ESV Reformation Study Bible – 1 Cor 2:7
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1 Cor 2:7

2:7 a secret and hidden wisdom of God. This passage should not be interpreted as a reference to mysteries accessible only to superior Christians. The riches of the gospel, though “hidden” during the Old Testament period, have now been revealed by the Spirit (v. 10). Eph. 3:2–6 makes plain that the word “mystery,” used by Paul to emphasize the distinctiveness of his message to the Gentiles, has a strong temporal meaning. The “mystery” is a truth that “was not made known . . . in other generations” (Eph. 3:5); it was “kept secret for long ages” (Rom. 16:25). But now the truth has been clearly revealed to those who have the Spirit, who live in “the end of the ages” (10:11).

decreed. The word is used also in Rom. 8:29, 30 and Eph. 1:5 to express the certainty of God’s goodwill for His people.