Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 2:10

"But unto us God revealed [them] through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." — 1 Corinthians 2:10 (ASV)

Paul now begins to stress the work of the Holy Spirit in revealing the wisdom of God. God has revealed “to us” (i.e., to Paul, the other apostles, and their associates) the spiritual wisdom that the unsaved rulers of this world did not understand. “Revealed” (GK 636) is a strong term, usually used in the NT to indicate divine revelation of certain supernatural secrets (Matthew 16:17) or an eschatological sense of the revelation connected with certain persons and events (Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13). Throughout vv.10–16 it is Paul who speaks, mostly in the first person plural, strengthening the interpretation that he is referring primarily to divine revelation given to apostles. Later in 3:1–3 Paul returns to addressing the Corinthians as “you.” But what is true primarily of Paul and the other apostles, is true secondarily for all Christians—the Holy Spirit helps them to interpret Scripture.

The latter part of this verse amplifies the first part by showing the extent (“all things”) and depth (“the deep things of God”) of the Holy Spirit’s revelation of God’s wisdom and truth. The Holy Spirit infallibly guided the writers of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21) and continually works effectively in the lives of believers (Ephesians 1:17–19; Ephesians 3:16–19).