It has been said that Socrates was the wisest man in Athens because he knew that he knew nothing. Probably the smartest we ever are is when we graduate from high school. From there on it is downhill as we learn all the things there are that we do not know and what we thought we knew wasn’t correct. One thing Socrates surely did not understand was how to get along with people. He alienated so many people in Athens, even his wife, they condemned him to death.
Paul was educated in western thought and knew all about Socrates. Perhaps he was imitating Socrates when he said in I Corinthians 2, “I came among you determined to know nothing except our crucified Christ.” He said he came not with the wisdom of the world or other forms of rationale. He knew the deep things of God were foolishness to those who are not in tune with God’s Spirit. Apart from the subtle working of God’s Spirit on someone’s mind it is impossible for us to convince them of God’s plan for their redemption.
There have been times when people have come to me after a sermon and said, “Thank you for saying ….” I finally understand. That would be wonderful that I was such a good teacher. The problem is I knew I never said what they said I said. I have often wondered if the gift of tongues is not in the tongue of the speaker but in the ear of the hearer. God is hungry to save and he does so despite us. All the things we think we know, all the theories, definitions and schema, are nothing without God’s intervention in the minds of our hearers or readers.
“I came among you determined to know nothing except our crucified Christ.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 26, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.orog