1 Corinthians 2:14
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
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.14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the natural man - Ψυχικος, The animal man - the man who is in a mere state of nature, and lives under the influence of his animal passions; for the word ψυχη, which we often translate soul, means the lower and sensitive part of man, in opposition to νους, the understanding or rational part. The Latins use anima to signify these lower passions; and animus to signify the higher. The person in question is not only one who either has had no spiritual teaching, or has not profited by it; but one who lives for the present world, having no respect to spiritual or eternal things. This ψυχικος, or animal man, is opposed to the πνευματικος, or spiritual man: and, as this latter is one who is under the influence of the Spirit of God, so the former is one who is without that influence. The apostle did speak of those high and sublime spiritual things to these animal men; but he explained them to those which were spiritual. He uses this word in this sense, Co1 3:1; Co1 9:11; and particularly in Co1 2:15 of the present chapter: He that is spiritual judgeth all things. But the natural man - The apostle appears to give this - as a reason why he explained those deep spiritual things to spiritual men; because the animal man - the man who is in a state of nature, without the regenerating grace of the Spirit of God, receiveth not the things of the Spirit - neither apprehends nor comprehends them: he has no relish for them; he considers it the highest wisdom to live for this world. Therefore these spiritual things are foolishness to him; for while he is in his animal state he cannot see their excellency, because they are spiritually discerned, and he has no spiritual mind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
natural man--literally, "a man of animal soul." As contrasted with the spiritual man, he is governed by the animal soul, which overbears his spirit, which latter is without the Spirit of God (Jde 1:19). So the animal (English Version, "natural") body, or body led by the lower animal nature (including both the mere human fallen reason and heart), is contrasted with the Spirit-quickened body (Co1 15:44-46). The carnal man (the man led by bodily appetites, and also by a self-exalting spirit, estranged from the divine life) is closely akin; so too the "earthly." "Devilish," or "demon-like"; "led by an evil spirit," is the awful character of such a one, in its worst type (Jam 3:15). receiveth not--though they are offered to him, and are "worthy of being received by all men" (Ti1 1:15). they are foolishness unto him--whereas he seeks "wisdom" (Co1 1:22). neither can he--Not only does he not, but he cannot know them, and therefore has no wish to "receive" them (Rom 8:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that is spiritual,.... Meaning not any particular individual person, not the pope of Rome, as his adherents vainly imagine, whom they fancy to be a supreme and infallible judge in things spiritual, from whose judgment is no appeal, and who himself comes not under the judgment of any; for he is so far from being a spiritual man, or having judgment in spiritual things, that he stands described as the man of sin, the son of perdition, the wicked one, the beast, to whom a mouth is given, speaking great things and blasphemies; but a set of men are here meant, and not such who are only outwardly reformed in their lives and conversations, who are at best but moral, and not spiritual men; nor all that have a form of godliness, an appearance of spirituality; there may be such who may have this, and yet deny the power of it, in which the principle and essence of spirituality lies; nor all such who have spiritual gifts, which may be where there is no spiritual grace; or that have a greater degree of spiritual knowledge than others, or that even have a greater degree of real grace than others; for though these are certainly spiritual men, Co1 3:1 yet they are not the only ones; others that have less knowledge and grace, are spiritual also, and are comprehended in this character; much less does it design such who have no flesh or sin in them, for there are none without sin in the present state; and if this was essential to a spiritual man, there would be no spiritual man in the world; such are only the saints in heaven, who are without fault before the throne: and after the resurrection will have spiritual bodies, as well as their spirits or souls are now made perfect: but here a spiritual man intends every man that is born of the Spirit; seeing what is born of the Spirit, is Spirit, or spiritual; from whence the regenerate man is denominated spiritual, he is such an one that is quickened by the Spirit of God, and lives spiritually by faith on Christ; he breathes after spiritual things, salvation by Christ, and an interest in him, communion with God, conformity to Christ, pardon of sin, a justifying righteousness, and eternal life: he has spiritual senses, and these in exercise; he has a spiritual sight of things, of himself, and his lost state by nature, and of the person, grace, and things of Christ; he has a spiritual hearing of the Gospel, by which faith comes; he hears so as to live, and he lives so as that he hears the joyful sound with understanding, approbation, and acceptance; he has a spiritual taste of things, of the grace of God, the fruit of Christ, and the truths of the Gospel; and he smells a sweet savour in them; he has a spiritual feeling, he feels the weight and burden of sin, the gracious influences and operations of the Spirit, and handles Christ, the word of life: he talks the spiritual language of Canaan, and his speech betrays him to be a spiritual man; and he walks spiritually by faith on Christ, and in the paths of holiness, righteousness, and truth: he is one that is renewed by the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of his mind; has a new heart, and a new spirit put within him; and is become a new creature in Christ: he has the good work of grace wrought in his soul; and in him grace is the reigning principle; in him the Spirit of God himself dwells, and he is led by him out of himself to Christ, and into all truth, and walks after him, and not after the flesh: his conversation is spiritual and heavenly; he is spiritually minded, he minds not the things of the flesh, but the things of the Spirit; and though there is a great deal of carnality in him, in his thoughts, his words, and actions, yet this is matter of grief to him, and is his daily complaint: and such an one judgeth all things; or "discerneth all things"; not all things in nature, or which fall within the compass of human knowledge; there are many things he may have no knowledge of, nor judgment in, being for the most part not the wise and prudent, but the foolish things of the world who are spiritual; but things divine and spiritual, the things of the Spirit of God, the doctrines of the Gospel before spoken of; and these not every difficult passage of Scripture, or knotty point of controversy, but the several articles of faith, necessary and essential to salvation; these are plain and easy to him, they stand before him in a clear light; as that salvation is alone by Christ, pardon by his blood, justification by his righteousness, &c. these he has seen and tasted of, and relishes, and can discern things that differ, and approve those which are more excellent; he can distinguish truth from error, and the voice of Christ from the voice of a stranger; and knows when the Gospel is preached, and when not, of which he judges by the word of God and his own experience: not that every spiritual man has a like degree of spiritual knowledge and judgment, but everyone discerns and judges according to the measure of the gift of Christ: yet he himself is judged of no man; or "discerned of no man": that is, not of any natural man; who is not capable of discerning and judging who and what he is; only a spiritual man can discern and judge of his spiritual light, grace, and state; as the churches of Christ do, when persons are proposed to, them for communion; the other knows him not, but takes him to be a weak, or a wicked man, an hypocrite and a deceiver; and it is a small thing with him to be judged of man's judgment; he cares not what judgment the natural man passes upon him; nor does his faith in things spiritual, stand upon the authority and judgment of men; nor will he submit to it; nor can he be reproved, convinced, and refuted by such a person: for though a thousand sophistic arguments may be used with him which he cannot answer, he has a witness within himself to the truths of the Gospel, which opposes itself, and stands its ground against all objections; as with respect to the impurity of human nature, the impotency of man to anything that is spiritually good of himself, the insufficiency of his righteousness to justify him before God, the proper deity and real excellency of Christ, his blood and righteousness, and the internal work of the Spirit of God on the heart; sooner may a rock be removed out of its place, than a truly spiritual man can be convicted by a natural man of the falsehood of these things, of which he has had an inward experience, as well as is instructed in them by the word of God; nor can he be better taught and instructed by the natural man.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14 people who aren’t spiritual: Unbelievers, whose minds are blinded to the Spirit, function in the natural world and see life only through physical eyes (see 2 Cor 4:4). They cannot appreciate the significance of the Good News, for it is essentially a spiritual message.
1 Corinthians 2:14
Spiritual Wisdom
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.14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The God Who Devastates
By Art Katz5.0K55:30DevastationJOB 34:32PSA 119:71ISA 42:8MAT 6:33ROM 11:111CO 2:14REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker begins by urging the audience to humble themselves before God and seek His guidance. He mentions that his books, available in the foyer, are more comprehensive and anointed than his spoken words. The main topic of the sermon is the Holocaust and the speaker emphasizes the magnitude of the devastation caused by the systematic genocide of six million Jews. He highlights the shocking aspect that this atrocity did not occur in a primitive or uncivilized area, but in a supposedly civilized society. The speaker calls for a deeper understanding of the gravity of the situation and a realization that we are living beneath the glory of God. He references the story of Moses and how God called him because he turned aside to see, suggesting that we too need to turn aside from our shallow existence and truly see God.
Holy Spirit Given From Heaven
By A.W. Tozer3.7K43:41Holy SpiritJHN 3:271CO 2:91CO 2:141CO 2:162TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following the teachings of the scriptures. He shares a personal anecdote about a man who was converted to Christianity during one of his sermons. The preacher also mentions a time when he preached on a different topic but still had a powerful impact on the audience. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to reveal spiritual truths to us, as our natural intellect is unable to comprehend them. The preacher encourages listeners to open their hearts to God and seek His guidance in understanding spiritual matters.
Holy Spirit - Part 1
By Keith Daniel3.0K51:47Holy SpiritMAT 15:14JHN 16:81CO 2:142CO 1:42CO 1:6COL 1:272TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for the opportunities to spread the word of God through tapes and videos, particularly in America. He shares a personal experience of facing opposition during a sermon, where an old man in the audience pointed out sins being mentioned. The preacher emphasizes the importance of music in church meetings and how it can either enhance or destroy the message being preached. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and emphasizes the need for repentance and seeking God's righteousness to avoid judgment.
Take Heed How You Hear
By A.W. Tozer3.0K39:02HearingLUK 8:16LUK 8:18ROM 10:171CO 2:14HEB 4:12HEB 11:6The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God and not just hearing it. It highlights the danger of routine religion and the need for a genuine and personal connection with God. The speaker addresses the critical attitude of some individuals who focus on superficial aspects of preaching rather than the message itself. The transcript also references biblical verses that emphasize the significance of how one hears and the consequences of not truly understanding and applying the word of God.
What Is Your Ambition in Life?
By Paul Washer2.9K56:11JHN 3:16ROM 8:16ROM 10:171CO 2:142CO 5:142CO 5:17GAL 2:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the weight and responsibility of preaching the word of God. He acknowledges that for some, preaching is a talent show, but for others, it is a heavy burden. The preacher highlights the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need for salvation. He shares his personal testimony of transformation and emphasizes the necessity of repentance and belief in Jesus Christ for salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for further discussion and understanding of the things of God.
Clothed With Power
By Jim Cymbala2.7K36:07Holy SpiritPSA 119:18ISA 53:5MAT 6:33LUK 24:27JHN 14:261CO 2:142TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of a Roman official who was struck blind by God's judgment for opposing the power of God. The official later converts to Christianity after witnessing the teaching of the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but also experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit to gain new insight and understanding. He shares a personal experience of how he was deeply moved by the story of God's love during a church service, leading to a new understanding of the gospel. The sermon concludes with Jesus instructing his disciples to spread the message of repentance and salvation throughout the world, promising to send them the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission.
The Origin of the Nations
By Art Katz2.3K1:26:16NationsMAT 6:33JHN 6:68ROM 8:61CO 1:291CO 2:91CO 2:121CO 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the role of the church in nations and how it has historically failed in being the presence of God in the nation. The speaker specifically mentions the issue of the church in Israel and the importance of the believing presence and messianic believers in that context. The speaker shares a personal experience in Tanzania, where he preached about the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts. The sermon emphasizes the need for the church to understand the divine perspective and respond appropriately to the role of the state in the last days. The speaker also highlights the concept of revelation, explaining that the hidden secrets and precious things of God can only be known through the revelation of the Spirit.
Hell - Part 1
By Norman Grubb2.3K31:11HellJHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 10:91CO 2:142CO 5:7HEB 11:11PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of being forms of something. He explains that just as a cook learns the art of cooking, a teacher learns the art of teaching, and a doctor learns the science of medicine, we are forms of something as well. The speaker suggests that we are forms of God and that our purpose in life is to manifest God's presence through our actions. However, despite our connection to God, the speaker acknowledges that many of us feel dissatisfied and conflicted within ourselves. The solution, according to the speaker, lies in realizing our eternal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and experiencing the fullness of peace, joy, power, freedom, and love that comes from that relationship.
1950's National Radio Debate in Canada
By Ian Paisley2.1K12:08JHN 14:6JHN 16:13ROM 3:231CO 2:14EPH 1:132TI 3:161JN 4:1In this video, Dr. Paisley discusses the importance of being saved by God's grace and having a personal experience of faith. He emphasizes the Protestant belief that salvation is through faith alone, not through works. Dr. Paisley also talks about his protests against ecumenical observers at the Vatican Council and the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, as these events were seen as steps towards unity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England. He argues that the Protestant churches should maintain their historic creeds, which are anti-Roman, and opposes dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church.
Charo Washer's Testimony
By Charo Washer1.9K32:08LUK 13:3JHN 16:33ROM 3:23ROM 8:371CO 2:14EPH 2:81JN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personal transformation and the overflow of one's actions and attitudes into other areas of life. He highlights the need for repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as the only way to have the love of God in one's heart. The preacher shares his own experience of going through the motions of religion without true joy or peace until he was convicted of his sin and experienced a change of heart. He also mentions the common phenomenon of youth camp enthusiasm fading away for many individuals, but emphasizes the importance of staying committed to serving God.
Piper Responds to the Prosperity Gospel
By John Piper1.9K05:57MAT 5:13MAT 6:241CO 2:14PHP 3:8COL 3:2This sermon delves into the concept of being the salt of the earth as mentioned in Matthew 5, emphasizing that the true essence of salt is found in God being the gospel. It addresses the dangers of the prosperity gospel, highlighting how it deviates from the true message of the gospel by appealing to worldly desires like wealth. The speaker passionately advocates for a church motivated by God as the gospel, not material gain, in order to truly impact the world and be a beacon of light.
Spiritual Discernment: Attaining Spiritual Discernment
By Stephen Kaung1.8K1:06:08Spiritual Discernment1CO 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual exercise for believers. He compares the physical exercise done in the gymnasium to the spiritual exercise that believers should engage in. The world and everyday life are seen as the gymnasium where believers can exercise their spirits. The Holy Spirit is presented as the instructor who guides and teaches believers in their spiritual exercise. The speaker also highlights the need to listen to and exercise the conscience, as it helps in developing spiritual discernment. The sermon encourages believers to discipline their bodies and not be controlled by its passions, but rather be slaves to the righteousness of God. The overall message is that Christians should actively engage in spiritual exercises to grow in their knowledge of God and increase their spiritual discernment.
Studies in the Gospel of John 06 - Spirit as a Teacher
By Alden Gannett1.8K49:36TeacherJHN 16:8JHN 16:201CO 2:141CO 3:6COL 1:18HEB 5:11The sermon transcript discusses the issue of being dull of hearing and the need for believers to continually grow in their understanding of God's word. The writer emphasizes the importance of keeping Jesus Christ central in all things and not getting caught up in tangents. The sermon also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and in guiding believers to understand and magnify Jesus Christ. The transcript concludes with a focus on Jesus' understanding of the disciples' frailty and his encouragement to them as he prepares to go to the cross and rise again.
The Spiritual & Natural Man - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K48:37Natural ManMAT 6:33JHN 1:291CO 2:141CO 10:11CO 15:492CO 5:17HEB 6:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ. He highlights the distinction between the natural man and the spiritual man, stating that true Christians should experience a significant change in their lives. The speaker refers to the Apostle Paul's writings in the first letter to the Corinthians, where he discusses the process of transformation from the natural to the spiritual. The sermon also mentions the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers and discerning right from wrong. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own transformation and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Dealing With Deception - Part 1
By Winkie Pratney1.6K53:21PSA 119:130PRO 3:5JHN 14:151CO 2:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning deception and staying rooted in God's truth. It highlights the need to focus on God's revelation, practical obedience, and illumination rather than relying solely on intellectual analysis. The speaker shares insights on recognizing deception through a transformed spirit and attitude, trusting in God's testimony, and holding out Christ rather than engaging in philosophical debates.
Book of Acts Series - Part 2 | for Everyone
By Jim Cymbala1.5K23:45Book Of ActsJOL 2:28ACT 2:41CO 2:14In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful event that took place during a youth meeting before an evening service. A 14-year-old girl stood up and gave a two-sentence testimony that was so full of God's presence that it moved everyone in the room to tears and worship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of God's ability to grab people's attention and bring about transformative experiences. The sermon then shifts to the story of Peter addressing a crowd after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the significance of studying how Christian ministers in the New Testament age spoke.
The Holy Spirit - Part 2
By Keith Daniel1.4K09:03JHN 16:13ROM 8:161CO 2:14GAL 5:16EPH 4:302TI 3:161JN 5:10This sermon focuses on the importance of understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian faith. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's primary purpose is to glorify Christ and transform believers into the image of Jesus. The message highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit's presence in bringing life and revelation to the Scriptures, enabling believers to pray according to God's will and experience a deep burden for the lost and the Church.
Spiritual Insights 01 Heb 12:16
By William MacDonald1.4K33:12Spiritual InsightsISA 45:3JHN 11:91CO 2:14HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esau from the book of Hebrews. He emphasizes the danger of sacrificing important values for a moment of physical gratification, using Esau's decision to sell his birthright for a single meal as an example. The preacher warns the audience about the consequences of such choices and highlights the importance of maintaining holiness and grace in one's life. He also references other Bible verses, including Isaiah 45:3 and John 11:9, to further emphasize the need to walk in the light and seek the treasures of God.
(Hebrews) ch.4:11-5:6
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:17:04MAT 5:4MAT 16:171CO 2:142TI 3:16HEB 4:11HEB 12:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and not being controlled by our own emotions. The Word of God is described as a living and powerful tool that can discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. The preacher warns against falling into unbelief, using the example of the Israelites who failed to enter the promised land. To avoid this, believers are encouraged to be diligent and not wait for some future moment, but to seize the opportunity for salvation now. The sermon also highlights the significance of our motives in serving God, as even good actions can be tainted if our intentions are selfish or corrupt. The preacher explains the concept of the trinity of man, consisting of body, soul, and spirit, with the spirit being the part that connects us to God.
Discernment in the Church
By Vance Havner1.0K25:18ISA 29:13JHN 3:3ROM 8:81CO 1:181CO 2:14EPH 5:8COL 3:11TH 5:21HEB 5:14JAS 1:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment in a time of confusion and uncertainty within the Church. It contrasts the clear, unwavering beliefs of past leaders like Spurgeon with the current trend of ambiguity and compromise. The speaker highlights the need for believers to have discernment to distinguish truth from falsehood, to understand the times, and to recognize the spirits at work. The sermon also addresses the shallowness of worship, the danger of idol worship, and the necessity of being spiritually reborn to truly grasp divine truth.
The Kingdom of God (2 of 2)
By Paul Ravenhill98435:41PSA 47:8MAT 5:31CO 2:142CO 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that man is not in control of his own path, as stated in Jeremiah. The speaker highlights the inability of flesh and blood to understand the things of God and inherit His kingdom. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to fully surrender to God and not play around with spiritual matters. The speaker also discusses the darkness that exists in the world and the need for believers to be a part of God's purpose and fulfill His plan.
You Are His Epistle
By Robert Ketcham88236:46Christ LikenessMAT 6:33ROM 8:91CO 2:142CO 3:3EPH 2:10COL 3:171PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believers being the message of Christ to the world. He uses an anecdote about a man who received the wrong order at a restaurant but accepted it with a smile, illustrating how Christ can be seen through our actions. The preacher explains that Christ accomplishes this by purchasing our bodies and making us His message to the lost. He emphasizes that believers no longer have the right to make their own decisions, but should allow Christ to direct their steps and use them as His instruments. The sermon concludes with a reminder that everything we are in heaven is in Jesus Christ.
16 Facets of the Word of God
By Keith Daniel81658:24Word Of GodJOB 7:6PSA 107:20PSA 119:81PSA 119:92PSA 119:162ISA 34:16LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:41CO 2:141CO 3:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when they were in a restaurant filled with expensive and beautiful things. They noticed that in order to enter the restaurant, the wealthy had to push through all these luxurious items. However, the speaker's attention was drawn to a small sign that promised the power to see in the darkest circumstances. They emphasize that neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit is a dangerous sign of backsliding. The speaker warns against seeking joy and fulfillment in anything other than a relationship with God and His Word, as it will ultimately leave one empty and sorrowful. The sermon references Proverbs 4:13 to emphasize the importance of staying connected to God's Word.
The Word of God (Laurel Mountain Chapel)
By Keith Daniel5141:11:10Word Of GodPSA 107:20PSA 112:1PSA 119:49PSA 119:92PSA 119:162ISA 34:16MAT 6:33LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:41CO 2:142CO 3:62TI 3:16HEB 6:5HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reading and studying the Word of God. He warns against neglecting the Bible, as it is the source of salvation, spiritual growth, and daily renewal. The preacher highlights that neglecting the Word of God is evidence of backsliding and can lead to sorrow and judgment. He compares the Word of God to a lamp that guides and protects us in darkness, and emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding and applying the Scriptures. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's cleansing, anointing, and the expectation that He will speak to the hearts of the listeners through His Word.
The Lord Hears Us
By Shane Idleman47140:09ISA 43:1JHN 6:44ACT 10:30ROM 2:12ROM 10:91CO 2:14EPH 5:18JAS 4:8REV 19:11This sermon from Acts 10:30 emphasizes the importance of God hearing our prayers. It highlights the story of Cornelius seeking God and Peter's vision, showing how God brings them together. The sermon delves into the power of Christian disciplines like fasting and prayer to help us hear from God. It also discusses the need to present the whole truth of the Gospel, the role of repentance, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the natural man - Ψυχικος, The animal man - the man who is in a mere state of nature, and lives under the influence of his animal passions; for the word ψυχη, which we often translate soul, means the lower and sensitive part of man, in opposition to νους, the understanding or rational part. The Latins use anima to signify these lower passions; and animus to signify the higher. The person in question is not only one who either has had no spiritual teaching, or has not profited by it; but one who lives for the present world, having no respect to spiritual or eternal things. This ψυχικος, or animal man, is opposed to the πνευματικος, or spiritual man: and, as this latter is one who is under the influence of the Spirit of God, so the former is one who is without that influence. The apostle did speak of those high and sublime spiritual things to these animal men; but he explained them to those which were spiritual. He uses this word in this sense, Co1 3:1; Co1 9:11; and particularly in Co1 2:15 of the present chapter: He that is spiritual judgeth all things. But the natural man - The apostle appears to give this - as a reason why he explained those deep spiritual things to spiritual men; because the animal man - the man who is in a state of nature, without the regenerating grace of the Spirit of God, receiveth not the things of the Spirit - neither apprehends nor comprehends them: he has no relish for them; he considers it the highest wisdom to live for this world. Therefore these spiritual things are foolishness to him; for while he is in his animal state he cannot see their excellency, because they are spiritually discerned, and he has no spiritual mind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
natural man--literally, "a man of animal soul." As contrasted with the spiritual man, he is governed by the animal soul, which overbears his spirit, which latter is without the Spirit of God (Jde 1:19). So the animal (English Version, "natural") body, or body led by the lower animal nature (including both the mere human fallen reason and heart), is contrasted with the Spirit-quickened body (Co1 15:44-46). The carnal man (the man led by bodily appetites, and also by a self-exalting spirit, estranged from the divine life) is closely akin; so too the "earthly." "Devilish," or "demon-like"; "led by an evil spirit," is the awful character of such a one, in its worst type (Jam 3:15). receiveth not--though they are offered to him, and are "worthy of being received by all men" (Ti1 1:15). they are foolishness unto him--whereas he seeks "wisdom" (Co1 1:22). neither can he--Not only does he not, but he cannot know them, and therefore has no wish to "receive" them (Rom 8:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that is spiritual,.... Meaning not any particular individual person, not the pope of Rome, as his adherents vainly imagine, whom they fancy to be a supreme and infallible judge in things spiritual, from whose judgment is no appeal, and who himself comes not under the judgment of any; for he is so far from being a spiritual man, or having judgment in spiritual things, that he stands described as the man of sin, the son of perdition, the wicked one, the beast, to whom a mouth is given, speaking great things and blasphemies; but a set of men are here meant, and not such who are only outwardly reformed in their lives and conversations, who are at best but moral, and not spiritual men; nor all that have a form of godliness, an appearance of spirituality; there may be such who may have this, and yet deny the power of it, in which the principle and essence of spirituality lies; nor all such who have spiritual gifts, which may be where there is no spiritual grace; or that have a greater degree of spiritual knowledge than others, or that even have a greater degree of real grace than others; for though these are certainly spiritual men, Co1 3:1 yet they are not the only ones; others that have less knowledge and grace, are spiritual also, and are comprehended in this character; much less does it design such who have no flesh or sin in them, for there are none without sin in the present state; and if this was essential to a spiritual man, there would be no spiritual man in the world; such are only the saints in heaven, who are without fault before the throne: and after the resurrection will have spiritual bodies, as well as their spirits or souls are now made perfect: but here a spiritual man intends every man that is born of the Spirit; seeing what is born of the Spirit, is Spirit, or spiritual; from whence the regenerate man is denominated spiritual, he is such an one that is quickened by the Spirit of God, and lives spiritually by faith on Christ; he breathes after spiritual things, salvation by Christ, and an interest in him, communion with God, conformity to Christ, pardon of sin, a justifying righteousness, and eternal life: he has spiritual senses, and these in exercise; he has a spiritual sight of things, of himself, and his lost state by nature, and of the person, grace, and things of Christ; he has a spiritual hearing of the Gospel, by which faith comes; he hears so as to live, and he lives so as that he hears the joyful sound with understanding, approbation, and acceptance; he has a spiritual taste of things, of the grace of God, the fruit of Christ, and the truths of the Gospel; and he smells a sweet savour in them; he has a spiritual feeling, he feels the weight and burden of sin, the gracious influences and operations of the Spirit, and handles Christ, the word of life: he talks the spiritual language of Canaan, and his speech betrays him to be a spiritual man; and he walks spiritually by faith on Christ, and in the paths of holiness, righteousness, and truth: he is one that is renewed by the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of his mind; has a new heart, and a new spirit put within him; and is become a new creature in Christ: he has the good work of grace wrought in his soul; and in him grace is the reigning principle; in him the Spirit of God himself dwells, and he is led by him out of himself to Christ, and into all truth, and walks after him, and not after the flesh: his conversation is spiritual and heavenly; he is spiritually minded, he minds not the things of the flesh, but the things of the Spirit; and though there is a great deal of carnality in him, in his thoughts, his words, and actions, yet this is matter of grief to him, and is his daily complaint: and such an one judgeth all things; or "discerneth all things"; not all things in nature, or which fall within the compass of human knowledge; there are many things he may have no knowledge of, nor judgment in, being for the most part not the wise and prudent, but the foolish things of the world who are spiritual; but things divine and spiritual, the things of the Spirit of God, the doctrines of the Gospel before spoken of; and these not every difficult passage of Scripture, or knotty point of controversy, but the several articles of faith, necessary and essential to salvation; these are plain and easy to him, they stand before him in a clear light; as that salvation is alone by Christ, pardon by his blood, justification by his righteousness, &c. these he has seen and tasted of, and relishes, and can discern things that differ, and approve those which are more excellent; he can distinguish truth from error, and the voice of Christ from the voice of a stranger; and knows when the Gospel is preached, and when not, of which he judges by the word of God and his own experience: not that every spiritual man has a like degree of spiritual knowledge and judgment, but everyone discerns and judges according to the measure of the gift of Christ: yet he himself is judged of no man; or "discerned of no man": that is, not of any natural man; who is not capable of discerning and judging who and what he is; only a spiritual man can discern and judge of his spiritual light, grace, and state; as the churches of Christ do, when persons are proposed to, them for communion; the other knows him not, but takes him to be a weak, or a wicked man, an hypocrite and a deceiver; and it is a small thing with him to be judged of man's judgment; he cares not what judgment the natural man passes upon him; nor does his faith in things spiritual, stand upon the authority and judgment of men; nor will he submit to it; nor can he be reproved, convinced, and refuted by such a person: for though a thousand sophistic arguments may be used with him which he cannot answer, he has a witness within himself to the truths of the Gospel, which opposes itself, and stands its ground against all objections; as with respect to the impurity of human nature, the impotency of man to anything that is spiritually good of himself, the insufficiency of his righteousness to justify him before God, the proper deity and real excellency of Christ, his blood and righteousness, and the internal work of the Spirit of God on the heart; sooner may a rock be removed out of its place, than a truly spiritual man can be convicted by a natural man of the falsehood of these things, of which he has had an inward experience, as well as is instructed in them by the word of God; nor can he be better taught and instructed by the natural man.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14 people who aren’t spiritual: Unbelievers, whose minds are blinded to the Spirit, function in the natural world and see life only through physical eyes (see 2 Cor 4:4). They cannot appreciate the significance of the Good News, for it is essentially a spiritual message.