1 Corinthians 1:21
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
For since in the wisdom of God
This phrase introduces the divine perspective that contrasts with human understanding. The Greek word for "wisdom" here is "sophia," which implies a deep, spiritual insight that transcends human intellect. In the biblical context, God's wisdom is often portrayed as mysterious and beyond human comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). This wisdom is not just intellectual but is rooted in God's eternal plan and purpose, which is ultimately for the redemption of humanity. Historically, the wisdom of God is seen in His creation and His redemptive acts throughout history, culminating in the work of Christ.

the world through its wisdom did not know Him
The "world" refers to humanity in its fallen state, often characterized by pride and self-reliance. The Greek term "kosmos" is used here, indicating the organized system of human society that operates independently of God. The phrase "through its wisdom" suggests a reliance on human reasoning and philosophy, which, despite its achievements, fails to grasp the divine nature and purpose. Historically, this reflects the Greek philosophical tradition, which sought knowledge and truth but often missed the revelation of God. Scripturally, this echoes Romans 1:21-22, where human wisdom leads to futile thinking and darkened hearts.

did not know Him
The Greek word for "know" is "ginosko," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual assent. This highlights the failure of human wisdom to achieve a true relationship with God. Despite humanity's advancements and intellectual pursuits, there remains a spiritual blindness that only divine revelation can overcome. This is a recurring theme in Scripture, where knowing God is depicted as a relational and transformative experience (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

God was pleased
The phrase "God was pleased" indicates divine intentionality and delight. The Greek word "eudokeo" suggests a sense of satisfaction and purpose in God's actions. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereign will and His pleasure in accomplishing His redemptive plan. It underscores the idea that God's ways, though often mysterious to us, are perfect and good (Psalm 115:3).

through the foolishness of what was preached
The "foolishness" here is a paradoxical term. The Greek word "moria" refers to something that appears absurd or nonsensical from a human perspective. The message of the cross, central to Christian preaching, is seen as foolishness to those who rely on worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18). Yet, it is through this seemingly foolish message that God reveals His power and wisdom. Historically, the preaching of the cross was a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks, as it contradicted their expectations of power and wisdom.

to save those who believe
The ultimate purpose of God's plan is salvation, which is offered to "those who believe." The Greek word "sozo" for "save" implies deliverance, healing, and restoration. This salvation is not achieved through human effort or wisdom but through faith in the message of the gospel. The term "believe" (Greek "pisteuo") denotes trust and reliance on Christ, emphasizing a personal and active faith. Scripturally, this aligns with the core message of the New Testament, where faith in Christ is the means of receiving God's grace and entering into a restored relationship with Him (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and philosophical pursuits.

2. The Church in Corinth
A Christian community in a cosmopolitan city, struggling with divisions and influenced by Greek philosophy and wisdom.

3. God
The divine being whose wisdom surpasses human understanding and who orchestrates salvation through seemingly foolish means.

4. The World
Refers to humanity and its systems of thought, particularly Greek philosophy, which failed to recognize God through its own wisdom.

5. The Preaching of the Gospel
The message of Christ crucified, considered foolish by worldly standards but powerful for salvation.
Teaching Points
Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom
God's wisdom is fundamentally different from human wisdom. While the world values intellectual achievement and philosophical reasoning, God’s plan of salvation through the cross appears foolish to those who rely solely on human understanding.

The Power of the Gospel
The message of the cross, though simple and seemingly foolish, is the power of God for salvation. Believers are called to trust in this message rather than in human wisdom.

Humility in Faith
Recognizing the limitations of human wisdom should lead to humility. Believers are encouraged to rely on God’s wisdom and revelation rather than their own understanding.

The Role of Faith
Salvation comes through faith in the message preached, not through intellectual assent or human reasoning. This calls for a heart response to God’s revelation.

God’s Pleasure in Salvation
God delights in using what the world considers foolish to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and the depth of His wisdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the context of Corinth as a center of Greek philosophy help us understand the challenges faced by the early church in accepting the Gospel message?

2. In what ways does the message of the cross challenge contemporary values and wisdom in our society today?

3. How can we cultivate a reliance on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical ways to share the Gospel message in a world that often views it as foolishness?

5. How does understanding God’s pleasure in using the "foolishness" of preaching to save believers impact our view of evangelism and ministry?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 1:20-22
Highlights how God's invisible qualities are evident in creation, yet humanity, in its wisdom, failed to honor Him.

Isaiah 55:8-9
Emphasizes that God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts and ways, aligning with the idea of divine wisdom surpassing human wisdom.

Acts 17:18-32
Paul’s encounter with Greek philosophers in Athens, illustrating the clash between worldly wisdom and the message of the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 2:14
Discusses the natural man's inability to understand spiritual truths, reinforcing the idea that divine wisdom is perceived as foolishness by the world.
Divine Wisdom Displayed in the GospelSketches of Sermon1 Corinthians 1:21
God's Interposition for the WorldJ. Burnet.1 Corinthians 1:21
God's Plan of Salvation a Remedy for Man's IgnoranceS. R. Aldridge, B. A.1 Corinthians 1:21
God's Procedure with the WorldJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:21
Philosophy and the GospelJ. Lyth1 Corinthians 1:21
Sense, Reason, and FaithG. Sexton, LL. D.1 Corinthians 1:21
The Foolishness and Excellence of PreachingCanon Stowell.1 Corinthians 1:21
The Foolishness of PreachingA. T. Pierson, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:21
The Insufficiency of Worldly WisdomThomas Horton, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:21
The Preaching of the GospelJames Finlayson, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:21
The Wisdom of God by PreachingThomas Horton, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:21
The World's Need. and God's RemedyDean Close.1 Corinthians 1:21
Wisdom and FoolishnessD. Fraser 1 Corinthians 1:21
Wisdom and SalvationR. W. Dale, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:21
Man's Wisdom and God'sH. Bremne 1 Corinthians 1:17-25
The Preaching of the CrossE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 1:17-25
Paul's PreachingJ. Exells, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
Paul's PreachingW. M. Taylor, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
PreachingJ. Baldwin Brown, B. A.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Aim of the MinistryC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Cross Neutralised by Theories About ItPrincipal . Edwards.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Cross of Christ of None EffectS. Martin.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Foolishness of PreachingM. Dods, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Gospel as Preached by PaulA. J. F. Behrends, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Gospel Neither Ritual nor PhilosophyJ. Oswald Dykes, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The Preaching Which the Apostle Condemns as IneffectiveJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The True Minister of ChristJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The True Work of the PreacherH. W. Beecher.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
The World's Greatest Blessing and its Greatest EvilD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:17-31
How St. Paul Regarded the Preaching of the GospelC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Christ the Wisdom of God1 Corinthians 1:19-21
Human WisdomJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
Insufficiency of PhilosophyColeridge.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
Philosophy and the GospelD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
Pride, the Antagonist of the Gospel of ChristBp. S. Wilberforce.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
The Coronation of NescienceDr. Howard Duffield.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
The Failure of Worldly Philosophy1 Corinthians 1:19-21
The Folly of AtheismE. E. Jenkins, LL. D.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
The Gospel MinistryJ. A. Parry.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
The Vanity of the Wisdom of This WorldJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
True WisdomVoltaire.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
Where is the Wise?J. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:19-21
The World's Foolishness, and God's WisdomR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 1:19-25
People
Apollos, Cephas, Chloe, Corinthians, Crispus, Gaius, Paul, Peter, Sosthenes, Stephanas
Places
Corinth
Topics
Accepted, Apparent, Believe, Believing, Didn't, Failed, Faith, Folly, Foolish, Foolishness, Gain, God's, Message, Ordained, Please, Pleased, Pleasure, Preach, Preached, Preaching, Purpose, Salvation, Save, Seeing, Well-pleased, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 1:21

     1175   God, will of
     1403   God, revelation
     1441   revelation, necessity
     2427   gospel, transmission
     4027   world, fallen
     6628   conversion, God's demand
     8022   faith, basis of salvation
     8425   evangelism, nature of

1 Corinthians 1:17-25

     7703   apologetics
     7757   preaching, effects

1 Corinthians 1:17-27

     8366   wisdom, source of

1 Corinthians 1:18-21

     1180   God, wisdom of

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

     1445   revelation, responses
     5441   philosophy
     7756   preaching, content

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

     5050   reason

1 Corinthians 1:19-21

     5842   eloquence
     5973   unreliability

1 Corinthians 1:20-21

     1440   revelation, creation
     8135   knowing God, nature of

1 Corinthians 1:20-25

     5003   human race, and God
     5961   superiority
     8756   folly, examples

1 Corinthians 1:20-31

     8760   fools, characteristics

1 Corinthians 1:21-24

     8236   doctrine, purpose

1 Corinthians 1:21-25

     7755   preaching, importance

Library
Father and Child
Eversley. 1861. 1 Cor. i. 4, 5, 7. "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ. That in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge . . . So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." This text is a very important one. It ought to teach me how I should treat you. It
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the Gospel.
Text: 1 Corinthians 1, 4-9. 4 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; 5 that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge; 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreprovable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom ye were called
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Second Day. God's Provision for Holiness.
To those that are made holy in Christ Jesus, called to be holy.'--1 Cor. i. 2. 'To all the holy ones in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi. Salute every holy one in Christ Jesus.'[1]--Phil. i. 1, iv. 21. HOLY! IN CHRIST! In these two expressions we have perhaps the most wonderful words of all the Bible. HOLY! the word of unfathomable meaning, which the Seraphs utter with veiled faces. HOLY! the word in which all God's perfections centre, and of which His glory is but the streaming forth.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Twenty-Second Day. In Christ Our Sanctification.
'Of God are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, both righteousness and sanctification and redemption; that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.'--1 Cor. i. 30, 31. These words lead us on now to the very centre of God's revelation of the way of holiness. We know the steps of the road leading hither. He is holy, and holiness is His. He makes holy by coming near. His presence is holiness. In Christ's life, the holiness that had only been revealed
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Perishing or Being Saved
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 COR. i. 18. The starting-point of my remarks is the observation that a slight variation of rendering, which will be found in the Revised Version, brings out the true meaning of these words. Instead of reading 'them that perish' and 'us which are saved,' we ought to read 'them that are perishing,' and 'us which are being saved.' That is to say, the Apostle represents the
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Corinthians. Calling on the Name
'All that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.'--1 COR. i. 2. There are some difficulties, with which I need not trouble you, about both the translation and the connection of these words. One thing is quite clear, that in them the Apostle associates the church at Corinth with the whole mass of Christian believers in the world. The question may arise whether he does so in the sense that he addresses his letter both to the church at Corinth and to the whole
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagate the Gospel.
"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; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to nought things which are." * * The two discourses on this text were originally one, and preached before Windham Association, at Thompson, October Session, 1798. Probably some of the ideas which they contain, may have been
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Christ Crucified
Wisdom had had its time, and time enough; it had done its all, and that was little enough; it had made the world worse than it was before it stepped upon it, and "now," says God, "Foolishness shall overcome wisdom; now ignorance, as ye call it, shall sweep away science; now, humble, child-like faith shall crumble to the dust all the colossal systems your hands have piled." He calls his armies. Christ puts his trumpet to his mouth, and up come the warriors, clad in fishermen's garb, with the brogue
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

The Fourfold Treasure
To-night we have before us a text which is extraordinarily comprehensive, and contains infinitely more of meaning than mind shall grasp, or tongue shall utter at this hour. Considering it carefully, let us observe, first, that the apostle here attributes the fact that we are in Christ Jesus to the Lord alone. He shows that there is a connection between our very being as Christians, and the love and grace of God in Christ. "Of him" (that is of God) "are ye in Christ Jesus." So we will first speak
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
Now, this morning, we shall try to bring out these two thoughts of the gospel; and it may be that God shall bless what we shall say to the removing of the objection of either Jew or Greek; that the one requiring a sign may see it in the power of God in Christ, and that he who requireth wisdom may behold it in the wisdom of God in Christ. We shall understand our text in a threefold manner: Christ, that is, Christ personally, is "the power of God and the wisdom of God;" Christ, that is, Christ's gospel,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Firm to the End.
(Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity.) 1 COR. i. 8. "Who also shall confirm you unto the end." Steadfastness is one of the most important characteristics of a Christian. Perhaps you will tell me that love, and self-denial, and patience, and faith are the chief marks of Christ's followers. And I answer that these things are useless without steadfastness. It will not avail us to be very loving, and self-sacrificing, and patient, and trustful for a little while, and then to fall away, and be selfish,
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

The National Preacher.
Go ... Teach all Nations.... Matt. xxviii. 19. VOL. II. NEW-YORK, DECEMBER, 1827. NO. 7. SERMON XXVI. By AARON W. LELAND, D.D. CHARLESTON, S. CAROLINA. THE PURE GOSPEL REJECTED BY THE PERISHING. 1 COR. I. 18.--For the preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, foolishness. In the Christian revelation, there is an evident purpose of infinite wisdom, that in all the provisions for man's salvation, his moral agency should be left free and uncontrolled. Instead of accommodation to human
Aaron W. Leland—The National Preacher, Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. 1827

Good Friday, 1860
(Good Friday, 1860.) 1 Corinthians i. 23-25. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. The foolishness of God? The weakness of God? These are strange words. But they are St. Paul's words, not mine. If he had not said them first, I should not
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

The Introduction, with Some General Observations from the Cohesion.
Doubtless it is always useful, yea, necessary, for the children of God to know the right way of making use of Christ, who is made all things to them which they need, even "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," 1 Cor. i. 30. But it is never more necessary for believers to be clear and distinct in this matter, than when Satan, by all means, is seeking to pervert the right ways of the Lord, and, one way or other, to lead souls away, and draw them off Christ; knowing that, if he prevail
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in General.
Having shown how a poor soul, lying under the burden of sin and wrath, is to make use of Jesus Christ for righteousness and justification, and so to make use of him, go out to him, and apply him, as "he is made of God to us righteousness," 1 Cor. i. 30, and that but briefly. This whole great business being more fully and satisfactorily handled, in that forementioned great, though small treatise, viz. "The Christian's Great Interest," we shall now come and show, how a believer or a justified soul
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received
The Voice of the Disciple These are Thy words, O Christ, Eternal Truth; though not uttered at one time nor written together in one place of Scripture. Because therefore they are Thy words and true, I must gratefully and faithfully receive them all. They are Thine, and Thou hast uttered them; and they are mine also, because Thou didst speak them for my salvation. Gladly I receive them from Thy mouth, that they may be more deeply implanted in my heart. Words of such great grace arouse me, for they
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Sanctification.
"Of Him ye are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."--1 Cor. i. 30. Sanctification is one of the most glorious gifts which, by the Covenant of Grace, the Mediator bestows upon the saint. It covers his entire mental, spiritual, and physical nature. We should, therefore, thoroughly understand it, and learn how to obtain it, and every believer, whatever the measure of his faith, should be fully aware of his attitude toward it; for
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Christ Our Sanctification.
"Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us...sanctification."--1 Cor. i. 30. The redeemed soul possesses all things in Christ. He is a complete Savior. He lacks nothing. Having Him we are saved to the uttermost; without Him we are utterly lost and undone. We must earnestly maintain this point, especially with reference to sanctification; and repeat with increasing clearness that Christ is given us of God not only for wisdom and righteousness, but also for sanctification. It reads distinctly that Christ
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Joyful Sound
C. P. C. I Cor. i. 23, 24 O that Thy Name may be sounded Afar over earth and sea, Till the dead awaken and praise Thee, And the dumb lips sing to Thee! Sound forth as a song of triumph Wherever man's foot has trod, The despised, the derided message, The foolishness of God. Jesus, dishonoured and dying, A felon on either side-- Jesus, the song of the drunkards, Jesus the Crucified! Name of God's tender comfort, Name of His glorious power, Name that is song and sweetness, The strong everlasting tower.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Christian Churches.
The large number of churches in Rome.--The six classes of the earliest of these.--I. Private oratories.--The houses of Pudens and Prisca.--The evolution of the church from the private house.--II. Scholae.--The memorial services and banquets of the pagans.--Two extant specimens of early Christian scholae.--That in the Cemetery of Callixtus.--III. Oratories and churches built over the tombs of martyrs and confessors.--How they came to be built.--These the originals of the greatest sanctuaries of modern
Rodolfo Lanciani—Pagan and Christian Rome

St. Augustine (Ad 354-430)
PART I The church in the north of Africa has hardly been mentioned since the time of St. Cyprian (Chapter VIII). But we must now look towards it again, since in the days of St. Chrysostom it produced a man who was perhaps the greatest of all the old Christian fathers--St. Augustine. Augustine was born at Thagaste, a city of Numidia, in the year 354. His mother, Monica, was a pious Christian, but his father, Patricius, was a heathen, and a man of no very good character. Monica was resolved to bring
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Additional Introduction.
Towards the close of 1875, at Constantinople, Philotheus Bryennius, Metropolitan of Serræ, published the first complete edition of the epistles ascribed to Clement. This he was enabled to do by the discovery of a ms. in the library of the Holy Sepulchre at Fanari in Constantinople. This ms., of vellum, consists of one hundred and twenty leaves in small octavo, nearly seven and a half inches in length and six in breadth. The ms. bears the date 1056, and was written by one Leo. Its contents
Rev. John Keith, D.D.—The Epistles of Clement

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