1 Corinthians 2:16
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For who hath known the mind of the Lord - Who that is still an animal man can know the mind of God? so as to instruct him, viz. the spiritual man, the same that is spoken of, Co1 2:15. But the words may be better understood thus: How can the animal man know the mind of the Lord? and how can any man communicate that knowledge which he has never acquired, and which is foolishness to him, because it is spiritual, and he is animal? This quotation is made from Isa 40:13. But we have the mind of Christ - He has endowed us with the same disposition, being born again by his Spirit; therefore we are capable of knowing his mind and receiving the teachings of his Spirit. These teachings we do receive, and therefore are well qualified to convey them to others. The words, that he may instruct him, ὁς συμβιβασει αυτον, should be translated that he may teach It: that is, the mind of God; not instruct God, but teach his mind to others. And this interpretation the Hebrew will also bear. Bishop Pearce observes: "The principal questions here are,, what συμβιβασει signifies, and what αυτον is relative to. The Hebrew word which the Septuagint translate by these two is יודיענו yodiennu: now, since ידיע yodia signifies as well to make known as to know, (and indeed this is the most frequent sense of it in the Old Testament), the suffix (postfix) נו nu, may relate to a thing, as well as to a person; and therefore it may be rendered not by him, but by it, i.e. the mind of the Lord. And in this sense the apostle seems to have used the words of the Seventy; for, if we understand αυτον here to be the relative to Κυριου, Lord, this verse contains no reason for what went before; whereas, if it be a relative to νουν, mind, it affords a reason for what had been said before, Co1 2:14." The true translation of the passage, as used by the apostle, appears to be this: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should Teach It? And this translation agrees with every part of the context, and particularly with what follows. 1. This chapter might be considered a good model for a Christian minister to regulate his conduct by, or his public ministry; because it points out the mode of preaching used by St. Paul and the apostles in general. This great apostle came not to the people with excellency of speech and of wisdom, when he declared unto them the counsel of God. They know little, either of the spirit of St. Paul or the design of the Gospel, who make the chief excellence of their preaching to consist in the eloquence of language, or depth of human reasoning. That may be their testimony, but it is not God's. The enticing words of man's wisdom are seldom accompanied by the demonstration and power of the Holy Spirit. 2. One justly remarks, that "the foolishness of preaching has its wisdom, loftiness, and eloquence; but this consists in the sublimity of its truths, the depth of its mysteries, and the ardour of the Spirit of God." In this respect Paul may be said to have preached wisdom among those which were perfect. The wisest and most learned men in the world, who have seriously read the Bible, have acknowledged that there is a depth and height of wisdom and knowledge in that book of God which are sought in vain any where else: and indeed it would not be a revelation from God were it not so. The men who can despise and ridicule this sacred book are those who are too blind to discover the objects presented to them by this brilliant light, and are too sensual to feel and relish spiritual things. They, above all others, are incapable of judging, and should be no more regarded when employed in talking against the sacred writings than an ignorant peasant should be, who, not knowing his alphabet, pretends to decry mathematical learning. 3. A new mode of preaching has been diligently recommended, - "Scriptural phraseology should be generally avoided where it is antiquated, or conveys ideas inconsistent with modern delicacy." St. Paul did not preach in the words which man's wisdom teacheth- such words are too mean and too low for a religion so Divine. That which the Holy Spirit alone can discover, he alone can explain. Let no man dare to speak of God in any other way than he speaks of himself in his word. Let us take care not to profane his truths and mysteries, either by such low and abject ideas as are merely human, or by new and worldly expressions altogether unworthy of the Spirit of God. 4. It is the glory of God, and ought to be ours, not to be acceptable to carnal men. The natural man always finds some pretense to excuse himself from believing, by looking on the mysteries of religion as being either too much above man or too much below God; the spiritual man judges them to be so much the more credible, the less credible they are to the natural man. The opposition, contempt, and blindness of the world, with regard to the things of God, render all its judgments concerning them liable to exception: this blindness in spiritual things is the just punishment of a carnal life. The principal part of the above is extracted from the reflections of the pious Quesnel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--proof of Co1 2:15, that the spiritual man "is judged of no man." In order to judge the spiritual man, the ordinary man must "know the mind of the Lord." But "who of ordinary men knows" that? that he may instruct him--that is, so as to be able to set Him right as His counsellor (quoted from Isa 40:13-14). So the Septuagint translates the Greek verb, which means to "prove," in Act 9:22. Natural men who judge spiritual men, living according to the mind of God ("We have the mind of Christ"), are virtually wishing to instruct God, and bring Him to another mind, as counsellors setting to right their king. we have the mind of Christ--in our degree of capability to apprehend it. Isa 40:13-14 refers to JEHOVAH: therefore, as it is applied here to Christ, He is Jehovah. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 3
1 Corinthians 2:16
Spiritual Wisdom
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
Revelation and Reason
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones5.0K55:00Revelation1CO 1:301CO 2:21CO 2:161CO 3:111CO 3:161CO 3:181CO 6:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast difference between the eternal, holy Trinity and the limited abilities of mankind. The message of the Gospel is that despite humanity's rebellion and the chaos it has brought upon itself, God had a plan from the beginning to bring glory to believers. The preacher urges the audience to consider the character of God and the subject matter of the Gospel, which is beyond the realm of science and human understanding.
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.
(A Heavenly Church) 4. the Faith of Jesus
By Zac Poonen3.6K1:07:09New Covenant LivingFaithISA 55:8EZK 36:27MAT 6:21LUK 18:8ROM 4:201CO 2:162CO 2:14PHP 2:13HEB 11:401JN 2:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of true faith and love in today's world, referencing Luke 18:8, where Jesus questions if He will find faith on earth upon His return. He critiques the shallow, intellectual understanding of faith that many believers possess, which leads to a lack of spiritual depth and experience of God's power. Poonen encourages believers to seek a deeper, experiential faith that aligns with the New Testament, where faith is not merely belief in facts but a transformative relationship with God that empowers them to live as Jesus did. He highlights the importance of surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing God to write His laws in our hearts, and living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of Heaven rather than earthly concerns. Ultimately, he calls for a faith that is active, vibrant, and reflective of Christ's own faith, urging believers to evaluate their lives and priorities in light of eternal truths.
Christ and Him Crucified
By Stephen Kaung2.3K57:291CO 2:21CO 2:61CO 2:162CO 1:122CO 1:21In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the fellowship of believers and how it is shaped by our calling in Christ. The apostle Paul's experience in Corinth is used as an example. Paul initially came to Corinth in fear and weakness, but God encouraged him to continue preaching the testimony of God. The speaker emphasizes that the testimony of God is centered on Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, as he came to deliver people from their sins and redeem them. The sermon encourages believers to fellowship in a way that aligns with this calling and the testimony of God.
The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit
By Carter Conlon1.8K47:17Holy SpiritMAT 6:331CO 1:181CO 2:41CO 2:161CO 3:62CO 3:32CO 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against being drawn to those who seek to gain personal glory and take advantage of others. The preacher highlights the need to see beyond the veil and have a genuine encounter with God. He emphasizes that when we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted, and we are able to see Christ clearly. The sermon concludes with the reminder that it is God who brings about transformation and growth, and it is through His presence that we experience true liberty and generosity.
What Is Your Life - Part 11
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K05:062CH 7:14PSA 119:105ISA 6:8JOL 2:28MAT 3:2ACT 2:421CO 2:16EPH 6:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm against the devil's intimidation by following Jesus' example of using the Word of God as a weapon. It calls for a transformation of the mind, hands, and feet to align with Christ, fostering a culture of prayer, intercession, and deep spiritual exploration. The prayer seeks for a powerful spiritual revival, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God's ways, anticipating a global awakening before judgment.
Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.3K08:47PRO 11:25MAT 16:24LUK 14:11ROM 12:161CO 2:161CO 10:242CO 10:4PHP 2:3JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life free from selfishness and pride, urging believers to adopt humility, unselfish love, and generosity towards others. It contrasts the selfless attitude of Jesus with the selfishness often found in society, highlighting the need to prioritize spiritual growth over cultural norms. The speaker encourages a sincere commitment to eliminating selfish tendencies and embracing the mindset of Christ, seeking true happiness and fulfillment in a devoted Christian life.
Carnal Mind or Mind of Christ
By R. Edward Miller1.2K28:50CarnalityPRO 23:7ISA 55:8MAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 2:16PHP 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of renewing the mind and bringing every thought into obedience to Jesus Christ. He highlights how a single negative thought can lead to a cascade of damaging thoughts that can hinder our faith and distance us from God's presence. The speaker encourages believers to discipline their minds and transform their thought patterns through the power of the Holy Spirit. He references the apostle Paul's exhortation to think on things that are true, honest, pure, just, lovely, and of good report, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positive and uplifting thoughts.
Corinthians: Christ Crucified, Wisdom of God
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:11:171CO 2:21CO 2:61CO 2:91CO 2:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He highlights how often preachers rely on their own eloquence and persuasive words, rather than depending on the power of God. The speaker mentions that Paul, despite being knowledgeable about the mystery and wisdom of God, did not reveal it to the believers in Corinth because they were not ready for it. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for preachers to have the cross manifested in their own lives in order to effectively preach the message of the cross.
Global Outreach Spotlight
By George Verwer31738:13MissionsPSA 103:11PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ACT 13:2ROM 11:331CO 2:16In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to pick up various books and resources to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith. They mention an introductory packet with a free book, as well as a book called "Y-Pro Life" by Randy Alcorn. The speaker also mentions a series on CD called the "29th Chapter of Acts" and shares a humorous anecdote about preaching on a non-existent 29th chapter of Acts. They emphasize the importance of living out the Christian faith in difficult times and express gratitude for being alive. The sermon concludes with a reference to Acts 13 and the importance of worshiping God.
Do I Reflect the Nature of Christ?
By David Wilkerson0Mind of ChristTransformationMAT 20:28LUK 9:23JHN 6:38ROM 12:21CO 2:162CO 3:18EPH 4:23PHP 2:5PHP 2:7COL 3:10David Wilkerson emphasizes the call for believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, urging them to reflect on their thoughts and actions in light of Jesus' example. He explains that having the mind of Christ means making decisions that align with His will and living as a servant, just as Jesus did when He laid down His glory to fulfill the Father's purpose. Wilkerson challenges the complacency of many who claim to follow Christ yet remain unchanged by their faith, encouraging them to seek transformation and embody the nature of Christ in their daily lives.
Let This Mind Be in You
By David Wilkerson0ServanthoodMind of ChristMAT 20:28LUK 22:42JHN 6:38ROM 12:21CO 2:16EPH 4:23PHP 2:5PHP 2:7COL 3:21PE 2:21David Wilkerson emphasizes the call to adopt the mindset of Christ as described by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5. He explains that having the mind of Christ means thinking and acting like Jesus, making decisions that reflect His nature and servanthood. Wilkerson encourages believers to examine themselves against the Word of God, asking if their lives reflect Christ's likeness. He highlights Jesus' humility and willingness to serve, illustrating that true discipleship involves laying down one's own will to embrace God's will. Ultimately, Wilkerson reassures that every believer can attain this mindset, as Paul declares, 'We have the mind of Christ.'
Choosing Light
By A.W. Tozer0Intellectual FreedomTruthPSA 119:160PRO 2:6ISA 40:8JHN 8:32ROM 12:21CO 2:16PHP 4:8COL 2:32TI 3:16JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the vastness of truth that God has provided for believers, likening it to the freedom of air for birds and water for fish. He asserts that this universe of truth, found in nature, Scripture, and Christ, allows Christians to explore their faith without intellectual constraints. While orthodoxy is essential, it should not lead to uniformity or stifling of thought; believers can embrace the Christian creed while maintaining their imaginative freedom. Tozer encourages Christians to engage with the world of truth while remaining rooted in their faith.
The Flowers That Never Fade
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 103:151CO 2:161CO 9:25PHP 4:81PE 1:4John Henry Jowett emphasizes the eternal nature of God's inheritance compared to temporary possessions on earth, using the example of taking the landscape of Arran with him wherever he goes. He contrasts the fading praise of men with the enduring praise of God, which grows more beautiful with time and is a source of comfort even in death. Jowett encourages wearing the 'garland of God's praise' by cultivating a mindset aligned with Christ's.
A Renewed Mind
By Zac Poonen0ROM 8:29ROM 12:21CO 2:16COL 1:9HEB 10:16Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of not conforming to the world but being transformed by renewing our minds, allowing us to discern the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Worldliness affects our thinking and decision-making, hindering us from aligning with God's purposes. The renewal of our minds enables us to think as the Lord thinks, view situations from His perspective, and discern His will easily. This transformation comes through daily fellowship with God, meditating on His Word, and being sensitive to His voice.
His Will Becomes Mine
By Mary Wilder Tileston01CO 2:16Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of walking in Christ, having the mind of Christ, and assimilating His ways and spirit into our lives. She challenges listeners to develop a Christ-conscience, aligning their interests with God's and being willing to serve His purposes wholeheartedly. Tileston highlights the unity that comes when we love God supremely, where His will becomes our own, regardless of the trials we may face.
Be Filled With the Spirit
By A.B. Simpson0Holy SpiritSpiritual Fulfillment1CO 2:16GAL 5:22A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative effects of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which include a holiness that reflects the divine nature, a joy that transcends circumstances, and a wisdom that aligns our perspective with God's. He explains that this fullness elevates our minds and bodies, enabling us to embody the mind of Christ and experience a vibrant physical life. Additionally, being filled with the Spirit enhances our prayer life, allowing us to align with God's work in the world.
The Spirit of Power, of Love, and of a Sound Mind
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 139:23PRO 2:61CO 2:162TI 1:7JAS 1:171JN 4:19J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the spirit of fear, bondage, and darkness that does not come from God, and the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind that are gifts from God. He explains how a Christian possesses two sets of feelings - one bad and one good, and how certain feelings like guilt, distress, and fear may puzzle believers about their source. Philpot delves into the source and effects of slavish fear, emphasizing that God has not given us this fear, but can still work through it for our spiritual good. He then explores the blessings God has given - a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, highlighting how these gifts enable believers to believe, love, and have a sound judgment in spiritual matters.
Broken Down Altars
By Billy Sunday0PSA 40:5ISA 40:13DAN 4:35ROM 11:341CO 2:16The preacher delves into the concept of 'Unfathomable', describing it as that which cannot be traced out or comprehended by human minds, using the Greek word 'anexichniastos'. This term is used to illustrate the incomprehensibility of God's ways and thoughts, emphasizing that His philosophy and decrees defy human analysis. The preacher highlights that God's path is untraceable, contrasting the limited knowledge of man with the infinite knowledge of God, who needs no counsel and whose ways are beyond human understanding.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For who hath known the mind of the Lord - Who that is still an animal man can know the mind of God? so as to instruct him, viz. the spiritual man, the same that is spoken of, Co1 2:15. But the words may be better understood thus: How can the animal man know the mind of the Lord? and how can any man communicate that knowledge which he has never acquired, and which is foolishness to him, because it is spiritual, and he is animal? This quotation is made from Isa 40:13. But we have the mind of Christ - He has endowed us with the same disposition, being born again by his Spirit; therefore we are capable of knowing his mind and receiving the teachings of his Spirit. These teachings we do receive, and therefore are well qualified to convey them to others. The words, that he may instruct him, ὁς συμβιβασει αυτον, should be translated that he may teach It: that is, the mind of God; not instruct God, but teach his mind to others. And this interpretation the Hebrew will also bear. Bishop Pearce observes: "The principal questions here are,, what συμβιβασει signifies, and what αυτον is relative to. The Hebrew word which the Septuagint translate by these two is יודיענו yodiennu: now, since ידיע yodia signifies as well to make known as to know, (and indeed this is the most frequent sense of it in the Old Testament), the suffix (postfix) נו nu, may relate to a thing, as well as to a person; and therefore it may be rendered not by him, but by it, i.e. the mind of the Lord. And in this sense the apostle seems to have used the words of the Seventy; for, if we understand αυτον here to be the relative to Κυριου, Lord, this verse contains no reason for what went before; whereas, if it be a relative to νουν, mind, it affords a reason for what had been said before, Co1 2:14." The true translation of the passage, as used by the apostle, appears to be this: For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should Teach It? And this translation agrees with every part of the context, and particularly with what follows. 1. This chapter might be considered a good model for a Christian minister to regulate his conduct by, or his public ministry; because it points out the mode of preaching used by St. Paul and the apostles in general. This great apostle came not to the people with excellency of speech and of wisdom, when he declared unto them the counsel of God. They know little, either of the spirit of St. Paul or the design of the Gospel, who make the chief excellence of their preaching to consist in the eloquence of language, or depth of human reasoning. That may be their testimony, but it is not God's. The enticing words of man's wisdom are seldom accompanied by the demonstration and power of the Holy Spirit. 2. One justly remarks, that "the foolishness of preaching has its wisdom, loftiness, and eloquence; but this consists in the sublimity of its truths, the depth of its mysteries, and the ardour of the Spirit of God." In this respect Paul may be said to have preached wisdom among those which were perfect. The wisest and most learned men in the world, who have seriously read the Bible, have acknowledged that there is a depth and height of wisdom and knowledge in that book of God which are sought in vain any where else: and indeed it would not be a revelation from God were it not so. The men who can despise and ridicule this sacred book are those who are too blind to discover the objects presented to them by this brilliant light, and are too sensual to feel and relish spiritual things. They, above all others, are incapable of judging, and should be no more regarded when employed in talking against the sacred writings than an ignorant peasant should be, who, not knowing his alphabet, pretends to decry mathematical learning. 3. A new mode of preaching has been diligently recommended, - "Scriptural phraseology should be generally avoided where it is antiquated, or conveys ideas inconsistent with modern delicacy." St. Paul did not preach in the words which man's wisdom teacheth- such words are too mean and too low for a religion so Divine. That which the Holy Spirit alone can discover, he alone can explain. Let no man dare to speak of God in any other way than he speaks of himself in his word. Let us take care not to profane his truths and mysteries, either by such low and abject ideas as are merely human, or by new and worldly expressions altogether unworthy of the Spirit of God. 4. It is the glory of God, and ought to be ours, not to be acceptable to carnal men. The natural man always finds some pretense to excuse himself from believing, by looking on the mysteries of religion as being either too much above man or too much below God; the spiritual man judges them to be so much the more credible, the less credible they are to the natural man. The opposition, contempt, and blindness of the world, with regard to the things of God, render all its judgments concerning them liable to exception: this blindness in spiritual things is the just punishment of a carnal life. The principal part of the above is extracted from the reflections of the pious Quesnel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--proof of Co1 2:15, that the spiritual man "is judged of no man." In order to judge the spiritual man, the ordinary man must "know the mind of the Lord." But "who of ordinary men knows" that? that he may instruct him--that is, so as to be able to set Him right as His counsellor (quoted from Isa 40:13-14). So the Septuagint translates the Greek verb, which means to "prove," in Act 9:22. Natural men who judge spiritual men, living according to the mind of God ("We have the mind of Christ"), are virtually wishing to instruct God, and bring Him to another mind, as counsellors setting to right their king. we have the mind of Christ--in our degree of capability to apprehend it. Isa 40:13-14 refers to JEHOVAH: therefore, as it is applied here to Christ, He is Jehovah. Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 3