V.1-3 Those who speak God’s truth are usually the ones whom Satan attacks the most. To Paul, God had given the great mystery that Christ and the assembly (church) are one. Paul had great conflict (struggles) with Satan in bringing God’s message of truth. Paul longed that all the believers would be united in love. This is like Christ who unites us all into one. But the Spirit of God is grieved when He sees the believers separated and scattered in many denominations.
V.3 In this “mystery” are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge!
V.4, 8, 16, 18, 23 They were listening to clever speakers who would succeed in drawing them away from Christ. Worshipping their own will (vvs. 20-23) looked so good to the intellect, but it was to no profit really.
V.6, 7, 9, 15, 17 He brings them back time after time to Christ and His death. There might have been men who were saying that if a few uneducated fishermen could bring such great things through their preaching, what could we do with our great learning! Paul is showing that this would only rob Christ of some of His glory and rob them of their joy.