Why could Paul call the carnal Corinthian believers mature in 1 Corinthians 2:6?
Paul could call them mature because the word "perfect" in 1 Corinthians 2:6 really means mature, and although the Corinthian believers were carnal, they had enough of the basic fundamentals of Paul's gospel that could refer to them as mature.
Les explains that in 1 Corinthians 2:6 the King James word "perfect" really means mature. The Corinthian believers were carnal, yet they had enough of the basic fundamentals of Paul's gospel that Paul could refer to them as mature. Paul also says he did not bring the wisdom of this world to Corinth, nor the wisdom of the princes of this world, which come to nothing.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
What does the word perfect mean in 1 Corinthians 2:6?
In this context, the word "perfect" in 1 Corinthians 2:6 means mature, not perfect or sinless. It refers to those who have reached spiritual maturity, as opposed to being carnal or weak. Paul speaks wisdom among them that are mature.
How could the carnal Corinthians be called mature in 1 Corinthians 2:6?
In 1 Corinthians 2:6, the King James word “perfect” means mature. Even though the Corinthian believers were carnal, they had enough of the basic fundamentals of Paul’s gospel that they could be called mature—not because of worldly wisdom, but because of the foundational gospel truths they had received.
More Questions
Why does Paul call the carnal Corinthian believers perfect?
Paul can call the carnal, weak Corinthian believers perfect because they were under God's grace, and that grace was sufficient.