Unveiling the Unseen: Are Divine Mysteries Truly Hidden?
In this article, you will learn how 1 Corinthians 2:9 contradicts Matthew 13:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:10, John 16:13, Ephesians 3:3-5 and Matthew 11:25. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
When considering the biblical message in 1 Corinthians 2:9, we are awestruck by the promise of unimaginable wonders prepared by God for those who love Him, suggesting a vast mystery beyond human perception. However, this claim encounters interesting nuances when juxtaposed with other passages in Scripture.
Take, for instance, Matthew 13:16-17, where Jesus tells His disciples that they are blessed to see and hear things which prophets and righteous men longed to experience. This implies that certain divine revelations have indeed been made visible and audible to some, hinting at revelations already unfolding.
Moving to 1 Corinthians 2:10, it's noteworthy that this verse follows directly after the promise of things unseen, stating that God has revealed these secrets through His Spirit. This immediately challenges the notion that divine mysteries are completely veiled from human understanding.
Similarly, in John 16:13, we learn about the Spirit of truth who guides believers into all truth, suggesting a continuing revelation that seemingly contrasts the earlier assertion of unrevealed mysteries. It's like owning a locked treasure chest with the key already gifted to you—the contents can't be said to be entirely hidden.
Then we have Ephesians 3:3-5, which speaks about the revelation of divine mysteries to apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This acknowledgment of revelation further complicates the claim that divine plans are beyond any human comprehension, suggesting an openness to these mysteries through divine channels.
Finally, Matthew 11:25 introduces another layer, where Jesus thanks the Father for revealing truths to babes while hiding them from the wise. This suggests a selective unveiling of divine knowledge which seems at odds with the concept of universally unexperienced wonders.
These contrasts present a theological puzzle: Are divine mysteries truly hidden, or are they selectively revealed, and how does this shape our understanding?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1 Corinthians 2:9 | 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. |
| 2. | Matthew 13:16-17 | But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. |
| 3. | 1 Corinthians 2:10 | But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. |
| 4. | John 16:13 | Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. |
| 5. | Ephesians 3:3-5 | How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [afore...: or, a little before] |
| 6. | Matthew 11:25 | At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. |