George Wells:
Perhaps Doherty's strongest point is Paul's assertion (1 Cor.2:8) that Jesus was crucified by supernatural forces (the archontes). I take this to mean that they prompted the action of human agents: but I must admit that the text ascribes the deed to the archontes themselves.
https://infidels.org/library/modern/g_a ... liest.html
This post consists of criticism of Wells' statement; along with support of the theory of Paul's system that includes a spiritual, heavenly Jesus Christ that came to earth at some time in the unspecified past in the form of a man to suffer a redemptive and salvific death on behalf of humankind, as found by Paul with his creative and generative use of the Jewish scriptures.
I think Wells’ granting of a point here, implying at least that the use of the term “
archons” does lend some support for a death by supernatural forces, is misguided. Sure, it's possible, but in Paul’s day the Greek term “
archon” meant only a ruler, commonly a chief, prince, or governor. It could be a wise ruler or an evil one, a ruler of men, a ruler of angels, or a ruler of demons. The nature and characteristics of the ruler was provided by the surrounding context.
The immediate context in this passage in 1 Corinthians only identifies the rulers as “of this age” and as lacking in understanding of the hidden wisdom of God. It is
possible the rulers were intended as demonic, or as humans influenced by demonic forces, or simply as human rulers.
However, I think Wells has failed to acknowledge an obvious solution here. That a possible, even probable, solution can be found in Paul’s typical
modus operandi for developing his characterizations of his Jesus Christ. (I haven’t read Wells beyond bits and pieces posted by others, so I’m not sure what he may have written elsewhere on this topic).
Paul characterized the events and implications of his Jesus Christ based on creative and generative use of the Jewish scriptures. The salvific sufferings and death from Isaiah 53, the implied resurrection also from Isaiah 53, the redemption from the law on the tree from Deuteronomy, as the seed of Abraham from Genesis; the gathering of assemblies and the expected coming of the Lord and the coming wrath and the salvific “good news” at least in part from Joel 2. I think Psalm 2 as source material for the
archons here, and for this passage in question in 1 Corinthians, is another pea in the same pod. And certainly human rulers found in the scriptures could readily be considered as "rulers of this age".
1 Corinthians 2:7-8 | Psalm 2, LXX and [Comments] |
But we speak in a mystery, the wisdom of God having been hidden, which God foreordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers (ἀρχόντων/archons) of this age has understood. For if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:7-8) | The kings of the earth stood by and the rulers (άρχοντες/archons) gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed (χριστού/Christou) one. (Psalm 2:2)
[The rulers did not understanding the hidden wisdom of God ---]
The one dwelling in heavens derides them, and the Lord ridicules them. Then he shall speak to them in his anger; and in his rage he will disturb them. (Psalm 2:4)
[And where did Paul consistently look for the hidden wisdom of God? --- The scriptures.] |
And following very close behind in Psalm 2 is a clear allusion commonly applied to Christ ---
The Lord said to me, you are my son, today I engendered you. Ask from me and I will give to you nations for your inheritance; and for your possession the ends of the earth. (Psalm 2:7-9)
I think Paul’s use of Psalm 2 here is clearly well within the range of his exegetical norms and I think provides the most likely solution for 1 Corinthians 2:7-8.
nota bene: By way of acknowledgement, GakuseiDon provided on this forum a good analysis of the interrelationships between Psalm 2 and Corinthians 2:7-8 two or 3 years ago.
nota bene 2: My apologies in advance if I don't follow-up on this --- I just couldn't help myself from posting this, but I have exceeded by far the time I have intended to curently devote to the forum.