For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18).
Understanding the Wisdom and Power of God
Introduction
The Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians addresses various issues within the fledgling Christian community at Corinth. Among these, one profound issue is the clear foolishness of the message of the cross. This message appears foolish to those who are perishing. It is contrasted with its powerful wisdom to those who are being saved. This profound theological discourse can be found in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
The Foolishness of the Cross
1 Corinthians 1:18 begins with a powerful message. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” Yet, to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. This dichotomy sets the stage for Paul’s argument. To the non-believers, the concept of salvation through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ seems absurd. It was a method of execution reserved for the most heinous criminals. It defies human logic and wisdom.
Contrasting Human Wisdom with God’s Wisdom
Paul continues to challenge the Corinthians by contrasting human wisdom with God’s wisdom. In verses 19-20, he quotes Isaiah 29:14. It states, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Paul underscores that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding. The world’s philosophers, scholars, and debaters can’t grasp the divine plan of salvation.
God’s Choice of the ‘Foolish’ to Shame the Wise
In verses 21-25, Paul explains how, in His wisdom, God chose to save those who believe. He did this through what is preached. It is perceived as foolish by the wise of this world. This demonstrates that God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and His weakness is stronger than human strength. The crucifixion of Christ, which appears as weakness, is the very demonstration of God’s ultimate power.
The Calling of the Corinthians
Paul then reminds the Corinthians of their own calling. In verses 26-29, he emphasizes that not many of them were wise. They were not influential or of noble birth by human standards when they were called. Yet, God chose the foolish, weak, and lowly things of this world to shame the wise and the strong. This divine choice nullifies human boasting. They are not saved by human merit. It is only by God’s grace that they are saved.
The Ultimate Wisdom in Christ
Finally, in verses 30-31, Paul declares that Christ Jesus has become for believers wisdom from God. This wisdom is righteousness, holiness, and redemption. This is the ultimate wisdom that surpasses all human knowledge. Thus, Paul concludes with a citation from Jeremiah 9:24: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Salvation and wisdom come through Christ alone, leaving no room for human pride.
Conclusion
The message of the cross seems foolish to those who rely on human wisdom. Yet, it reveals the profound and life-changing power of God to those who believe. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ challenges the conventional understanding of wisdom and power. It demonstrates that God’s ways are higher than human ways. The Apostle Paul’s discourse in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 calls believers to embrace the paradox of the cross. He urges them to recognize that true wisdom and salvation are found in Christ’s sacrifice, which appears foolish and weak.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 