For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. Truth to Learn Belief in the “foolish” gospel message pleases God. Behind the Words “Since” is translated from the Greek...
1 Corinthians 1:20 – God’s Foolishness?
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Truth to Learn This world’s wisdom is foolishness compared to God’s truth. Behind the Words The word “wise” is sophos, which we saw in yesterday’s...
1 Corinthians 1:19 – Worldly Wisdom?
For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Truth to Learn The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. Behind the Words “Written” is from the Greek word graphō, which literally means “to grave,” that is,...
1 Corinthians 1:18 – Completed and Sealed
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Truth to Learn Salvation is a completed and sealed transaction. Behind the Words The word translated “message” is logos. It generally refers to something...
1 Corinthians 1:17 – Preach The Good News
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. Truth to Learn All Christians need to share the gospel message to others. Behind the Words “Send” is translated from the...
1 Corinthians 1:16 – More Baptisms
Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. Truth to Learn Baptism is not to be a source of bragging or arguing. Behind the Words The word translated “yes” is the Greek conjunction de, which is most often translated as...
1 Corinthians 1:15 – It’s a Testimony
lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Truth to Learn Baptism is a testimony of the salvation in the name of Christ. Behind the Words “Lest” is translated from the two Greek words hina mē. The first of these, hina, means “in order that” and...
1 Corinthians 1:14 – Unity, Not Division
I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, Truth to Learn Baptism should promote unity in the church, not division. Behind the Words The words “I thank” are translated from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which is composed of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a...
1 Corinthians 1:13 – Worship Christ Alone
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? Truth to Learn Submit to your leaders, but worship Christ alone. Behind the Words Meridzō is the word translated “divided.” It means “to separate into parts” or “to divide.” It is expressed here...
1 Corinthians 1:12 – Submission or Contention
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." Truth to Learn Christians must be submitted to their leaders. Behind the Words “I say” is the translation of the verb legō,...