1 Corinthians 2:8
Verse
Context
Spiritual Wisdom
7No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.8None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which none of the princes of this world knew - Here it is evident that this world refers to the Jewish state, and to the degree of knowledge in that state: and the rulers, the priests, rabbins, etc., who were principally concerned in the crucifixion of our Lord. The Lord of glory - Or the glorious Lord, infinitely transcending all the rulers of the universe; whose is eternal glory; who gave that glorious Gospel in which his followers may glory, as it affords them such cause of triumph as the heathens had not, who gloried in their philosophers. Here is a teacher who is come from God; who has taught the most glorious truths which it is possible for the soul of man to conceive; and has promised to lead all the followers of his crucified Master to that state of glory which is ineffable and eternal.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Which--wisdom. The strongest proof of the natural man's destitution of heavenly wisdom. crucified . . . Lord of glory--implying the inseparable connection of Christ's humanity and His divinity. The Lord of glory (which He had in His own right before the world was, Joh 17:4, Joh 17:24) was crucified.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as it is written,.... Not in an apocryphal book, called the Apocalypse of Elijah the prophet, as some have thought, but in Isa 64:4 with some variation; and is brought to prove that the Gospel is mysterious and hidden wisdom, unknown to the princes of this world, and ordained before the world was, for the glory of the saints: for the following words are not to be understood of the glories and happiness of the future state; though they are indeed invisible, unheard of, and inconceivable as to the excellency and fulness of them, and are what God has prepared from all eternity, for all those on whom he bestows his grace here; but of the doctrines of grace, and mysteries of the Gospel, as the context and the reason of their citation abundantly show; and are what eye hath not seen, nor ear heard: which could never have been seen to be read by the eye of man, nor the sound thereof ever heard by the ear of man, had not God been pleased to make a revelation of them; and though they are to be seen and read in the sacred writings, and to be heard either read or expounded, with the outward hearing of the ear; yet are neither to be seen nor heard intellectually, spiritually, and savingly, unless, God gives eyes to see, and ears to hear; the exterior senses of seeing and hearing are not sufficient to come at and discover the sense of them; flesh and blood, human nature cannot search them out, nor reveal them, no nor the internal senses, the intellectual capacity of men: neither have entered into the heart of man; this clause is not in the original text; but is a phrase often used by the Jews, for that which never came into a man's mind, was never thought of by him, or he ever had any conceptions, or the least notion and idea of; so the elders of the city, at the beheading of the heifer, are represented not only as saying, "our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it"; but also neither , "hath it entered into our hearts", that the sanhedrim hath shed blood (y); and elsewhere (z) it is said, this matter is like to a king, , "into whose heart it entered", to plant in his garden, &c. The things which God hath prepared for them that love him; in the original text it is, "for him that waiteth for him"; the sense is the same, for such as hope in the Lord and wait for him, are lovers of him; and the meaning is, that God has prepared and laid up in his own breast, in his counsels and covenant, in the types, shadows, and sacrifices of the old law, in the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, such doctrines and mysteries of grace as were not so seen, heard, known, and understood by the Old Testament prophets and saints; and has reserved for his people under the Gospel dispensation, the times of the Messiah, a more clear discovery of them: so the Jews themselves own that these words belong to the world to come (a), which with them commonly signifies the days of the Messiah; though here they think fit to distinguish them, and interpret the phrase, "eye hath not seen", of the eye of the prophets: their words are these (b); "all prophesied not, but of the days of the Messiah; but as to the world to come, eye hath not seen, O God, besides thee.'' The gloss on it is, "the eye of the prophets hath not been able to see it.'' Indeed, the mysteries of the Gospel are more clearly discerned now, than by the prophets formerly. (y) T. Bab. Sota, fol. 46. 2. (z) Sepher Bahir in Zohar in Gen. fol. 31. 1. (a) Zohar in Exod. fol. 64. 4. & 67. 2. (b) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 34. 2. Sabbat, fol, 63. 1. Sanhedrin, fol. 99. 1. Maimon. in Misn. Sanhed. c. 11. sect. 1. & Hilch. Teshuva, c. 8. sect. 7. & Jarchi in Isa. lxiv. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:8 The rulers of this world are probably political rulers rather than spiritual authorities (see also 15:24; cp. Acts 3:14-15; 4:10; 5:29-32).
1 Corinthians 2:8
Spiritual Wisdom
7No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.8None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Church That Is Isn't the Church
By Leonard Ravenhill5.0K1:26:33ApostasyMAT 6:33MRK 16:151CO 2:8PHP 4:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of the church and its impact on the world. He references JB Phillips, an English preacher, who had a revelation while reading the New Testament in Greek. The preacher emphasizes the need for the power of the Holy Spirit in the church, both physically and spiritually. He highlights the early disciples' intoxication with the amazing things they witnessed, such as the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The preacher also criticizes the church for becoming fat and short of breath due to prosperity and being muscle-bound by excessive organization. He calls for a return to the church's original state of consecration and commitment to God.
The Cross and Eternal Glory - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K35:31Eternal GloryJHN 1:14ACT 7:21CO 2:8EPH 1:171PE 4:141PE 5:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of glory in the foundation of the Christian faith. The New Testament reveals that glory is a central and governing factor in this dispensation. The faith of believers rests upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. The speaker also mentions the four relationships of glory in the New Testament, highlighting that the ultimate end for believers is to experience the glory of God.
The Tree
By Michael Koulianos2741:04SalvationThe CrossCross of ChristGEN 2:15EXO 15:22PSA 16:10MAT 11:28JHN 20:11ROM 5:81CO 2:8GAL 3:13COL 2:14HEB 2:14Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's character and love for humanity. He explains that through His death, Jesus conquered sin, death, and hell, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. Koulianos highlights the transformative power of the cross, urging listeners to allow Jesus to cast the tree of the cross into their hearts to heal their bitterness and sin. He passionately calls for a personal commitment to Christ, reminding everyone that true freedom and life come from surrendering to Him. The sermon culminates in an invitation for individuals to publicly declare their faith and receive the gift of salvation.
The Crown of the Incorruptible
By T. Austin-Sparks0Incorruptible GloryUnion with ChristJHN 1:14ACT 7:21CO 2:8EPH 1:17PHP 3:21COL 1:27HEB 2:91PE 1:41PE 4:142PE 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the crown of the incorruptible is glory, which is the ultimate verdict on the life of Jesus Christ. He explains that this glory is rooted in an unshakeable union with the Father, and that humanity was created for glory, which is contingent upon faith and obedience. The sermon highlights the contrast between the corruptible glory sought by man and the incorruptible glory offered through Christ, who embodies the perfect pattern of glory. Sparks encourages believers to live according to the incorruptible life of Christ, which leads to true glory both now and in eternity.
The Nature and Danger of Making Light of Christ and Salvation
By Samuel Davies01SA 2:30ISA 55:1MAT 13:46MAT 16:26JHN 4:5JHN 4:13ACT 2:371CO 2:81PE 1:12Samuel Davies preaches about the nature and danger of making light of Christ and salvation, emphasizing the need to value and earnestly pursue a saving interest in Jesus. He highlights how individuals often neglect the blessings of the gospel, despite the immense love and sacrifice Christ has shown towards them. Davies urges the congregation to consider their thoughts, actions, and affections towards Christ, pointing out the folly of prioritizing worldly pleasures over eternal salvation. He warns of the consequences of disregarding Christ, stressing the importance of awakening to the reality of judgment and the urgency of seeking a genuine relationship with the Savior.
The Cross Destroying the Serpent
By Watchman Nee0The Power of the CrossVictory in ChristROM 6:6ROM 8:31CO 2:81CO 15:241CO 15:262CO 5:19HEB 2:14REV 20:10REV 21:4REV 22:3Watchman Nee emphasizes the profound significance of the Cross in destroying the serpent, which symbolizes Satan and the power of death. He explains that through His death, Jesus not only defeated the serpent but also initiated the creation of a new race, freeing humanity from the curse of the Fall. The Cross serves as God's ultimate weapon against sin, Satan, and death, leading to the promise of a new heaven and earth. Nee highlights that the victory of Christ on the Cross is the foundation for believers to triumph over the world, flesh, and the devil. Ultimately, the Cross signifies the complete destruction of the old creation and the establishment of a new creation in Christ.
Epistle 172
By George Fox0Identity in ChristPerseverance in FaithEZK 16:49JHN 12:311CO 2:8EPH 2:192TI 3:5HEB 11:101PE 2:62PE 2:6REV 5:9George Fox emphasizes that believers are part of the royal seed, chosen and precious in God's sight, called to live righteously amidst a world filled with ungodliness. He highlights the persecution faced by the faithful, who are often at odds with the worldly powers that oppose the truth of Christ. Fox calls for a return to the true essence of faith, where love and righteousness reign, contrasting it with the hypocrisy of those who profess religion without embodying its spirit. He asserts that true believers are anointed by God, tasked with preaching righteousness and standing firm against the corruption of the world. Ultimately, he encourages the faithful to recognize their identity as kings and priests, empowered to reign with Christ against the forces of darkness.
What Is Glory?
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 1:2JHN 1:3JHN 2:11JHN 11:4JHN 17:5ACT 7:21CO 2:8COL 1:16HEB 2:91PE 4:141PE 5:4T. Austin-Sparks concludes the 'Horizons' series by emphasizing the theme of glory in the Bible, highlighting how each Person of the Divine Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is associated with glory as a descriptive designation. Glory is expressed through radiance, light, and splendor, often seen in the transformation of individuals and the Church. The basis of glory lies in the satisfaction of God's nature, reflecting His holiness, righteousness, truth, and love. The ultimate fulfillment of glory is found in Christ, who wholly satisfied God's nature through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, leading to the restoration of glory through redemption.
The Lord of Glory
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JHN 17:5ACT 7:55ROM 8:291CO 2:82TH 1:10HEB 2:91PE 1:21Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the Lord of Glory, emphasizing how Jesus, who died for us, is the eternal Lord of Glory, manifested in various ways throughout history. From appearing to the prophets to performing mighty miracles, Jesus revealed His Glory on earth. Even in His death on the cross, the focus of His Glory, He displayed obedience and selflessness, ultimately being raised and received into Glory by God. Gaebelein highlights the future manifestation of the Lord of Glory, when every eye shall see Him in His Majesty and Glory, and believers will be glorified with Him.
What Age Are You Living For?
By Allan Halton0MAT 13:39JHN 12:311CO 2:61CO 2:82CO 4:4GAL 1:4EPH 2:2Allan Halton reflects on the grief and pain felt for the tragic loss of young lives, questioning the darkness and evil prevalent in this present age. He delves into the concept of two ages mentioned in the Bible - the current age ruled by darkness and evil, and the age to come characterized by light and righteousness. Halton emphasizes that God is actively working in this present age, planting seeds of the coming age through His children of light who live for the future kingdom of God. He points to Jesus as the Man from Another Age who initiated the Kingdom of God, bringing hope for the inevitable harvest and the separation of the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age.
Exposition on Psalm 57
By St. Augustine01SA 24:3PSA 56:1PSA 56:7PSA 56:9MAT 24:12JHN 2:19JHN 19:22ROM 5:3ROM 10:41CO 2:81CO 13:12PHP 2:8St. Augustine preaches about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as God with the Father and Man with us, seated at the right hand of the Father. He delves into the Psalms, connecting them to the Passion of the Lord and highlighting how King David's experiences with Saul foreshadowed Christ's suffering. St. Augustine draws parallels between David fleeing from Saul and Christ hiding in the tomb, explaining how Christ's patience and concealment in the tomb led to His resurrection. He explores the significance of Christ's suffering, resurrection, and exaltation above the heavens, urging believers to find hope and perseverance in Him.
Spiritual Understanding (Matthew 13)
By T. Austin-Sparks01CH 12:32PRO 9:10MAT 12:39MAT 13:1MAT 13:19MAT 13:23ROM 8:161CO 2:8T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the importance of spiritual understanding in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the contrast between the two kingdoms - the natural kingdom and the Kingdom of Heaven. He highlights that spiritual understanding is essential for discerning the Word of God, enduring through trials, resisting worldly temptations, and deepening one's relationship with God. The sermon underscores that spiritual understanding is not mere knowledge or tradition but a result of the Spirit of God working in us, leading to a conscience that aligns with God's will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which none of the princes of this world knew - Here it is evident that this world refers to the Jewish state, and to the degree of knowledge in that state: and the rulers, the priests, rabbins, etc., who were principally concerned in the crucifixion of our Lord. The Lord of glory - Or the glorious Lord, infinitely transcending all the rulers of the universe; whose is eternal glory; who gave that glorious Gospel in which his followers may glory, as it affords them such cause of triumph as the heathens had not, who gloried in their philosophers. Here is a teacher who is come from God; who has taught the most glorious truths which it is possible for the soul of man to conceive; and has promised to lead all the followers of his crucified Master to that state of glory which is ineffable and eternal.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Which--wisdom. The strongest proof of the natural man's destitution of heavenly wisdom. crucified . . . Lord of glory--implying the inseparable connection of Christ's humanity and His divinity. The Lord of glory (which He had in His own right before the world was, Joh 17:4, Joh 17:24) was crucified.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as it is written,.... Not in an apocryphal book, called the Apocalypse of Elijah the prophet, as some have thought, but in Isa 64:4 with some variation; and is brought to prove that the Gospel is mysterious and hidden wisdom, unknown to the princes of this world, and ordained before the world was, for the glory of the saints: for the following words are not to be understood of the glories and happiness of the future state; though they are indeed invisible, unheard of, and inconceivable as to the excellency and fulness of them, and are what God has prepared from all eternity, for all those on whom he bestows his grace here; but of the doctrines of grace, and mysteries of the Gospel, as the context and the reason of their citation abundantly show; and are what eye hath not seen, nor ear heard: which could never have been seen to be read by the eye of man, nor the sound thereof ever heard by the ear of man, had not God been pleased to make a revelation of them; and though they are to be seen and read in the sacred writings, and to be heard either read or expounded, with the outward hearing of the ear; yet are neither to be seen nor heard intellectually, spiritually, and savingly, unless, God gives eyes to see, and ears to hear; the exterior senses of seeing and hearing are not sufficient to come at and discover the sense of them; flesh and blood, human nature cannot search them out, nor reveal them, no nor the internal senses, the intellectual capacity of men: neither have entered into the heart of man; this clause is not in the original text; but is a phrase often used by the Jews, for that which never came into a man's mind, was never thought of by him, or he ever had any conceptions, or the least notion and idea of; so the elders of the city, at the beheading of the heifer, are represented not only as saying, "our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it"; but also neither , "hath it entered into our hearts", that the sanhedrim hath shed blood (y); and elsewhere (z) it is said, this matter is like to a king, , "into whose heart it entered", to plant in his garden, &c. The things which God hath prepared for them that love him; in the original text it is, "for him that waiteth for him"; the sense is the same, for such as hope in the Lord and wait for him, are lovers of him; and the meaning is, that God has prepared and laid up in his own breast, in his counsels and covenant, in the types, shadows, and sacrifices of the old law, in the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, such doctrines and mysteries of grace as were not so seen, heard, known, and understood by the Old Testament prophets and saints; and has reserved for his people under the Gospel dispensation, the times of the Messiah, a more clear discovery of them: so the Jews themselves own that these words belong to the world to come (a), which with them commonly signifies the days of the Messiah; though here they think fit to distinguish them, and interpret the phrase, "eye hath not seen", of the eye of the prophets: their words are these (b); "all prophesied not, but of the days of the Messiah; but as to the world to come, eye hath not seen, O God, besides thee.'' The gloss on it is, "the eye of the prophets hath not been able to see it.'' Indeed, the mysteries of the Gospel are more clearly discerned now, than by the prophets formerly. (y) T. Bab. Sota, fol. 46. 2. (z) Sepher Bahir in Zohar in Gen. fol. 31. 1. (a) Zohar in Exod. fol. 64. 4. & 67. 2. (b) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 34. 2. Sabbat, fol, 63. 1. Sanhedrin, fol. 99. 1. Maimon. in Misn. Sanhed. c. 11. sect. 1. & Hilch. Teshuva, c. 8. sect. 7. & Jarchi in Isa. lxiv. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:8 The rulers of this world are probably political rulers rather than spiritual authorities (see also 15:24; cp. Acts 3:14-15; 4:10; 5:29-32).