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 1:24
KJVBut unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Read it in context
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 1:17 (1 Corinthians 1:17 to 1 Corinthians 1:31).
This unit begins with Paul stating his mission to preach the gospel, not with 'wisdom of words,' and then elaborates on the contrast between worldly wisdom and God's wisdom and power revealed in Christ crucified, concluding with the call to glory in the Lord.
- 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 that Christ crucified, though appearing as foolishness to those who perish, is the power of God and the wisdom of God to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that His true power and wisdom are embodied in Christ, particularly in the message of Christ crucified, which stands in contrast to worldly wisdom and expectations.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by Paul's apostolic instruction, argumentation, and didactic teaching.
When
- When was it written? The epistle was written around A.D. 55.
- When does the event take place? The events discussed in the letter, such as the divisions in Corinth, occurred during Paul's third missionary journey.
Where
- Where did it happen? The issues addressed in the letter, such as contentions and the seeking of signs or wisdom, were occurring among the church members in Corinth.
- Where was the author located? Paul was located in Ephesus when he wrote this letter.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Christ the Power and Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:17 to 1 Corinthians 1:31). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 1:17. This unit begins with Paul stating his mission to preach the gospel, not with 'wisdom of words,' and then elaborates on the contrast between worldly wisdom and God's wisdom and power revealed in Christ crucified, concluding with the call to glory in the Lord.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is central to Paul's argument against divisions and reliance on human wisdom within the Corinthian church. It explains that while the world finds the message of Christ crucified foolish, it is the true source of God's power and wisdom for those whom God has called, thereby redirecting their focus from human leaders and philosophies to Christ alone. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The verse directly identifies Christ as 'the power of God, and the wisdom of God' for those who are called. This highlights Christ's essential role in God's plan of salvation and revelation, presenting Him as the embodiment of divine strength and understanding, which is contrary to the world's perception of a crucified Messiah. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers are called to recognize that true power and wisdom come from God through Christ, not from human intellect, social status, or worldly philosophies. This understanding encourages humility and reliance on God's revealed truth in Christ, rather than seeking validation or solutions in human systems, and helps to avoid divisions based on human preferences or perceived wisdom. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:22, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 1:31
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
- called 1 Cor 1:2,9 Luke 7:35 Rom 8:28-30 Rom 9:24
- the power 1 Cor 1:18 Rom 1:4,16
- the wisdom 1 Cor 1:30 Prov 8:1,22-30 Col 2:3
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.