Ver. 7.-Tlie Divine mystery. The Apostle Paul was accustomed to press into his service, as a Christian teacher, all the institutions and usages of the societies with which -he was in any way and at any time associated. Thus in this passage he makes use of the Eleusinian mysteries, with which his readers were doubtless familiar, to set forth the profundity of the Divine wisdom, and the distinction and happiness of those who were initiated into the glorious secrets of Christianity. "We speak. God's wisdom in a mystery." I. THE SUBSTANCE OF THE MYSTERY. There is little reason to believe that the ancient Grecian mysteries had any substantial and valuable truth to conserve and commnnicate. Ohscrve the contrast: the New Testament tells us of the purpose of tiod to save mankind; not Jews ouly, but Gentiles also, in the exercise of his wisdom and compassion. II. THE HIDING OF THE MYSTEUY. It is not for us to explain why a purpose so gracious should have been so long concealed. So it was. And for generations and ages the human race was uuacquainted with the purpose which the Supreme had conceived in the counsels of eternity. We can see that the Law had been a "pedagogue" to bring the Jews, and philosophy to bring the Gentiles, to Christ. But the fulness of the time was known only to God. III. 'fHE REVELA'l'ION OF THE MYSTERY. This took place when Christ came and, in his ministry and sacrifice, made known the gracious designs of the Father, that all ruen should be drawn unto himself, and that the world might not be condemned but savcu with an everlasting salvation. IV. 'I'm~ COMMUNICATION OF THE MYSTERY. This t.ook place !n the gospel. The fervour which Paul and his follow-labourers displayed in the preaching of the glad tidings shows how deeply those tidings had sunk into their nature, and how precious the reception of them appeared to their enlightened minds. They unfolded what had been wrappetl up; they brought to light what had been buried Leueath the soil, even "the hid treasure;" they brought out lrom the deep sea tlrnt" µearl of great price" which is for the enrichment of every possessor and for the delight of every beholder.-'!'.
Ver. 8.-" The Lord of glory." When the Jews and the Roman governor united in effecting the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, neither party to the proceeding can be sai,l to have underst.0od and realized what was being done. The enemies and murderers ot .the Prophot of Nazareth saw neither the glory of his character and person more than very dimly, nor the glory of his redemption in any measure at all. Jesus himself had declared," They know not what they do;" and Paul here says that, had they known the counsels of God, they would not havo crucifil'tl Christ. This does not justify or cxcu~e their act; for they certainly knew that they wcro putt.ing to a cruel death One who was innocent and just. Christ is the Lord of glory- THE FIRST EPISTLE TO nm CORINTHIANS. [cu. II. 1-16.
I. Ix RIGHT OF HIS OWN NATUnE AND rr,;nsoN. This he himself asserted, when he ~p0kc 0f the glory which he had with the F,1ther before the world was. And such was 1he teaching of the apostles concerning him who was" the Emanation, the Elful<Tence uf the Fa thcr's glory, and the ,cry Image of his substance." " ' II. IN ,IBTUE OF THE CHARACTER OF HIS MINISTRY AND SACilIFICE. It is true that the life of Jesus upon earth was accompanied by lowly circumstances, and was not likely ~ dazzle the carnally minded. In his incarnation he emptied himself of hi~ ~Jory and took the form of a slave. Yet those who had eyes to sec could look throu<Th the humiliation to the glory behind and within. And they have lert their witness ~n record: "We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of ~race and truth." Spiritual discemment recognized Divine glory even amidst the ignominy of the awful death of the Redeemer. III. llY HIS EXALTATION AND THli: EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED IT. The Resurrection and Ascension were the completion of the work which was begun by the Incarnation and the Sacrifice. I_f in th~ earlier of ~hese move~ents constituting the redemptive work the glory was hidden, m the later 1t was conspicuously revealed. Jesus arose" in the glory of the Father;" he ascended," carrying captivity captive; "he shed forth the <Tifts of the Spirit in royal profusion; he occupies his immortal throne. 'l'o his people he is the eternal "King of glory." IV. BECAUSE HE SECURES THE GLORIFICATION OF ALL HIS PEOPLE. Christ is described as "bringing many sons unto glory." The context refers especially to "our glory," i.e. to the heavenly happiness, dignity, and reign of those who have a part in Christ's redemption, who share his conflict here, and to whom it is assured that they shall be partakers of his majesty and of his dominion hereafter. The honour of Christ is bound up with that of his people. It is not intended that they shall behold his majesty and splendour from afar, as something to admire and to adore, but not to share. On the· contrary, his glory shall be reflected upon them; as the Lord of glory, he will admit. them to participate in it, and this very participation shall be the means of its enhancement.-'!'. •