The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 73

Vers. 6-16.-True wisdom, L Is FOUND IN CHRISTIANITY. Paul has been speaking ~lightingly of .. wisdom." Might lead some to suppose that Christianity was unwise, or at all events a one-sided system; that it was a religion for the heart only, and unfriendly to the intellect. 'l'he apostle guards against this damaging supposition by claiming true wisdom for Christianity. What he has been decrying i~ the ineffective wisdom of the world. Christianity is for the whole man. When a man is in a right condition, Christianity satisfies both his head and heart. Christianity is the sublimest philosophy. Its creed contains the profoundest truths, and under its influence we are placed on the high road to the solution of all that is mysterious in the universe. We are in -alliance with, and under the teaching of, the Eternal Mind, which will at last lead us into all truth. An intricate piece of mechanism may baffle the intelli~ence of careful students, but those on terms of intimacy with the inventor may obtain from him a lucid and all-satisfactory explanation. God is the great Inventor of the uoiverse, and all its puzzles are very plain things to him. Those who are on terms of sacred intimacy with him-not those who are estranged-are likely to enter into the hi~her knowledge of things. Christianity places us in this all-advantageous position. \Ve are on the road of knowledge. One day we shall know even as we are known. Perhaps to the fost the disheartening puzzles and mysteries will continue evermore. II. 1TB CONTENT. The knowledge of (iod'~ redemptive work in its widest significance -(ver. 7). Showing how man is restored to the Divine favour; his relation to God upon his recovery; the plan of his new life; shedding much light upon the Divine character and upon the Divine working in nature and in providence, since these are allied to and influenced by his working in grace; leading to the knowledge of many deep thin~s of God (ver. 10), profound doctrines, etc. Mao learns whence he came; the meaning ,of his present life; whither he goes; the cause of the disorders which he beholds in the world and realizes in himself; how this cause may be dealt with so far as he and others are concerned; how he and they may escape from its control and rise from it to God. Christianity solves now the mysteries attaching to practical moral and spiritual life. It shows man how to live. 'l'he Christ of Christianity could say," I am the \Vay, the Truth, and the Life." "In him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John i. 4). Life-wisdom was the wisdom the world needed; it was found in Christianity. The ~visdom of the world was powerless to answer the great question of life-in this province It was mere folly. Christianity answered every question that really required an answer; and, in its marvellous plan of salvation, exhibited the sublimest wisdom, seeing that .,he Deity is hereby glorified and man's rescue from sin, ennoblement, purification, and present and future well-being are secured. When Paul expounded the doctrines of .ChriEtianity, he was not speaking folly, but setting forth the truest and highest wisdom the world had ever listened to; and those who truly embraced Christianity became 'wise," seeing that they then possessed true views of God and of humau life, and moreover yielded themselves to the control of an influence which would make them practically wise in every-day conduct. Let us realize that Christianity contains the 1,rofoundest wisdom. Men laugh at Christiauity,-not because it is foolish, Lut bccauso they are. Let us guard against being laughed out ef Christianity; for if we arc, we shall be laughed out of wisdom and laughed into folly.  74 THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. [en. n. 1-IG.