John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 2:6

"We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:" — 1 Corinthians 2:6 (ASV)

We speak wisdom. So that he would not appear to despise wisdom, as unlearned and ignorant men (Acts 4:13) condemn learning with a kind of barbarian ferocity, he adds that he is not lacking that wisdom which was worthy of the name, but was esteemed as such only by competent judges. By those who were perfect, he means not those who had attained a wisdom that was full and complete, but those who possess a sound and unbiased judgment. For תם, which is always rendered in the Septuagint by τελειος, means complete.

He reproaches, however, in passing, those who had no appreciation for his preaching, and leads them to understand that it was due to their own fault: “If my doctrine is disliked by any of you, those persons give sufficient evidence by that very sign that they possess a depraved and corrupted understanding, because it will always be acknowledged as the highest wisdom among people of sound intellect and correct judgment.”

While Paul’s preaching was open to the view of all, it was, nevertheless, not always estimated according to its value. This is why he appeals to sound and unbiased judges, who would declare that doctrine, which the world considered dull, to be true wisdom. Meanwhile, by the words we speak, he intimates that he presented to them an elegant specimen of admirable wisdom, so that no one could claim that he boasted of something unknown.

Yet not the wisdom of this world. He again repeats by way of anticipation what he had already conceded—that the gospel was not human wisdom. He does this so that no one could object that there were few supporters of that doctrine, or furthermore, that it was despised by all who were most distinguished for intellect. Therefore, he readily acknowledges what might be raised as an objection, but in such a way as to not concede his point at all.

The princes of this world. By the princes of this world he means those who have distinction in the world through any endowment. For sometimes there are people who, though not at all distinguished by sharpness of intellect, are nevertheless admired because of the dignity of their position.

However, so that we are not alarmed by these imposing appearances, the Apostle adds that they come to nought, or perish. For it would be unfitting that an eternal thing should depend on the authority of those who are frail and fading, and cannot grant permanence even to themselves: “When the kingdom of God is revealed, let the wisdom of this world withdraw, and what is fleeting yield to what is eternal; for the princes of this world have their distinction, but it is of such a nature that it is extinguished in a moment. What is this in comparison with the heavenly and incorruptible kingdom of God?”