Greeting and thanksgiving
1 Corinthians 1:1–9FocusA gifted church called to fellowship
Connection to the wholePaul acknowledges God's work among the Corinthians before addressing conduct that contradicts their shared calling.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 1:18
KJVFor the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Read it in context
Divisions in the Church and the Wisdom of God
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 1:1 (1 Corinthians 1:1 to 1 Corinthians 1:31).
While the immediate discourse unit addressing divisions and the wisdom of God begins at 1 Corinthians 1:10, the broader context of the entire chapter, including the salutation and thanksgiving, sets the stage for Paul's arguments. Therefore, starting at chapter 1, verse 1 provides a more complete understanding of the letter's opening.
- 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
- 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
- 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
- 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
- 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
- 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
- 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
- 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
- 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
- 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
- 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
- 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
- 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
- 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
- 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
- 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
- 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
- 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
- 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
- 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
- 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
- 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
- 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
- 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
- 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
- 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
- 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
- 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
- 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21): Paul addresses the Corinthian church about divisions, boasting, and the roles of gospel workers such as himself and Apollos. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the contrast between human wisdom and God's wisdom, specifically regarding the message of the cross. Paul explains that while the preaching of the cross appears as foolishness to those who are perishing, it is the power of God to those who are saved, thereby addressing divisions within the Corinthian church that were based on human wisdom and allegiances.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that His method of salvation, centered on the 'preaching of the cross,' is fundamentally different from human wisdom. What appears as foolishness to the world is, in fact, His divine power to save. He chooses to save through what the world considers foolish, to humble human pride and ensure that all glory belongs to Him.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle (letter), characterized by apostolic instruction, exhortation, and theological argumentation.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 55. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in the letter, such as the divisions and the preaching of the gospel, occurred during Paul's third missionary journey. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The events and issues addressed in the letter primarily concern the church in Corinth, a city in Greece. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Ephesus when he wrote this letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Divisions in the Church and the Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:10 to 1 Corinthians 1:31). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 1:1. While the immediate discourse unit addressing divisions and the wisdom of God begins at 1 Corinthians 1:10, the broader context of the entire chapter, including the salutation and thanksgiving, sets the stage for Paul's arguments. Therefore, starting at chapter 1, verse 1 provides a more complete understanding of the letter's opening.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as the foundational explanation for Paul's earlier statement that he was sent 'not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect' (1 Corinthians 1:17). It introduces the central theme of God's wisdom versus human wisdom, which Paul develops throughout the rest of chapter 1 and into chapter 2, explaining why the message of Christ crucified is both a stumblingblock and foolishness to the world, yet the power and wisdom of God to those who are called. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The 'preaching of the cross' directly points to Christ, as His crucifixion is the central act of God's redemptive plan. The cross, which appears as foolishness to the perishing, is the very means by which God demonstrates His power and wisdom to save. Christ crucified is the power of God and the wisdom of God for those who are called. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers should recognize that the simple, unadorned message of Christ's atoning death on the cross remains God's powerful means of salvation. We should not be swayed by worldly wisdom, intellectual arguments, or eloquent speech that seeks to diminish or reframe the cross, but rather embrace and proclaim the 'foolishness' of the cross as the very power of God unto salvation, trusting in God's method over human reasoning. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 1:11, 1 Corinthians 1:12, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 1:24
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- the preaching 1 Cor 1:23-24 1 Cor 2:2 Gal 6:12-14
- to Acts 13:41 2 Cor 2:15-16 2 Cor 4:3 2 Thess 2:10
- foolishness 1 Cor 1:21,23,25 1 Cor 2:14 1 Cor 3:19 Acts 17:18,32
- unto 1 Cor 1:24 1 Cor 15:2 Ps 110:2-3 Rom 1:16 2 Cor 10:4 1 Thess 1:5 Heb 4:12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 1
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
The report of divisions
1 Corinthians 1:10–17FocusOne Christ rather than parties
Connection to the wholeThe rival slogans expose a divided church, and Paul's questions redirect attention from ministers to Christ and His cross.
interpretation FocusGod's wisdom and human boasting
Connection to the wholeThe contrast between divine and human wisdom explains the gospel's character and removes grounds for boasting in status or ability.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation Liberty and responsibility
1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation Order in the assembly
1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.