1 Corinthians 2:8

The rulers of this age are probably the intellectual trend-setters Paul mentioned above (1 Corinthians 2:7). Those responsible for the death of Christ were members of this group (cf. Acts 3:17-18; Acts 4:25-28). If they had understood the central place that Jesus Christ occupied in God’s plan, they would not have crucified Him, thus assuring their own doom (cf. Luke 23:34).

"The key [to this section of Paul’s argument] is 1 Corinthians 2:8. The rulers of this age (whether understood as political and religious figures or as apocalyptic powers) demonstrated their ignorance of divine wisdom when they crucified the Lord of glory. The very mention of the crucifixion shows the argument very much in continuity with the preceding section and reminds us that the wisdom of God, which is incomprehensible to the world, is nothing other than the word of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)." [Note: Cousar, "Expository Articles . . ", p. 171.]

The phrase "Lord of glory" implies the divine fullness. It also ties in with the saints’ glory (1 Corinthians 2:7). It is through union with Him that we will experience glory.