Note 1 at 1Co 2:6: This phrase, "princes of this world," is used here and again in 1Co 2:8. The Greek word that was translated "princes" is "ARCHON," and it means "a first (in rank or power)" (Strong's Concordance). Therefore, it could be referring to the wisest people of the world. However, that would seem to be redundant. The wisdom of this world had already been mentioned.

ARCHON was translated "prince" seven times in reference to demonic power (Mt 9:34, 12:24; Mr 3:22; Joh 12:31, 14:30, 16:11; and Eph 2:2). Therefore, the majority of scholars believe this phrase is referring to the demonic powers that are ultimately responsible for carnal wisdom (Helps for Translators, p. 46). It is possible that this phrase has a double meaning.

It is certain that neither carnal man nor demonic powers understand the spiritual things of God, because that only comes through the revelation of the Holy Spirit (see note 6 at 1Co 2:11). This is a very vital piece of information.

Most people give too much credit to Satan. They feel that because he is a spirit being, he is as all-knowing as God is. That is not the case. All of God's wisdom is hidden in Christ (1Co 1:24, 30; and Col 2:3). No one and no thing outside of Christ has access to God's wisdom. That rules out the devils.

Satan is not stupid when compared to man. He has been at this for thousands of years. People cannot match Satan in their own carnal wisdom. However, when compared to God's wisdom, Satan is very stupid. Those who think they could successfully rebel against God have to be stupid.

Satan does not understand spiritual truths. Although he is a spirit, he is operating in the same inferior wisdom that man uses. He's the author of that kind of thinking. Even though he knows what God's Word says, he doesn't understand it and cannot take the appropriate evasive action. This is the point that Paul was making in 1Co 2:8.

If Satan could have understood the spiritual things of God, he would never have inspired his followers to crucify Jesus. Jesus had clearly prophesied His death and resurrection as the means by which He would provide salvation (see note 1 at Mt 16:21). He even said publicly that crucifixion was the type of death that He would suffer (see note 10 at Joh 12:32).

Yet the devil missed it. Satan's ego would not let him believe that once he had Jesus dead in the heart of the earth that He could ever escape. Satan was totally wrong, and in like manner, he will fulfill all the things that God said he would in the end times, despite the fact that Revelation has God's victory printed in black and white.

We believers who operate in God's wisdom are infinitely wiser than the devil. As we walk in the Spirit, Satan has no idea what we are doing any more than the unbelievers of this world do. The wisdom of Christ, which we often take for granted, is a wonderful gift that the princes of this world do not have.