Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.
1 Corinthians 2:6-7, ESV
The God-breathed words written by the apostle refer to a certain "secret and hidden wisdom of God. Contextually, this section of Paul's epistle to the church of Christ in Corinth is contrasting the manner in which the world proclaims wisdom with the manner used by the apostle and his fellow laborers.
This "secret and hidden wisdom" (mystery, NKJV) to which Paul refers is simply that which had not been revealed of God's will until the time of Christ and the period immediately following his resurrection and ascension. Thus, by the preaching of the apostles, this divinely given wisdom was being conveyed to mankind.
In the words that follow the verses above, the Scriptures reveal at least six phrases describing how the "secret and hidden wisdom of God" was made known:
- They (i.e. secret and hidden wisdom) were prepared by God (v. 9)
- God revealed them to us through His spirit (v. 10)
- We have received the Spirit who is from God (v. 12a)
- We can know the things freely given to us by God (v. 12b)
- These things were spoken by the apostles (v. 13a)
- The Holy Spirit taught them what to speak (v. 13b)
How wonderful it is to know the words spoken and written by the apostles of Christ are trustworthy. The precepts of the New Testament are principles upon which a sound life is built -- not because they were spoken by wise and respected men -- but because they reveal to us the very mind and will of the eternal God.
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