The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one” (1 Corinthians 2:15, ESV)
1 Corinthians 2:15 may not be a widely quoted verse among Christians, but it holds profound significance for me. In this post, I present this verse as one worth embracing and recommend it as a important verse for Christians.
The verse reads: “The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one” (1 Corinthians 2:15, ESV). It is rich with meaning, offering multiple angles to explore the breadth and depth of God’s wisdom as conveyed through Paul’s epistle to the church in Corinth.
Context of Paul’s Epistle
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians around 53–55 AD to address issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions caused by some Christians prioritizing human wisdom over God’s wisdom. In chapter 2, Paul sets the tone by emphasizing his reliance on divine truth rather than worldly eloquence:
“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:1, ESV).
Paul explains that he did not rely on his own rhetorical skill or worldly knowledge but preached God’s truth through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who knows all things in both the seen and unseen realms:
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10, ESV).
This leads to the key assertion in 1 Corinthians 2:15: “The spiritual person judges all things.”
Who Is the Spiritual Person?
The “spiritual person” is a Christian indwelt by the Holy Spirit, transformed from a natural state into a spiritual one through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. This transformation empowers believers to discern “all things”—encompassing both the seen and unseen worlds.
Some Christians, drawing from Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, emphasize focusing on the unseen and eternal, sometimes to the point of neglecting the present world:
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18, ESV).
While Paul encourages believers to prioritize the eternal, he does not advocate ignoring the present world. Instead, he instructs Christians to discern and judge all things—both seen and unseen—without clinging to the transient. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers possess the wisdom to evaluate all matters with divine insight.
Embracing the Call to Judge All Things
Many Christians hesitate to make judgments about worldly matters, fearing it may seem prideful or arrogant. However, this mindset contradicts Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 2:15. As spiritual people, Christians are equipped by the Holy Spirit to judge all things—not out of arrogance, but through the wisdom imparted by God’s Spirit and His Word.
Beyond the gift of salvation, one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian is the ability to discern all things through the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment allows me to confidently share the following truths with both believers and unbelievers:
God created all things, both seen and unseen.
God created man and woman in His image.
The first man and woman disobeyed their Creator, falling into sin, and all their descendants inherited the consequences of sin.
God established marriage in one man and one woman, family, society, and nations.
God gave the law of nature of operating and sustaining the universe.
God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born into a humble family in Israel to redeem the mankind.
Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world.
Jesus rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion.
Jesus ascended to Heaven 40 days after His resurrection.
Jesus will return to judge all people.
God will renew the earth and the universe.
Christians will spend eternity with God in Heaven, while those who reject Him will be separated from Him.
These truths encapsulate the origin, history, present, and future of creation, as well as the destiny of all humanity.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 2:15 is a powerful reminder that Christians, as spiritual people, are called to discern and judge all things through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. This is not a call to pride but an invitation to embrace the divine insight granted to us. Let us boldly live out this truth and be accountable to God and confidently sharing God’s wisdom with the world while remaining humble before Him who judges all.