expression of one's heart. He warns against the dangers of fashionable vices and stresses the necessity of seeking wisdom from God through His Word. Wesley passionately advocates for the authority of Scripture, asserting that it is the sole rule of faith and practice for Protestants. He expresses concern for the vitality of the Methodist movement, urging adherence to its original doctrine and spirit. Ultimately, Wesley highlights the significance of love over mere knowledge, reminding believers that God is always with them.
True Good Is Only Reached by Abandonment.
By Francois Fenelon0ROM 1:11ROM 7:14ROM 15:271CO 2:13GAL 6:1EPH 1:3EPH 5:19COL 1:91PE 2:5The preacher delves into the meaning of 'pneumatikos,' which refers to the wind, spirit, and the inner life of a human being or the divine Spirit. This term is used in various contexts in the Bible, such as in relation to the Holy Spirit's work, spiritual blessings, gifts, and understanding given by the Spirit. Believers are described as a spiritual house offering spiritual sacrifices, and the concept of being spiritual is contrasted with being fleshly or carnal, highlighting the importance of being guided by the Spirit of God.
Day 84, 1 Corinthians 2
By David Servant0PRO 11:2LUK 22:3ACT 17:161CO 1:261CO 2:11CO 2:71CO 2:13EPH 3:10COL 1:16David Servant delves into Paul's ministry in Corinth, emphasizing the contrast between human wisdom and the divine revelation of the gospel. Paul's focus on preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified, rather than relying on persuasive words of wisdom, highlights the power of God over the wisdom of men. Believers are portrayed as possessing a hidden wisdom from God, predestined for their glory, which includes forgiveness, spiritual rebirth, and a heavenly home. The importance of humility in receiving God's wisdom is underscored, as pride hinders true wisdom and aligns with worldly wisdom. Paul's reference to the rulers of this age possibly alludes to demonic spiritual rulers who unwittingly played a role in Christ's redemptive sacrifice, outwitted by God's divine plan.
The Canon of the New Testament
By F.F Bruce0JHN 16:13ACT 20:321CO 2:131TH 2:132TI 3:16HEB 4:122PE 1:212PE 3:16REV 22:18F.F. Bruce delves into the historical research behind the formation of the New Testament canon, exploring how the Holy Spirit guided the selection and collection of the writings. The sermon discusses early lists of New Testament books by Marcion and the Muratorian Fragment, highlighting the gradual recognition of the twenty-seven books. It emphasizes the importance of determining divinely authoritative books for Christian doctrine and disputes with heretics, leading to the formal inclusion of the New Testament books in the canon by the Church. The sermon concludes by affirming the Church's right choice in selecting the New Testament books over other early documents and apocryphal writings.
The True Starting Point of Enquiry
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0MAT 16:21JHN 6:511CO 2:131CO 11:26W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches on the significance of the Lord Jesus Christ's death and His promised return, emphasizing how these two events are intricately linked and form the foundation of Christian faith and hope. He highlights the sad reality of how the Lord's Supper, meant to be a symbol of love, unity, and hope, has been marred by controversy and division within the Church over the centuries. Thomas urges a return to the original institution of the Lord's Supper as outlined in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of understanding its true meaning and adhering to it faithfully to foster unity and peace within the Church.
Warning Against the Empty Longing to Be Teachers
By Clement of Rome0PRO 15:1PRO 18:21MAT 15:141CO 2:13EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:11PE 4:10Clement of Rome warns against idle gossip, false teachings, and the dangers of those who claim to be teachers but lack understanding of the truth. He emphasizes the importance of speaking words of God with grace and wisdom, and the need to control the tongue to avoid strife and anger. Clement urges believers to fear the judgment that awaits false teachers who lead others astray with deceptive words and false doctrines, contrasting them with those who serve others with the gifts received from God for the edification of the Church.
John Gill
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 119:18PRO 2:6ROM 12:61CO 2:132TI 2:15J.C. Philpot praises Dr. Gill's Commentary as a sound, consistent, and harmonious exposition of divine truth, based on the analogy of faith, rejecting any interpretations that contradict the doctrines of grace. Dr. Gill's deep knowledge of Hebrew and Rabbinical writings, condensed yet packed explanations, sound sense, fairness of interpretation, and fullness of commentary make his work invaluable. Unlike other commentators, Dr. Gill does not shy away from difficult passages but provides clarity and depth, feeding the soul with honey from the rock and bringing a savor and sweetness to the Scriptures.
C. Separation From the London Society, Etc.
By A.T. Pierson0PRO 3:5ACT 5:29ROM 1:161CO 2:13GAL 1:10A.T. Pierson grapples with the dilemma of remaining connected with the Society due to various objections. He questions the necessity of ordination for extensive usefulness and the conflict with state churches that deviate from the true standard of the word of God. Pierson also expresses a conscientious objection against being directed by men in his missionary work, emphasizing the guidance of the Spirit over human influence. Despite his love for the Jews, he struggles with the committee's expectation of dedicating most of his time to them, leading him to confront these internal conflicts openly.
Guidelines: Part 3 What Do You Mean by Revelation? Inspiration? Illumination? Interpretation?
By J. Vernon McGee0JOS 1:2PSA 119:105PRO 3:5LUK 24:45JHN 1:11CO 2:101CO 2:132TI 3:16HEB 1:12PE 1:21J. Vernon McGee delves into the meanings of Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination, and Interpretation in the Bible. Revelation emphasizes God's communication to humanity through the prophets in the Old Testament and through Christ in the New Testament. Inspiration highlights the belief in the plenary verbal inspiration of Scripture, where every word is considered the Word of God. Illumination stresses the necessity of the Holy Spirit to teach and help believers understand the spiritual truths in the Bible. Interpretation involves the various interpretations individuals give to the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of considering the overall purpose, audience, context, original language, and literal interpretation of Scripture.
The Effect of Pentecost
By Joseph Parker0ACT 2:141CO 2:41CO 2:13EPH 1:17COL 3:162TI 2:152TI 3:161PE 3:152PE 1:21Joseph Parker preaches about the transformative power of the Holy Spirit using Peter as a portrait of the effect of the outpouring of the Spirit on the entire church. He highlights Peter's heroic eloquence, profound insight into Scripture, strong grasp of prophecy, and powerful defense of Christian doctrine and truth when inspired by the Spirit. Parker emphasizes the importance of being unanswerably argumentative in faith and using Peter as a standard to measure our spiritual growth and understanding of the Bible.
The Puritan Illusion - Part One
By Charles Alexander0ISA 59:20MAT 13:13JHN 3:16ACT 26:21ROM 11:25ROM 16:251CO 2:13GAL 6:16EPH 3:3Charles Alexander preaches against the belief that the past history of the Christian Church is a failure and that the triumph of the Kingdom of Christ awaits a future day when the Jewish people as a nation will be converted. He refutes the notion that the success of the Church is reserved for a future Jewish conversion, highlighting the faithful martyrs, saints, and preachers who have contributed to the Church's growth over the past twenty centuries. Charles emphasizes the importance of laboring faithfully in the present, despite discouraging circumstances, rather than waiting for a future event. He challenges the idea that the true success of the Church depends on a future Jewish conversion, urging believers to focus on their current ministry and not be swayed by illusions that undermine the true teachings of Scripture.
Stephen's Fullness (Acts Vi. 5)
By Seth Rees0MAT 5:44MRK 9:23ACT 6:5ROM 10:171CO 2:51CO 2:131TH 5:15JAS 1:61PE 3:9Seth Rees preaches about the life and blessings of Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Stephen's Christian experience is highlighted as the most important aspect in the eyes of heaven, emphasizing the importance of being filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. Rees encourages believers to cultivate faith, believe for larger things, and trust in God's power for all aspects of life, including salvation, sanctification, and divine healing. He stresses the significance of being right in faith intellectually, experimentally, and practically, and the need for courage, wisdom, and love in the Christian walk.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which things also we speak - We dare no more use the language of the Jews and the Gentiles in speaking of those glorious things, than we can indulge their spirit. The Greek orators affected a high and florid language, full of tropes and figures, which dazzled more than it enlightened. The rabbins affected obscurity, and were studious to find out cabalistical meanings, which had no tendency to make the people wise unto salvation. The apostles could not follow any of these; they spoke the things of God in the words of God; every thing was plain and intelligible; every word well placed, clear, and nervous. He who has a spiritual mind will easily comprehend an apostle's preaching. Comparing spiritual things with spiritual - This is commonly understood to mean, comparing the spiritual things under the Old Testament with the spiritual things under the New: but this does not appear to be the apostle's meaning. The word συγκρινοντες, which we translate comparing, rather signifies conferring, discussing, or explaining; and the word πνευματικοις should be rendered to spiritual men, and not be referred to spiritual things. The passage therefore should be thus translated: Explaining spiritual things to spiritual persons. And this sense the following verse absolutely requires.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:12). WAHL (Key of the New Testament) translates, "explaining (as the Greek is translated, Gen 40:8, the Septuagint) to spiritual (that is, Spirit-taught) men, spiritual things (the things which we ourselves are taught by the Spirit)." Spirit-taught men alone can comprehend spiritual truths. This accords with Co1 2:6, Co1 2:9-10, Co1 2:14-15; Co1 3:1. ALFORD translates, "Putting together (combining) spirituals with spirituals"; that is, attaching spiritual words to spiritual things, which we should not do, if we were to use words of worldly wisdom to expound spiritual things (so Co1 2:1, Co1 2:4; Pe1 4:11). Perhaps the generality of the neuters is designed to comprehend these several notions by implication. Comparing, or combining, spirituals with spirituals; implying both that spiritual things are only suited to spiritual persons (so "things" comprehended persons, Co1 1:27), and also that spiritual truths can only be combined with spiritual (not worldly-wise) words; and lastly, spirituals of the Old and New Testaments can only be understood by mutual comparison or combination, not by combination with worldly "wisdom," or natural perceptions (Co1 1:21-22; Co1 2:1, Co1 2:4-9; compare Psa 119:18).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the natural man,.... Not a babe in Christ, one that is newly born again, for though such have but little knowledge of spiritual things, yet they have a taste, and do relish and desire, and receive the sincere milk of the word, and grow thereby; but an unregenerate man, that has no knowledge at all of such things; not an unregenerate man only, who is openly and notoriously profane, abandoned to sensual lusts and pleasures; though such a man being sensual, and not having the Spirit, must be a natural man; but rather the wise philosopher, the Scribe, the disputer of this world; the rationalist, the man of the highest attainments in nature, in whom reason is wrought up to its highest pitch; the man of the greatest natural parts and abilities, yet without the Spirit and grace of God, mentioned Co1 1:20 and who all along, both in that chapter and in this, quite down to this passage, is had in view: indeed, every man in a state of nature, who is as he was born, whatever may be the inward furniture of his mind, or his outward conduct of life, is but a natural man, and such an one receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: not the things relating to the deity, personality, and perfections of the Holy Spirit, though these the natural man knows not, nor receives; nor the things done by him, particularly the operations of his grace on the souls of men in regeneration, concerning which he says, as Nicodemus did, "how can these things be?" but the truths of the Gospel before spoken of; so called, because they are contained in the Scriptures edited by the Spirit of God, are the deep things of God, which he searches into and reveals; and because they are made known by him, who is given and received for that end and purpose, that the saints might know them; and because they are delivered by the preachers of the Gospel, in words which he teacheth; now these the natural man receives not in the love of them, so as to approve of and like them, truly to believe them, cordially embrace them, and heartily be subject to them, profess and obey them, but on the contrary abhors and rejects them: for they are foolishness unto him; they are looked upon by him as absurd, and contrary to reason; they do not agree with his taste, he disrelishes and rejects them as things insipid and distasteful; he regards them as the effects of a crazy brain, and the reveries of a distempered head, and are with him the subject of banter and ridicule: neither can he know them: as a natural man, and whilst he is such, nor by the help and mere light of nature only; his understanding, which is shut unto them, must be opened by a divine power, and a superior spiritual light must be thrown into it; at most he can only know the literal and grammatical sense of them, or only in the theory, notionally and speculatively, not experimentally, spiritually, and savingly: because they are spiritually discerned; in a spiritual manner, by a spiritual light, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. There must be a natural visive discerning faculty, suited to the object; as there must be a natural visive faculty to see and discern natural things, so there must be a spiritual one, to see, discern, judge, and approve of spiritual things; and which only a spiritual, and not a natural man has.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths: Just as spiritual wisdom is different from human wisdom, so the way spiritual wisdom is taught must be different from the way human wisdom is taught. The communicating and learning of spiritual truth must be done in the dimension and power of the Spirit; it is not simply a rational, human exercise.