Fathers

1 Corinthians 2

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And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

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What the Fathers say

1 Corinthians 2:10

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

What kind of things then are these? That by what is esteemed to be the foolishness of preaching He shall overcome the world, and the nations shall be brought in, and there shall be reconciliation of God with men, and so great blessings shall come upon us! How then have we known? "Unto us," he saith, "God hath revealed them by His Spirit;" not by the wisdom which is without; for this like some dishonored handmaid hath not been permitted to enter in, and stoop down and look into the mysteries pertaining to the Lord. …

Homily on 1 Corinthians 7 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Someone might ask: if it has not entered the heart of man, then how did you learn of this? He answers: God revealed it to us by the Spirit, and not by human wisdom. For it was neither worthy nor able to see the mysteries of God. Such, he says, was this mystery and so hidden that we could not have learned of it from anyone, had the Spirit not taught us, who knows even the depths of God. The word "searches" indicates not ignorance, but perfect knowledge, just as it is also said of the Father: "You search the hearts" (Ps. …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Clement of Alexandria

For it is not spurious words which those inspired by God and those who are gained over by them adduce, nor is it snares in which the most of the sophists entangle the young, spending their time on nought true. But those who possess the Holy Spirit "search the deep things of God,"-that is, grasp the secret that is in the prophecies. "To impart of holy things to the dogs" is forbidden, so long as they remain beasts. …

The Stromata Book 2 ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, But to us, he proves the above explanation of divine wisdom in relation to the faithful: first, he states his proposition; secondly, he proves it (v. 10b). He says, therefore: I have stated that none of the rulers of this world knew God's wisdom, but to us God has revealed it through the Spirit, Whom He sent to us: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things" (Jn. 14:26); "The breath of the Almighty gives me understanding" (Jb 33:4). …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Bonaventure

In this passing over, however, if it is to be perfect, it is necessary that all intellectual operations be relinquished, and that the summit of affection be wholly transferred and transformed into God. This, however, is mystical and most secret, which no one knows unless he receives it, nor does anyone receive it unless he desires it, nor does anyone desire it unless the fire of the Holy Spirit inflames him to the marrow, which fire Christ sent upon the earth. …

Itinerarium Mentis in Deum, Chapter 7 ↗