1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
It is because of Him
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and initiative of God in the salvation process. The Greek word for "because" (ἐξ) indicates origin or source, underscoring that it is solely by God's action and grace that believers are united with Christ. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God as the ultimate source of wisdom and salvation, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

that you are in Christ Jesus
The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is central to Pauline theology, denoting a profound spiritual union with Christ. The Greek preposition "ἐν" (in) suggests an intimate, personal relationship, akin to being enveloped or surrounded by Christ. This concept is revolutionary, as it signifies a new identity and status for believers, transcending cultural and religious boundaries of the time.

who has become for us wisdom from God
Here, Paul identifies Christ as the embodiment of divine wisdom. The Greek word "σοφία" (wisdom) is rich in meaning, often associated with skillful living and understanding. In the historical context, wisdom was highly valued in Greek culture, yet Paul redefines it as found in the person of Christ, contrasting human wisdom with divine revelation.

our righteousness
Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη) in Greek conveys the idea of being in right standing with God. This righteousness is not achieved through human effort but is imputed to believers through faith in Christ. This reflects the core of the Gospel message, where Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for justification before God.

holiness
The term "holiness" (ἁγιασμός) refers to sanctification, the process of being set apart for God's purposes. In the Jewish tradition, holiness was associated with ritual purity and moral integrity. Paul extends this concept to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers, enabling them to live lives that reflect God's character.

and redemption
Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις) in Greek carries the connotation of liberation or being bought back, often used in the context of freeing slaves. This term would resonate deeply with Paul's audience, many of whom were familiar with the concept of slavery. In a spiritual sense, it signifies the deliverance from sin and its consequences, achieved through Christ's atoning sacrifice.

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

2. Christ Jesus
Central figure in Christianity, through whom believers receive wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

3. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where the early church faced significant challenges.

4. God
The source of all wisdom and the one who places believers in Christ.

5. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with divisions and moral issues.
Teaching Points
Christ as Our Wisdom
Jesus embodies the wisdom of God, surpassing human understanding and philosophies. Believers are called to seek and apply this divine wisdom in their daily lives.

Righteousness in Christ
Our righteousness is not based on our works but is imputed to us through faith in Jesus. This should lead to a life of gratitude and obedience.

Holiness Through Christ
Holiness is both a position and a process. In Christ, we are set apart for God, and we are called to live out this holiness in practical ways.

Redemption by His Blood
Redemption signifies being bought back from sin. This truth should inspire believers to live in the freedom and purpose that Christ provides.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Christ as our wisdom influence the way we make decisions in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we practically live out the righteousness that we have received through faith in Jesus?

3. What are some specific areas in your life where you need to pursue holiness, and how can you rely on Christ to help you in this pursuit?

4. How does the concept of redemption change your perspective on past mistakes and future opportunities?

5. How can the truths found in 1 Corinthians 1:30 encourage you to address divisions or challenges within your own church community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 3:22-24
Discusses righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing that all have sinned and are justified freely by His grace.

Ephesians 1:7
Speaks of redemption through Christ's blood, highlighting the forgiveness of sins.

Philippians 3:9
Paul expresses his desire to be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of his own, but that which comes through faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:3
Declares that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Hebrews 10:10
Explains that believers are made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once for all.
Adaptedness of Christianity to Man's Spiritual NecessitiesBp. Janes.1 Corinthians 1:30
Christ is Our RedemptionPhilip Henry.1 Corinthians 1:30
Christ is Our SanctificationPhilip Henry.1 Corinthians 1:30
Christ Jesus the Believer's WisdomW. Jay.1 Corinthians 1:30
Christ Our RighteousnessJohn Bunyan.1 Corinthians 1:30
Christ Our SanctificationHugh Price Hughes, M. A.1 Corinthians 1:30
Christ the Believer's WisdomG. Whitfield, M. A.1 Corinthians 1:30
Christ the Wisdom of BelieversR. Watson.1 Corinthians 1:30
God's Device for the Salvation of SinnersT. Boston, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:30
The Connection of Christ with ChristiansT. T. Waterman, B. A.1 Corinthians 1:30
The Fourfold TreasureC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 1:30
The Life of the Christian from ChristProf. Godet.1 Corinthians 1:30
The Relation of Christ to His PeopleG. F. Galaher, M. A.1 Corinthians 1:30
The Union of the Genuine Disciple with His MasterD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:30
Union with Christ the Only Way to SanctificationT. Boston, D. D.1 Corinthians 1:30
What Christ is to the BelieverE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 1:30
What is Christ to UsE. Fraser.1 Corinthians 1:30
Wisdom in ChristProf. Beet.1 Corinthians 1:30
Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and RedemptionG. Burder.1 Corinthians 1:30
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
Intellectual Power and Moral PowerR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 1:26-30
Salvation All of GodH. Bremne 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
All Sufficiency in ChristD. Fraser 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31
What Christ is to the Heart that Welcomes HimR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31
People
Apollos, Cephas, Chloe, Corinthians, Crispus, Gaius, Paul, Peter, Sosthenes, Stephanas
Places
Corinth
Topics
Christ, Consisting, Deliverance, God's, Holiness, Holy, Redemption, Righteousness, Salvation, Sanctification, Source, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 1:30

     1125   God, righteousness
     1130   God, sovereignty
     1180   God, wisdom of
     1315   God, as redeemer
     2072   Christ, righteousness
     2081   Christ, wisdom
     2206   Jesus, the Christ
     2321   Christ, as redeemer
     5037   mind, of Christ
     5110   Paul, teaching of
     5274   credit
     5360   justice, God
     6511   salvation
     6674   imputation
     6678   justification, Christ's work
     6679   justification, results
     6723   redemption, NT
     6744   sanctification
     6745   sanctification, nature and basis
     6754   union with Christ
     6756   union with Christ, significance
     7028   church, life of
     8272   holiness, growth in
     8366   wisdom, source of

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

     5050   reason

1 Corinthians 1:20-31

     8760   fools, characteristics

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

     5894   intelligence
     6639   election, to salvation
     8803   pride, evil of

1 Corinthians 1:27-31

     6121   boasting
     8820   self-confidence

1 Corinthians 1:28-31

     5793   arrogance

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

     8825   self-righteousness, and gospel

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

Links
1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV
1 Corinthians 1:30 NLT
1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV
1 Corinthians 1:30 NASB
1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV

1 Corinthians 1:30 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Corinthians 1:29
Top of Page
Top of Page