Why did the princes of this world crucify Jesus according to 1 Corinthians 2:8?
Paul states the princes of this world lacked knowledge of the mystery, the hidden wisdom God ordained before the world. Because they did not know, they crucified Him; had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Les teaches that 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 presents the same basic truth not only concerning Israel but even Rome, the Gentiles. Paul writes of the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom God ordained before the world. Verse 8 says none of the princes of this world knew it, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. This connects with the crucifixion account, where Christ pleaded ignorance: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Peter also says they killed Him but were ignorant. Les calls this God’s loophole for the nation of Israel, because if they had known who they were killing, God would have had to destroy them.
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
More Questions
Did the Roman and Gentile rulers who crucified Jesus know who he was?
Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 2:8 shows the same ignorance principle applies to Rome and the Gentiles, not just Israel, because the princes of this world did not know and therefore would not have crucified the Lord of glory if they had known.
Who were 'the princes of this world' in 1 Corinthians 2:8?
The 'princes of this world' in 1 Corinthians 2:8 are the Jewish leaders and Rome, and neither group knew who Jesus was.