but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Truth to Learn Preach the “foolish message” and watch God’s power at work. Behind the Words The word “called” is translated from the plural form of klētos, a noun which...
1 Corinthians 1:23 – A Foolish Trap
but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, Truth to Learn The world does not understand the simple gospel message. Behind the Words “Preach” is translated from the verb kērussō, which means “to proclaim, to herald, or to preach.” It is expressed...
1 Corinthians 1:22 – Signs and Wisdom
For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; Truth to Learn God is not found in miraculous signs or worldly wisdom. Behind the Words The word translated “since” is epeidē, which is made up of epei, meaning “as” or “because” and dē, a particle of affirmation or emphasis...
1 Corinthians 1:21 – Want to Please God?
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...