1 Corinthians 2:15
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
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. 16“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things - He who has the mind of Christ discerns and judges of all things spiritual: yet he himself is not discerned by the mere animal man. Some suppose that the word ανακρινεται should be understood thus: He examines, scrutinizes, convinces, reproves, which it appears to mean in Co1 14:24; and they read the verse thus: The spiritual man - the well-taught Christian, convinces, i.e. can easily convict, all men, (παντα, accusing), every animal man, of error and vice; yet he himself is convicted of no man; his mind is enlightened, and his life is holy; and therefore the animal man cannot convict him of sin. This is a good sense, but the first appears the most natural. See Pearce and Rosenmuller.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He that is spiritual--literally, "the spiritual (man)." In Co1 2:14, it is "A [not 'the,' as English Version] natural man." The spiritual is the man distinguished above his fellow men, as he in whom the Spirit rules. In the unregenerate, the spirit which ought to be the organ of the Holy Spirit (and which is so in the regenerate), is overridden by the animal soul, and is in abeyance, so that such a one is never called "spiritual." judgeth all things--and persons, by their true standard (compare Co1 6:2-4; Jo1 4:1), in so far as he is spiritual. "Discerneth . . . is discerned," would better accord with the translation of the same Greek (Co1 2:14). Otherwise for "discerned," in Co1 2:14, translate, "judged of," to accord with the translation, "judgeth . . . is judged" in this fifteenth verse. He has a practical insight into the verities of the Gospel, though he is not infallible on all theoretical points. If an individual may have the Spirit without being infallible, why may not the Church have the Spirit, and yet not be infallible (a refutation of the plea of Rome for the Church's infallibility, from Mat 28:20; Joh 16:13)? As the believer and the Church have the Spirit, and are yet not therefore impeccable, so he and the Church have the Spirit, and yet are not infallible or impeccable. He and the Church are both infallible and impeccable, only in proportion to the degree in which they are led by the Spirit. The Spirit leads into all truth and holiness; but His influence on believers and on the Church is as yet partial. Jesus alone, who had the Spirit without measure (Joh 3:34), is both infallible and impeccable. Scripture, because it was written by men, who while writing were infallibly inspired, is unmixed truth (Pro 28:5; Jo1 2:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For who hath known the mind of the Lord,.... The deep counsels of his heart, the scheme of salvation by Jesus Christ, as drawn in his eternal mind, the sense of the Spirit of God in the writings of the Old Testament, the things of the Spirit of God, or the doctrines of grace more clearly revealed under the Gospel dispensation; not any natural man, by the light of truth and strength of reason, has known any of these things. The apostle either cites or alludes to Isa 40:13 that he may instruct him? not the Lord, who needs no instruction from any, nor can any teach and instruct him, nor would any be so bold and insolent as to attempt it nor does the knowledge of the mind of the Lord qualify any for such a work; since if he knows ever so much of it, he cannot know more than the Lord himself: but the spiritual man, whom a natural man, being ignorant of the mind of the Lord, cannot instruct; and so the words give a very proper and sufficient reason why the spiritual man is not discerned, judged, convinced, and instructed by the natural man: but we have the mind of Christ; the same with "the mind of the Lord" which proves that Christ is the Lord, or Jehovah, and so truly and properly God; and which is to be understood, not only of the apostles and ministers of the Gospel, but of all true believers; and therefore want no instruction, as they can have none from the natural man; though chiefly of the former, whereby they were abundantly qualified for the further instruction even of spiritual men. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15 Those who are spiritual: People who have the Spirit have a true understanding of divine revelation.
1 Corinthians 2:15
Spiritual Wisdom
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. 16“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Satan's Final War Plan Exposed
By David Wilkerson5.1K55:19ISA 9:7ISA 59:191CO 2:151CO 11:312CO 10:4JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant against the devil's schemes. It highlights the strategy of the enemy to target spiritual leaders and the importance of judging sin and walking in the government of Jesus Christ. The message calls for a demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power to bring about conviction, repentance, and a deeper commitment to living in obedience to God.
Jars and Strife Judged
By George Fox0JHN 7:241CO 2:15GAL 5:22COL 3:152TI 1:7George Fox preaches about the importance of judging all that is contrary to the Life and Power of God, including the root of all conflicts and strife that do not originate from God's life. He emphasizes the need to discern and judge foolishness, hastiness, and discord with the Spirit of Truth, guiding believers to seek God's Spirit for peace and unity. Fox urges listeners to focus solely on the Life and Power of the Lord God, as anything outside of it will ultimately be confounded.
The Holy Spirit Is the Great Transformer
By Dougan Clark0PSA 91:1PRO 3:5JHN 14:271CO 2:15PHP 4:7JAS 1:5Dougan Clark preaches about the characteristics of an entirely sanctified believer's inner life, emphasizing the transformation of the heart, hidden life, peace, resignation to God's providences, sanctified judgment, and detachment from earthly things to focus on God as a present Counselor and Friend.
Looking for the Wrong Things
By Joseph Parker0JHN 4:24ACT 17:281CO 2:15GAL 5:25EPH 5:18Joseph Parker emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual discernment rather than being preoccupied with intellectual arguments or seeking elaborate proofs. He urges believers to focus on purity of heart, love, and a childlike desire for the essence of Christ, rather than getting caught up in understanding miracles and signs. Parker encourages a return to a childlike faith that seeks after God's heart, love, and redemptive purpose, leading to a deeper spiritual insight that can only come from being rooted in God's presence.
The Spiritual Christian
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0Discernment in the SpiritSpiritual MaturityROM 6:13ROM 8:111CO 2:151CO 9:272CO 5:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:131TH 5:23HEB 6:11JN 4:18Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the significance of being a 'spiritual' Christian, highlighting the tripartite nature of man as spirit, soul, and body. She explains that true spirituality involves the spirit being governed by the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that is sanctified wholly and preserved blameless. The sermon discusses the transition from a soulish to a spiritual existence, where the believer's spirit is united with Christ, allowing for the manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit in their life. Penn-Lewis warns of the dangers that spiritual believers face, including the subtle influences of evil spirits and the need for discernment in their spiritual walk. Ultimately, she calls for believers to understand their identity in Christ and to live in the fullness of the Spirit, pressing on towards maturity in faith.
Trying the Spirits
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 139:23ISA 57:15MAT 7:161CO 2:152CO 13:51JN 4:1J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of discerning between the true spirit of God and the false spirits that abound in the professing church. He highlights the need to test the spirits by the word of truth, the work of God in our own soul, the effects of the spirit in our bosom, and the influence on others. Philpot emphasizes the necessity of having a tender, prayerful, careful, faithful, and loving spirit as marks of the true spirit of Christ, contrasting it with the Antinomian, self-righteous, worldly, proud, and unforgiving spirits of error. He urges believers to be discerning and cautious in identifying and rejecting false spirits that deny the reality of Jesus Christ's incarnation and work.
The Marks of a True Church
By Francis Turretin0PSA 19:7PRO 29:18ISA 8:20JHN 8:31JHN 10:27ACT 2:421CO 2:15GAL 1:81TI 3:152TI 3:15Francis Turretin discusses the importance of identifying the true visible church by examining its marks, particularly focusing on the truth of doctrine and its conformity with the word of God through pure preaching and lawful administration of sacraments. He emphasizes the necessity of distinguishing the genuine society of pious Christians from heretical groups, highlighting the significance of joining a church that upholds the true teachings of Scripture for salvation. Turretin explains that the marks of the church, such as the preaching of the word and the administration of sacraments, are essential for recognizing the true church and avoiding false assemblies. He argues that the church's purity in doctrine and worship, rooted in Scripture, is a fundamental criterion for discerning the true church from heretical congregations.
Job’s Three Friends - Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar
By Zac Poonen01CO 2:15Zac Poonen preaches on the story of Job and his three friends - Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar - who pretended to comfort Job but instead criticized and accused him out of jealousy. He highlights how godly men often face attacks and trials from the devil, friends, and even fellow believers who are envious of their influence and ministry. Poonen emphasizes the difference between being religious and being spiritual, noting that spiritual individuals are often misunderstood and persecuted by those who only know facts about God but not God Himself.
The Gift of Discernment
By G.W. North0DiscernmentSpiritual GiftsROM 12:61CO 2:151CO 12:71CO 12:101CO 13:2EPH 6:12PHP 1:9HEB 5:14JAS 1:51JN 4:1G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the gift of Discernment in the Church, distinguishing it from the grace of spiritual discernment that all believers possess. He explains that while Knowledge provides insight into various subjects, Discernment specifically enables the recognition of spirits, particularly evil ones, thus enhancing the Church's spiritual capabilities. North highlights that these gifts, when combined with Wisdom and Knowledge, empower the Church to be the most understanding community on earth. He warns that without the application of these gifts through love and understanding, they risk becoming mere tools of pride rather than instruments of blessing.
The Inner Monitor
By Ernest O'Neill0PRO 20:27ROM 2:151CO 2:152CO 1:12HEB 10:22Ernest O'Neill discusses the concept of the mature individual and the rounded personality, emphasizing the importance of inner direction through conscience. He highlights how aligning our wills and actions with our inner voice of conscience brings harmony and clarity to our lives, contrasting it with the confusion that comes from introspection and societal values. O'Neill delves into the personal nature of conscience, explaining that following it, informed by the revelation of God's nature in Christ, frees us from judgment by others and establishes a unique connection with our Creator. He further explores how conscience reinforces intuition, guiding us to perceive God's will and purpose for our lives.
Living Originally
By Ernest O'Neill0PSA 32:8PRO 20:27JHN 1:4ROM 2:151CO 2:15Ernest O'Neill preaches about the importance of listening to our conscience, which is a supernatural compass planted by God to guide us towards the unique and fulfilling life He has planned for us. By acknowledging our individuality and the unique contribution we were made to make to the universe, we can avoid becoming bored and unfulfilled by simply following the crowd. O'Neill emphasizes the significance of being true to ourselves and allowing Christ to work through our conscience to reveal the purpose He has for each of us.
Who Are You to Judge Others?
By Shane Idleman0PRO 27:17MAT 7:1JHN 7:24ROM 14:41CO 2:151CO 12:4GAL 6:1EPH 4:11JAS 4:11Shane Idleman addresses the common misrepresentation of the Bible verse 'Judge not, that you be not judged' by highlighting the importance of understanding the true context and meaning of judging in Scripture. He emphasizes the need to discern between personal opinions and scriptural truths, urging believers to apply the entirety of God's Word rather than picking and choosing. Idleman explains the difference between judging as a judge in a court of law and judging according to God's principles, emphasizing the responsibility to call into question behaviors that contradict God's standards. He also discusses the diversity of gifts within the church and the importance of respecting different callings, whether it involves confronting sin or showing love and compassion.
The Church in the Spiritual Realm
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the Holy SpiritSpirituality in the ChurchACT 18:101CO 2:151CO 3:11CO 12:121CO 13:1GAL 5:6EPH 1:4EPH 2:6COL 1:18HEB 11:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in understanding the Church's spiritual nature, asserting that true spirituality is only possible through His guidance. He discusses the Church as a corporate entity that stands between individual believers and the spiritual forces at work in the universe, highlighting the need for a revelation of God's mind about the Church to achieve spiritual effectiveness. Sparks warns against equating the current state of churches with the New Testament ideal, urging believers to seek a deeper understanding of the Church's timelessness, heavenliness, and universality. He concludes that true spirituality involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all believers and the importance of spiritual discernment in overcoming divisions within the Church.
Doesn't the Bible Say Judge Not?
By Shane Idleman0MAT 7:1JHN 7:24ROM 14:41CO 2:15Shane Idleman addresses the common misrepresentation of the Bible verse 'Judge not' from Matthew 7:1, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true meaning of 'judging' within the context of Scripture. He highlights the need for Christians to discern and judge behaviors that contradict God's principles, while also stressing the importance of respecting diverse gifts within the church and the different callings individuals may have. Idleman encourages speaking the truth in love, confronting sin with compassion, and exercising grace without compromising on biblical truths.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things - He who has the mind of Christ discerns and judges of all things spiritual: yet he himself is not discerned by the mere animal man. Some suppose that the word ανακρινεται should be understood thus: He examines, scrutinizes, convinces, reproves, which it appears to mean in Co1 14:24; and they read the verse thus: The spiritual man - the well-taught Christian, convinces, i.e. can easily convict, all men, (παντα, accusing), every animal man, of error and vice; yet he himself is convicted of no man; his mind is enlightened, and his life is holy; and therefore the animal man cannot convict him of sin. This is a good sense, but the first appears the most natural. See Pearce and Rosenmuller.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He that is spiritual--literally, "the spiritual (man)." In Co1 2:14, it is "A [not 'the,' as English Version] natural man." The spiritual is the man distinguished above his fellow men, as he in whom the Spirit rules. In the unregenerate, the spirit which ought to be the organ of the Holy Spirit (and which is so in the regenerate), is overridden by the animal soul, and is in abeyance, so that such a one is never called "spiritual." judgeth all things--and persons, by their true standard (compare Co1 6:2-4; Jo1 4:1), in so far as he is spiritual. "Discerneth . . . is discerned," would better accord with the translation of the same Greek (Co1 2:14). Otherwise for "discerned," in Co1 2:14, translate, "judged of," to accord with the translation, "judgeth . . . is judged" in this fifteenth verse. He has a practical insight into the verities of the Gospel, though he is not infallible on all theoretical points. If an individual may have the Spirit without being infallible, why may not the Church have the Spirit, and yet not be infallible (a refutation of the plea of Rome for the Church's infallibility, from Mat 28:20; Joh 16:13)? As the believer and the Church have the Spirit, and are yet not therefore impeccable, so he and the Church have the Spirit, and yet are not infallible or impeccable. He and the Church are both infallible and impeccable, only in proportion to the degree in which they are led by the Spirit. The Spirit leads into all truth and holiness; but His influence on believers and on the Church is as yet partial. Jesus alone, who had the Spirit without measure (Joh 3:34), is both infallible and impeccable. Scripture, because it was written by men, who while writing were infallibly inspired, is unmixed truth (Pro 28:5; Jo1 2:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For who hath known the mind of the Lord,.... The deep counsels of his heart, the scheme of salvation by Jesus Christ, as drawn in his eternal mind, the sense of the Spirit of God in the writings of the Old Testament, the things of the Spirit of God, or the doctrines of grace more clearly revealed under the Gospel dispensation; not any natural man, by the light of truth and strength of reason, has known any of these things. The apostle either cites or alludes to Isa 40:13 that he may instruct him? not the Lord, who needs no instruction from any, nor can any teach and instruct him, nor would any be so bold and insolent as to attempt it nor does the knowledge of the mind of the Lord qualify any for such a work; since if he knows ever so much of it, he cannot know more than the Lord himself: but the spiritual man, whom a natural man, being ignorant of the mind of the Lord, cannot instruct; and so the words give a very proper and sufficient reason why the spiritual man is not discerned, judged, convinced, and instructed by the natural man: but we have the mind of Christ; the same with "the mind of the Lord" which proves that Christ is the Lord, or Jehovah, and so truly and properly God; and which is to be understood, not only of the apostles and ministers of the Gospel, but of all true believers; and therefore want no instruction, as they can have none from the natural man; though chiefly of the former, whereby they were abundantly qualified for the further instruction even of spiritual men. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15 Those who are spiritual: People who have the Spirit have a true understanding of divine revelation.