The Hidden Wisdom of God in Paul's Teachings

Paul's epistles are filled with profound insights and layered teachings, often articulated through the concept of hidden wisdom. This wisdom, he argues, is revealed to the spiritually mature, while it remains obscured from the worldly and the powerful. In his letters, particularly in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10a and 2 Corinthians 3:18-4:6, Paul develops a sophisticated theological framework that links divine wisdom, human suffering, and ultimate glorification in Christ.

The Concept of Hidden Wisdom

In 1 Corinthians 2:6-10a, Paul introduces the idea of hidden wisdom as something predestined by God before the ages for the glory of believers. This wisdom is not of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are destined to perish. Instead, it is a divine wisdom that transcends human understanding and is accessible only through the Spirit.

Paul's use of the term "hidden wisdom" (σοφία ἀποκεκρυμμένη) suggests a mystery that goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge. It is a divine insight into the very nature of God and His salvific plan, which the rulers of this age failed to understand, as evidenced by their crucifixion of the "Lord of glory" (1 Cor 2:8).

The Role of Divine Wisdom in Transformation

Paul's letters to the Corinthians reveal a dynamic process of transformation that believers undergo. This transformation is described in terms of moving from one degree of glory to another, becoming more like the image of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes:

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Here, Paul speaks of a metamorphosis that believers experience by gazing upon the glory of the Lord. This transformation is an ongoing process that prepares them for the ultimate glorification in Christ.

The Preordination of Glory

Paul’s reference to believers’ glorification as something predestined before the ages (1 Cor 2:7) aligns with his broader theological framework. This theme is elaborated in Romans 8, where Paul describes how God’s foreknowledge and predestination work together for the good of those who love Him. Romans 8:28-30 states:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

The use of the past tense "glorified" (ἐδόξασεν) indicates that Paul sees this glorification as an already accomplished reality in a certain sense, even though its full manifestation awaits the eschaton.

The Present and Future Dimensions of Glorification

While most readers might associate being conformed to the image of God's Son with the future event of the general resurrection, Paul’s writings suggest an ongoing, present reality. This is evident in his use of childbirth metaphors in Galatians 4:19, where he describes his efforts to form Christ within the Galatians as labor pains. Similarly, in Romans 8:22-23, Paul speaks of the whole creation groaning in labor pains, awaiting the adoption and redemption of believers' bodies.

Philo's Influence and Allegorical Interpretation

Philo of Alexandria's allegorical interpretation of the Torah provides a useful parallel to Paul’s approach. Philo saw the Torah as containing deeper, noetic realities within its literal text. Through allegorical exegesis, one could perceive these hidden truths, much like seeing through a mirror (ὥσπερ διὰ κατόπτρου) to observe the divine concepts hidden within (Contempl. 78).

Philo’s method resembles Paul’s Christological reading of the Scriptures, where believers, with unveiled faces, see the glory of the Lord as in a mirror (2 Cor 3:18). For Paul, this unveiled vision is transformative, leading to a progressive internal change into the glorious image of the risen Christ.

The Light of the Gospel

In 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Paul describes the light of the gospel as the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. This light shines in believers' hearts, revealing the knowledge of God’s glory. Paul’s own encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus serves as a foundational experience that shapes his understanding of this transformative glory. This experience is not just personal but extends to all believers, suggesting that they, too, might experience a similar transformation through the gospel.

Conformity to the Image of the Son

The transformation Paul speaks of involves becoming conformed to the image of the Son. This idea is developed in Romans 8:29, where Paul says that those God predestined are to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. This conformity implies both a present transformation and a future glorification, encapsulating the already-but-not-yet tension in Paul’s eschatology.

Conclusion

Paul’s concept of hidden wisdom encompasses a profound understanding of divine knowledge and its transformative power. This wisdom, revealed to the mature through the Spirit, entails a progressive internal transformation into the image of the risen Christ. This process, predestined by God and linked to the believer's love for Him, involves both present realities and future hopes of glorification. By speaking "in a mystery," Paul preserves the sacred and transformative power of this wisdom, ensuring it is grasped by those spiritually mature and prepared to understand its profound implications.

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This blog post is based on content from Scott Brown's paper, L'esoterismo in Paolo: La sapienza nascosta di 1 Cor 2,6-3,4.