Paul came to these Corinthians not to impress them with his intellect (v. 1), but to use plain and familiar words. He says, "I determined not to know." Now he was a brilliant, educated man, so he is not condemning all other knowledge. But he is saying if it stands in competition with, or opposition to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, then it is a detrimental thing to know. Paul had weighed all the advantages and disadvantages, had considered all things that are fit to be considered, and his conclusion is that no matter how profitable or pleasant any knowledge, it is not worthy to be named in comparison with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He spoke plainly to affect their hearts and convince them of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.
"I determined not to know anything." To study nothing, to teach nothing to you, but Jesus Christ. Paul said, "I have spoken and written of many other subjects, but it all pointed to Christ; because of all subjects in the world, this is the sweetest. If there is anything under heaven worthy to study and to consider, lie is it."
"Jesus Christ and him crucified." There are many excellent truths of Christ, but Paul always ran to this one truth; Christ crucified. All other knowledge, no matter how much it is taught, is but dung in comparison to Christ crucified. Paul was so full of this subject, that the hearers might have thought he knew no other doctrine. This is the grand sum of his teaching. Whatever we say, think, or whatever action we take, it must be connected to "Jesus Christ and him crucified." May it truly be said of the one who writes these words, "He knows nothing else." What a grand blessing that would be! God grant it!