{Among the perfect} (en tois teleiois). Paul is not here
drawing a distinction between exoteric and esoteric wisdom as the
Gnostics did for their initiates, but simply to the necessary
difference in teaching for babes ( 3:1 ) and adults or grown men
(common use of eleios for relative perfection, for adults, as
is in 1Co 14:20 Php 3:15 Eph 4:13 Heb 5:14 ). Some were
simply old babes and unable in spite of their years to digest
solid spiritual food, "the ample teaching as to the Person of
Christ and the eternal purpose of God. Such 'wisdom' we have in
the Epistles to the Ephesians and the Colossians especially, and
in a less degree in the Epistle to the Romans. This 'wisdom' is
discerned in the Gospel of John, as compared with the other
Evangelists" (Lightfoot). These imperfect disciples Paul wishes
to develop into spiritual maturity. {Of this world} ( ou ai(936e)os
toutou). This age, more exactly, as in 1:20 . This wisdom does
not belong to the passing age of fleeting things, but to the
enduring and eternal (Ellicott). {Which are coming to naught}
( (936e) katargoumen(936e)). See on 氣:28|. Present passive participle
genitive plural of katarge(935c). The gradual nullification of these
"rulers" before the final and certain triumph of the power of
Christ in his kingdom.
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