1 Corinthians 1:18-25

¹⁸ “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the understanding of those who have understanding, I will confound. ²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. ²² For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, ²⁴ but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind.”

Verse 18: Paul highlights the contrast between those who are perishing and those who are being saved. The message of the cross may seem foolish to the world, but to us who have received the revelation of God’s grace, it is the power of God. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering, but the very means by which we are saved and experience the power of God’s love and forgiveness.

Verse 19: Paul quotes from Isaiah 29:14 to emphasize that God’s wisdom often confounds the wisdom of the world. The world may boast in its own intelligence and wisdom, but God’s ways are higher and His wisdom surpasses human understanding. This reminds us that our trust should not be in human wisdom, but in the wisdom of God revealed through the cross.

Verse 20: Paul challenges the wisdom and knowledge of the world, pointing out that God has made it foolish in comparison to His own wisdom. The world’s wisdom cannot comprehend the depth of God’s love and the power of the cross. It is a reminder that true wisdom comes from God and is revealed through the gospel.

Verse 21: Paul explains that the world, with all its wisdom, failed to truly know God. It was through the seemingly foolish message of the gospel that God chose to save those who believe. This highlights the divine wisdom and sovereignty of God in choosing a way of salvation that goes against human logic and reasoning.

Verse 22-23: Paul acknowledges that both Jews and Greeks had their own expectations and demands for signs and wisdom. However, the message of Christ crucified was a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. This shows that the gospel challenges human expectations and reveals the need for a Savior who died on a cross.

Verse 24-25:  Paul concludes by affirming that to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power and wisdom of God. The seemingly foolish and weak message of the cross surpasses human wisdom and strength. It is a reminder that our faith is not based on human wisdom or strength, but on the power and wisdom of God revealed through Christ.