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Category: 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 2:4 – Persuasion vs. Power

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Will

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Truth to Learn

Man’s preaching may be persuasive, but God’s message is powerful.

Behind the Words

“Speech” is translated from logos, which refers to “a word as an expression of intelligence.” It can refer to a singular word, a saying, or a verbal expression of ideas.”

The word translated “persuasive” is peithos, which is unique to Paul, not having been found in any other Greek writings. It is based on the verb peithō, which means “to persuade.”

Apodeixis is the Greek word translated “demonstration.” This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “away from” but used as an intensifier and a form of deiknumi, meaning “to show” or “to exhibit.” Thus, apodeixis means “something exhibited outwardly” or “clearly demonstrated.”

The word “Spirit” is from the Greek noun pneuma (from which we get our English words pneumatic and pneumonia). It is based on the verb pneuō, meaning “to breathe.” Hence, pneuma refers to “a breath or blast of air” or “a breeze.”

Meaning Explained

As we pointed out in verse one of this chapter, Paul is now contrasting his style of teaching and preaching with that of the Greek orators of that day. At that time, there was a class of speakers known as the sophists (wise ones), who traveled from place to place presenting stirring and powerful messages to teach everything what was necessary to be successful in life. However, the sophists were more focused on oratory skills than on the soundness of the “truths” they were teaching. They specialized in using philosophy and rhetoric in persuading their listeners to believe what was popular and politically correct rather than the truth. As a result, the word sophist has come to mean someone who uses powerful and effective speech to deceive someone else.

It is against this backdrop that Paul makes the current comments about his own speaking style. His reference to “speech” is probably a reference to his communication with individuals and small groups, whereas “preaching” is likely a reference to his public preaching. He tells us here that in neither situation did he utilize persuasive words or “politically correct” human wisdom. The people of Corinth, being in the mainstream of Greek society and culture, were drawn to the sophist style of preaching, preferring to hear great public speakers rather than the plain truths of the gospel message.

Paul, on the other hand, relied on the unseen power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrated by the miraculous changes in the lives of the people who believed his simple message. Throughout the New Testament we read about the many miracles performed by the Holy Spirit at the hands of the apostles and the many conversions that resulted from them. This was Paul’s style: simply declare the good news and let the Holy Spirit produce the change in people’s lives.

Application

As we have asked before, do you like the preaching you hear every Sunday because it is effectively persuasive? Or do you like it because the simple truth causes you to humble yourself before your Lord and Master, Jesus Christ?

In God's service, for His glory,

To see all of our verse studies, visit http://www.ministryofgrace.org

1 Corinthians 2:2 – And Him Crucified

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Will

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Truth to Learn

Christ’s crucifixion is the central theme of Christianity.

Behind the Words

“Determined” is translated from the Greek verb krinō, which literally means “to discriminate between good and evil,” that is “to judge, to choose, or to select.”

The words “to know” are from the verb eidō. It literally means “to see with perception.” In its most common usage it refers to understand mentally, that is “to know.”

“Anything” is from the Greek indefinite article ti, which means “someone, some thing, or a certain thing.”

The expression “except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” is constructed such that it places the emphasis on “Him crucified.” It could be literally translated as “except Jesus Christ and this one as crucified.” The central theme of Paul’s gospel message is not just Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but the fact that He was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins.

Meaning Explained

As we discussed in yesterday’s verse, the Apostle Paul was not known for his eloquent style of preaching but for simply and plainly declaring the good news about Jesus Christ. Today we learn that at some time in the past Paul made a conscious decision to preach the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Notice that he did not say “Jesus and Him crucified.” He was not focused on the humanity of Jesus, but His divinity. Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed King who, as part of the Godhead, was the creator of all that is. And, as the Messiah, He is the one promised to come and save the world.

The Jews expected their Messiah would come as a conquering King who would free them from oppression. However, He came instead as a humble servant who was condemned to death and was crucified because He claimed to be the Son of God. This is precisely why the Jews find Him to be a “stumbling block,” and the great philosophical minds of the day considered Paul’s message to be foolishness:

but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Christ’s crucifixion was the central theme of Paul’s preaching, but he did not preach only the crucifixion; He preached the whole Word of God, knowing that there is much more to the Christian life than just Christ’s death on the cross:

And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:11)

For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:27)

how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, … (Acts 20:20).

It is of vital importance to preach the crucifixion of Christ, but that is only the beginning of the Christian experience.

Application

Fortunately, there are still many churches today that preach the salvation message. Unfortunately, there are still churches where that is the only thing being proclaimed. There is much to know about being a Christian beyond salvation.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 2:1 – Not Eloquent Preaching

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Will

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.

Truth to Learn

Paul did not depend on eloquence to get his message across.

Behind the Words

The words “when I came” are from the verb erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having come.”

“Excellence” is translated from the Greek word huperochē. This word is based on the verb huperechō, which is made up of huper, meaning “above” and echō, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Huperechō, therefore, means “to hold above,” “to make prominent,” or “to hold oneself as superior to others.”

Katangellō is the verb translated “declaring.” It is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and angellō, meaning “to deliver a message.” Thus, katangellō means “to declare a message openly and with authority.”

The word translated “testimony” is marturion, which refers to “a witness” or “a testimony.” However, the best Greek texts have the word musterion. It is based on the verb mueō, which means “to close” or “to initiate.” It is an allusion to the mystery religions of the day where secret knowledge was revealed only to those who have been initiated into the religion.

Meaning Explained

Having spent the better part of chapter one on the divisions within the Corinthian church, Paul now will contrast the mode and style of his preaching with those of worldly preachers. It appears that the Christians in Corinth were attracted to eloquent, philosophical preachers who tickled the ears of the congregation with well-turned phrases and rhetorical devices.

That had not been Paul’s purpose or method, however. His own method of preaching may have seemed base or lacking in style, but he stayed true to the content of his preaching. You may recall from the introductory notes on this letter, that Corinth was an exceedingly rich and wicked city. The members of the Corinthian church had grown up amidst such worldliness and had a difficult time letting go of their worldly ways. Because of this, they were attracted to the type of people and the style of teaching that was a hallmark of Greek society.

Please don’t misunderstand the message here. Paul is not condemning those who are gifted preachers. We even noted in our discussion of 1 Corinthians 1:27, that Paul used a well-constructed rhetorical argument to refute the supposed wisdom of the Greek orators and philosophers of that day. However, what he is declaring here is that the message is far more important than the methods of preaching. Paul’s method and message are to simply and plainly declare his testimony, or witness, concerning Jesus Christ.

Paul’s preaching and teaching were singularly focused on Jesus Christ and the implication for all mankind of His death and subsequent resurrection. He avoided philosophical arguments and, as we will learn in tomorrow’s verse, preached “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Application

What is it that you appreciate about the messages you hear at your church every week? Is it the humorous stories you hear, the captivating style of the preaching, or is it the messages centered on the truths of the Bible and Jesus Christ crucified?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:31 – Where’s Your Focus

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Will

that, as it is written, "he who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

Truth to Learn

The focus of our life needs to be on God, not the things of man.

Behind the Words

The words “it is written” are translated from the Greek verb graphō , which literally means “to grave,” that is, to carve. It is the most ancient form of writing. In first century common usage, it refers to any kind of writing. It is written here in the perfect tense, so it means “it was written in the past and, therefore, it is written (as a confirmed statement of fact).”

The words “glories” and “glory” are both from the verb kauchaomai. A couple of verses back we learned that this word means “to boast, brag, or have pride.”

The word “Lord” is from kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

Meaning Explained

The divisions within the church in Corinth sprang-up primarily from people bragging about who their leader was:

For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 1:11-12)

This greatly troubled Paul. He was not troubled because some of them claimed to follow someone else rather than him. That would have indicated selfishness on his part. Paul was troubled because it showed that the Corinthians were more focused on things of man than things of God. It also meant that they were following after men of wisdom, power, and eloquence, which is not what Paul wanted nor is it what God wants.

Paul may have seen in the Corinthian Christians what God saw in the Israelites. After all the miracles that God had performed for them and after all the blessings that He bestowed on them, they turned their backs on God and began following after the false gods and idols of the people in the land into which God had led them. They had utterly turned from the one true God and placed more importance on wisdom, power, and riches than in God. As a result, before God judged the Israelites and had them carried off into Babylon, he sent them a warning through the Prophet Jeremiah, who said:

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

This is the passage that Paul is quoting to the Corinthians and it is a stern warning to them, and to us.

Application

What is the central object of your life? Is it to gain wealth, power, or wisdom? Or, is your life singularly focused on serving God to demonstrate how grateful you are for all that He has done for you? That’s a question that we all have to answer!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:30 – All From God

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Will

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

Truth to Learn

Our salvation is all from God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “of” is ek, which means “out of” or “from.” It is an indication of the source of something.

“Became” is from the Greek verb ginomai, which means “to begin to be.” It is expressed in the aorist tense, passive voice, indicating that it was done to Him at a point in time in the past.

Dikaiosunē is the word translated “righteousness.” It is based on the noun dikaios, which means “just” or “righteous.” Righteousness is a description of our standing before God.

“Sanctification” is from the noun hagiasmos, from the verb hagiadzō, which means “to set apart from common use as something without blemish to be used in the service of God.”

The word “redemption” is translated from apolutrōsis. This is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and lutroō, which means “to bring a ransom for the purpose of freeing someone from captivity.” Thus, apolutrōsis means “set free as a result of a ransom having been fully paid.” We are set free from sin and its consequences because the ransom for our freedom has been fully paid by the blood of Christ.

Meaning Explained

Throughout the past six verses Paul has been talking about God’s wisdom in his choosing and calling us foolish, weak, sin-sick nobodies out of the world and into His family. He has masterfully and effectively contrasted the wisdom of the world (which in reality is utter foolishness) with the foolishness of God (which in reality is supreme wisdom). Here he makes a dramatic statement that is often missed. Paul says that God is the source of our position “in Christ Jesus.”

If you carefully study the New Testament teachings, you will find that all aspects of our salvation have their source in God. Here is a list of some of the things that we could not do, but that God has already done for us:

He willed (determined) to make us His (Ephesians 1:5)

He purposed to predestine us (Ephesians 1:11)

He predestined us to adoption as sons (Ephesians 1:5)

He chose us (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

He prepared us (Romans 9:23)

He drew us to Himself (John 6:44)

He granted us to come to Christ (John 6:65)

He saved us (Titus 3:5)

He sanctified us completely (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

He appointed us to eternal life (Acts 13:48)

He delivered us from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13)

He made us alive (Ephesians 2:5)

He poured out His Spirit on us (Titus 3:6)

He brought us forth (James 1:18)

He justified and glorified us (Romans 8:30)

He called us into His kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:12)

Application

Seeing all that God has done for us, how can we do anything but be humbled and eternally grateful for all His work in our salvation? And given all that He has already done, how could we ever think that there is anything that we could do to nullify what God has done? Praise God and give Him the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:29 – God Deserves the Glory

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Will

that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Truth to Learn

God deserves the praise for who we are and what we have.

Behind the Words

“That” is translated from the Greek word hopōs, which is an adverb of manner. The basic meaning of this word is, “in what manner, how, or so that.”

The Greek word translated “flesh” is sarx. This word specifically refers to the “flesh of a living being,” as opposed to the word kreas, which refers to “the flesh of a dead animal” or “meat.” Metaphorically, sarx refers to the physical being of a man as opposed to the immaterial soul or spirit.

Kauchaomai is the verb translated “glory.” Some sources claim that it is derived from auchen, meaning “the neck,” which some self-righteous people hold in a proud manner. Kauchaomai means “to boast, brag, or have pride.” In the New Testament, it is used both in a good sense and in a bad sense.

The words “in … presence” are from enōpion. It is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of ōps, which refers to “the eyes.” Whereas this word literally means “in the eyes of,” it is most often translated as “in the presence of.”

Meaning Explained

In this first chapter of his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul is specifically addressing the problem of divisions within the church, which he first introduced in verse ten:

Now I plead with you, brethren … that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together …

The divisions within the church were caused by people claiming to follow certain gifted and respected leaders within the church. The Corinthians even boasted about who they followed. As a result, Paul spent most of the previous nineteen verses showing that worldly wisdom, education, and social rank have no influence with God. He then went on to show that not only does God not show any special favor to the rich, powerful, and famous, He actually focuses his grace primarily on those of us who are nobodies in the eyes of the world.

People who have made a name for themselves through hard work, education, political maneuvering, or social standing, all have one thing in common: they take pride in their attainment. They believe that they have risen to their position of importance because of who they are or what they have done. This self-pride, in return, takes the credit away from God. However, the Prophet Jeremiah said this:

What we have to recognize is that everything that we are and everything that we have comes from God. Therefore, He deserves to get the credit for it all.

Application

Let us give humble thanks to God for everything that we are and everything that we have. He doesn’t make mistakes, so no matter what our position in life, God deserves all the credit for who we are and what we have accomplished.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:28 – The Non-People

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Will

and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,

Truth to Learn

God chose the lowly, non-people to be His.

Behind the Words

“Base things” is the translation of the Greek noun agenēs. This word is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and genos, meaning “a nation or a race of people.” Thus, agenēs means “non-people.” In common usage it refers to people who are considered base or ignoble. It is the opposite of someone who is born of noble blood.

The word “despised” is from the neuter form of exoutheneō. This word is made up of ex, meaning “out or out of” (used as an intensifier) and a form of oudeis, meaning “nothing.” Therefore, exoutheneō means “to treat someone or something as if it has absolutely no value at all.”

“Things which are not” is translated from mē onta. Mē is a particle of negation, meaning “not” and onta is a form of eimi which is the verb of being (I am, you are, it is, etc.). Hence, mē onta literally means “things that don’t exist.” It is a Hebraism that Jews us to refer to Gentiles.

Katargeō is the Greek verb translated “bring to nothing.” It is made up of kata, meaning “down,” used as an intensifier and argeō, meaning “to cause to be ineffective or useless.”

Meaning Explained

In verse twenty-seven, the Apostle Paul gave a description of the type of people the world considers important, pointing out that God has called very few of them. Then in yesterday's verse he began a description of the type of people that God intentionally called to Himself. This included the fools of the world and the weak people of the world.

In today’s verse he gives three more descriptions of the type of people that God has called to Himself. The first is “the base things of the world.” These are people who were not born into rich, powerful, aristocratic families. They enter life with nothing and are given little opportunity to improve their lot in life. They are looked down at by the upper class and are considered of little value. In fact, in Paul’s second description, they are “despised,” treated as if they have no value at all.

The third description in this verse of God’s chosen people is “things which are not.” This is an even lower class of people than “the base things of the world.” A classic example of what Paul is referring to is seen in India today. The lowest class in their caste system is referred to as “the untouchables” or Dalits. They are considered less than human. They are not allowed to drink from the same wells, attend the same temples, or wear shoes in the presence of the upper class. They are non-people.

God specifically focused his calling on these people for a purpose. That purpose is to demonstrate to those who think themselves to be something special, that they are really the non-people from God’s perspective.

Application

In the eyes of the world, most Christians are weak, foolish, ignorant non-people. But in God’s eyes we are His special children for whom He sacrificed His Son. One day we shall sit with our Lord as He judges the rich, powerful, and proud people of this world and they will see who is really weak and foolish. And God will receive all the praise and all the glory.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:27 – God’s “Foolish” Choice

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Will

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

Truth to Learn

God purposely choose weak and foolish sinners to be His.

Behind the Words

The words “has chosen” are from the Greek verb eklegō. This word is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and legō, meaning “to select” or “to choose.” Thus, eklegō means “to choose out” or “to select out.” It is expressed in the aorist tense, indicating action that was completed at a point in time in the past. It is also expressed in the middle voice, indicating something that the subject (God) has done to or for Himself.

“Put to shame” is translated from the verb kataischunō, which is made up of kata, meaning “down” (used here as an intensifier) and aischunō meaning “to put to shame.” Kataischunō literally means “to shame down, to disgrace, or completely put to shame.”

Asthenēs is the Greek word translated “weak things.” It is composed of the privative a, meaning “without” and sthenos, which refers to “physical strength.”

Ischuros it the word translated “things which are mighty.” It literally means “strong, mighty, or powerful things.”

Meaning Explained

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul has put together an exquisite rhetorical argument against those who put their faith in the world system. It started back in verse eighteen where he said, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” He then went on to show how foolish the supposed “wisdom” of the world is compared to God’s wisdom and how weak the “strength” of the world is compared to God’s strength. He further declared that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” In yesterday’s verse, he pointed his finger directly at the Corinthians (and at us) declaring that very few of us who have been called into His family are worldly wise, powerful, or of noble birth.

Now, in this verse and the two that follow, Paul spotlights the true wisdom in God’s plan. Here he says that God intentionally chose people for Himself who are foolish in the eyes of the world and people who are weak in the eyes of the world. Notice that God had purpose in His choosing. For those who don’t accept the doctrine of election, preferring to believe that God’s choice was based on who would eventually believe the gospel, such thinking contradicts what Paul is teaching here. If God's choice was based upon who would believe the good news, then there would have been a more random cross section of humanity chosen. Instead, God purposely focused His selection primarily on those of us who are weak and foolish.

Why would He do such a thing? Paul says that His purpose has always been to demonstrate to the wise and powerful that they are the real fools. One day they will stand before the wise and powerful Judge and their shame will be overwhelming.

Application

These truths should once again drive us to our knees in thankfulness that He chose us weak, foolish, undeserving sinners to be His children. And God gets all the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:26 – Calling the Lowly

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Will

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

Truth to Learn

God calls lowly sinners to His kingdom and to His family.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “you see” is blepō, which means “to look at” or “to see.” The form of this verb is ambiguous. It could be present tense, active voice, indicative mood, meaning “you see.” But it could also be present tense, active voice, imperative mood, meaning “look at!”

“Calling” is from klēsis, which refers to “an invitation.” As we explain below, here it refers to those who respond to the invitation and accept it by faith.

The word translated “mighty” is dunatos, meaning “that which is powerful.”

Eugeneis is the Greek word translated as “noble.” It is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and genos, meaning “a race” or “a family.” Thus, eugeneis literally means “well born” or “born into a good family.”

Meaning Explained

In verse twenty-four, Paul told us that to those of us who are called, the gospel message is “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Back in verse nine we talked a little more about this calling. It does not refer to everyone who has heard the gospel message; it refers to everyone who has believed the good news. Now he gives us some additional information about those of us who believe.

Remember that Paul has been contrasting the wisdom and power of the world system with the wisdom and power of God. To the world, especially the wisest, the most powerful, and the ruling class, the death of Christ and the gospel message are foolishness. It is likely for this very reason that He did not call many of them. Notice that Paul does not say that none of them are called, rather he says that very few of them are called. Instead, God pours out His grace on the “foolish,” the powerless, and the common people. To the world this seems like foolishness because these people have little or nothing to offer Him, which is precisely Paul’s point. Jesus, in one of His prayers, put it this way:

At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. (Matthew 11:25)

Later, in verse twenty-nine, Paul tells us God’s reasoning: “that no flesh should glory in His presence.” In our fleshly nature we want to take some or all of the credit for our salvation, but all the credit and all the glory belongs to God. Our salvation is not ours because we have done anything; this salvation is ours because God has done everything and has freely given it to us. It was not given to us because we deserve anything. It was given to us because we do not deserve anything except eternal damnation. That’s God’s wisdom!

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, it is not because you have done anything; it is because God has done everything for you. That should drive all of us to our knees with thankful hearts!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:25 – Wise Counsel

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Will

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Truth to Learn

The wisdom of God often seems like foolishness to us.

Behind the Words

We have looked at the Greek word for foolishness (mōros) several times now. It is expressed here as a neuter noun and could be translated as “the foolish thing.”

“Wisdom” (sophos) is another word we have looked at several times. It is interesting that the great philosophical minds of the Greeks, like Aristophanes, Plato, and Aristotle, ridiculed the supposed wisdom of the debaters and rhetoricians of their day, calling their “wisdom” foolishness.

The word translated “weakness” is asthenēs. This word is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” and sthenos, which refers to “physical strength.” Thus, asthenēs literally means “without strength.”

“Stronger” is the comparative form of the Greek noun ischuros, which refers to “strength, might, or power.”

Meaning Explained

Before we go further with today’s verse, let’s talk about what Paul isn’t saying. He isn’t saying that there is any foolishness in God, nor is there any weakness in God. Instead, he is using an idiomatic expression that basically says, “That which men consider the foolishness of God is wiser than the supposed wisdom of men, and that which men consider the weakness of God is stronger that the supposed strength of men.”

Paul may, in fact, be making a reference to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon (see 2 Chronicles chapter ten). After his father’s death, the people asked Rehoboam to lighten the load which Solomon had placed on them. His father’s counselors advised him to do just that, but his own counselors advised him to make their load even heavier. Refusing the wisdom of Solomon’s counselors, Rehoboam listened to his own counselors and rejected the pleas of the people. In one of the Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Scriptures (referred to as a Targum), the writer ascribed the following proclamation to Rehoboam: “My weakness is stronger than the strength of my father.” However, the result of his counselors’ wisdom was that the ten northern tribes of Israel rejected Rehoboam as king and formed their own kingdom, making Jeroboam their king instead.

A couple of verses back, Paul made it clear that he is talking about the crucifixion of Christ. This is the “foolish thing” that he refers to in today’s verse. In the eyes of those possessing worldly wisdom, that was a foolish thing to do. After all, how could anyone believe in a Savior who is so “weak” that He couldn’t even save Himself from being crucified? However, this “foolishness” is exactly what was needed to procure the salvation of mankind and this “weakness” was strong enough to defeat both Satan and death.

Application

Many of us Christians make decisions in life based on our own wisdom without ever consulting with our Wise Counselor. Then we wonder why things don’t turn out the way we expected them to. Prayer may seem to be a foolish thing to do, but in reality it’s the wisest thing we could possibly do. Let’s seek our Counselor’s advice in everything. That’s wisdom!

In God's service, for His glory,