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Epiphany · Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany · Year A

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)

The Wisdom of the Cross

February 8, 2026

The Crucifixion, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
The Crucifixion, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, about 1675The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Christ hangs alone on a rough cross against a dark sky, the city faint on the horizon behind him.For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.Bartolomé Esteban MurilloThe great painter of Seville, known for his tender devotional pictures.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelMatt. 5:13-20Mt 5:13-20
Epistle1 Cor. 2:1-12 (13-16)1 Cor 2:1-12 (13-16)
Old TestamentIsa. 58:3-9aIs 58:3-9a
PsalterPs. 112:1-9Ps 112:1-9

Overview & Insights

"We have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Paul recalls that he came to Corinth proclaiming Christ crucified rather than displaying clever rhetoric or philosophy. He contrasts the wisdom of this age with the hidden wisdom of God, revealed to believers through the Spirit.

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Take it further: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)

Commentary

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Commentaries1 Cor 2:1-12 Commentaries BibleHub

A collected set of classic commentaries on Paul's contrast of human and Spirit-given wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2 Commentary1 Cor 2 Commentary Enduring Word

Walks through Paul's argument that the cross, not eloquence, is the true wisdom of God.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]Commentary on 1 Cor 2:1-12 [13-16] Working Preacher

The RCL preaching commentary on this exact pericope for Year A.

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) Commentary1 Cor 2:1-12 (13-16) Commentary CEP

A preaching-oriented read on Paul's cruciform, Spirit-taught wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2 Commentary1 Cor 2 Commentary Precept Austin

A verse-by-verse evangelical study of Paul's wisdom-versus-Spirit argument.

1 Corinthians 2 - Gill's Exposition1 Cor 2 - Gill's Exposition StudyLight

Gill's older exposition on the chapter for additional historic detail.

Background & Word Study

1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Interlinear1 Cor 2:1-12 Interlinear BibleHub

Shows the underlying Greek for key terms like wisdom (sophia) and Spirit.

Book of 1 Corinthians OverviewBook of 1 Cor Overview BibleProject

An animated overview locating this passage within Paul's larger argument to Corinth.

Fathers

1 Corinthians 2 Catena1 Cor 2 Catena Catena

Early church comment on Paul's teaching about the Spirit and hidden wisdom.

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