◄ 1 Corinthians 1 ►
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Greetings from Paul and Sosthenes (Acts 18:1–11; 2 Corinthians 1:1–2) 1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving (Philippians 1:3–11; Colossians 1:3–14) 4I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus. 5For in Him you have been enriched in every way, in all speech and all knowledge, 6because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. Unity in the Church (Psalm 133:1–3; Ephesians 4:1–16) 10I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. 11My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,”a or “I follow Christ.” 13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that I do not remember if I baptized anyone else. 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. The Message of the Cross 18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”b 20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For 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. 22Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,c 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom,d and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Wisdom from God 26Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast in His presence. 30It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”e Footnotes: 12 a That is, Peter 19 b Isaiah 29:14 (see also LXX) 23 c BYZ and TR to Greeks 25 d Literally than men; twice in this verse 31 e Jeremiah 9:24 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 1 Corinthians 1 Summary The Message of the Cross Verses 1–3 – Greeting and Identity Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus, together with Sosthenes, greets “the church of God in Corinth,” reminding the believers they are sanctified in Christ and called to be holy, along with everyone everywhere who calls on Jesus’ name. He speaks grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 4–9 – Thanksgiving for Grace and Calling Paul continually thanks God because His grace has enriched the Corinthians in every way—speech, knowledge, and all gifts—confirming that Christ is among them. As they wait for His return, God will keep them strong and blameless. The Lord who called them into fellowship with His Son is faithful. Verses 10–17 – Call for Unity, Christ Not Divided Paul pleads for agreement so there will be no divisions. Reports from Chloe’s household say believers are claiming, “I follow Paul… Apollos… Cephas… Christ.” Paul asks, “Is Christ divided?” He is glad he baptized only a few, so no one can boast they were baptized in Paul’s name. Christ sent him to preach the gospel, not with clever words, lest the cross lose its power. Verses 18–25 – The Cross vs Human Wisdom To those perishing, the message of the cross sounds foolish, but to believers it is God’s power. God nullifies worldly wisdom, fulfilling Scripture. Since the world did not know God through its wisdom, He chose what seems foolish—preaching—to save believers. Jews look for signs, Greeks pursue wisdom; Paul proclaims Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews, foolishness to Gentiles, yet to the called, Christ is the power and wisdom of God. God’s “foolishness” is wiser than humans, His weakness stronger than humans. Verses 26–31 – Boast in the Lord Alone Not many in Corinth were influential or noble when God called them. He chose what is foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong, so no one can boast. Christ became wisdom for us—righteousness, holiness, and redemption—so “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1 is the opening chapter of the Apostle Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians. It introduces the central themes of unity in the church, God's wisdom compared to human wisdom, and the power of the Cross. Paul emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace and the need for unity amongst believers. Authorship and Date Acts 18 places Paul in Corinth around A.D. 50–51; a Gallio inscription anchors the timeline. Writing from Ephesus a few years later (1 Corinthians 16:8), Paul penned this letter about A.D. 54–55. Corinth: Historical and Archaeological Background • Strategic isthmus city with twin harbors, controlling east-west trade. • Rebuilt as a Roman colony (44 B.C.) after total destruction. • Known for wealth, varied religions, and loose morals. • Excavations reveal temples to Aphrodite and Apollo, a marketplace fountain, and the bema seat where Paul stood before Gallio (Acts 18:12–17). • The nearby Isthmian Games drew athletes and spectators biennially, explaining Paul’s later sports metaphors (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). Major Themes in Chapter 1 1. Identity: believers are saints, graced, secure (vv 2, 8–9). 2. Unity: Christ’s body must not splinter (vv 10–13). 3. The Cross: God’s surprising rescue plan (vv 18–25). 4. Humble Choosing: God lifts the lowly (vv 26–31). Key Words and Phrases • “Church of God” (v 2) signals divine ownership. • “Grace” (v 3) is God’s free favor (Ephesians 2:8). • “Call” appears repeatedly, highlighting God’s initiative (Romans 8:30). • “Foolishness” vs “Wisdom” (vv 18–25) flips human categories (Isaiah 55:8–9). • “Boast” (v 31) echoes Jeremiah 9:23–24. Unity in Christ: Living It Out • Personalities must never eclipse Christ. • Shared identity in Jesus (v 10) outweighs preferences (Philippians 2:2). • Practical actions: speak graciously (Ephesians 4:29), resolve tensions quickly (Matthew 5:24), celebrate diverse gifts (1 Peter 4:10–11). God’s Wisdom vs Human Wisdom • Isaiah 29:14 (quoted v 19) predicts God overturning human insight. • Gideon’s 300 (Judges 7) and David vs Goliath (1 Samuel 17) show God using the unlikely. • Romans 1:16 calls the gospel God’s power—same truth Paul stresses here. The Cross: Heart of the Message • Galatians 6:14—Paul boasts only in the cross. • Hebrews 12:2—Jesus endured the cross, now exalted. What appears weak defeats sin and death. Calling and Grace: Past, Present, Future • Past: “You were sanctified” (v 2). • Present: “You are not lacking” (v 7). • Future: “He will sustain you” (v 8). Titus 2:11–13 traces the same timeline of grace. Not Many Wise: Status and Salvation • Corinth cherished rhetoric and status; God’s choice of ordinary people highlights grace. • Luke 1:52—God lowers the proud, raises the humble. • Inscriptions such as “Erastus” hint at some wealth in the church, yet most believers were tradespeople meeting in modest homes. Paul’s Approach: Preaching over Personality • Baptism matters (Romans 6:4) yet must never create factions. • Paul avoids polished oratory so the message, not the messenger, shines (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Ministry today follows the same pattern: content over style. Christ Our Wisdom: Righteousness, Holiness, Redemption • Righteousness—right standing (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Holiness—set-apart life (John 17:17–19). • Redemption—bought back (Mark 10:45). All flow from union with Christ, leaving no room for self-praise. Connections to Other Scriptures • Ephesians 4:1–6 urges unity like Paul does here. • Philippians 2:5–11 showcases Christ’s humble mindset. • James 4:6—God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, mirroring 1 Corinthians 1:27–29. Connections to Additional Scriptures Unity in the Body of Christ Ephesians 4:1-6 The Power of the Gospel Romans 1:16 God's Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom James 3:13-18 Boasting in the Lord Jeremiah 9:23-24 Teaching Points Paul's Greeting and Thanksgiving (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) Paul identifies himself as an apostle by the will of God, establishing his authority and purpose. He expresses gratitude for the grace given to the Corinthians, highlighting their spiritual gifts and the faithfulness of God. Call for Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) Paul appeals for unity, urging believers to agree and avoid divisions, emphasizing that they are all part of the body of Christ. He addresses the issue of factions within the church, where members were aligning themselves with different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ). Paul underscores that Christ is not divided and that he himself was not crucified for them, pointing them back to the centrality of Christ. The Wisdom and Power of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25) Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, declaring that the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing but the power of God to those being saved. He explains that God has chosen what is foolish and weak in the world to shame the wise and strong, highlighting the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. Boasting in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) Paul reminds the Corinthians of their humble beginnings, emphasizing that God chose the lowly and despised to nullify the things that are. He concludes that no one may boast before God, and that Christ has become for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Practical Applications Seek Unity Strive for unity in your local church by focusing on what unites us in Christ rather than what divides us. Embrace Humility Recognize that our wisdom and strength come from God, and avoid boasting in personal achievements or affiliations. Proclaim the Cross Share the message of the cross boldly, understanding that it is the power of God for salvation. Rely on God's Wisdom In decision-making and daily life, seek God's wisdom rather than relying solely on human understanding. People 1. Paul Paul is the author of the letter, identified as "called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" (1 Corinthians 1:1). The Greek term for apostle, "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos), signifies one who is sent with a commission, emphasizing Paul's authority and divine calling. 2. Sosthenes Mentioned as "our brother" in 1 Corinthians 1:1 , Sosthenes is likely a co-sender of the letter. His exact role is not detailed, but he is associated with Paul, possibly as a fellow worker or a leader in the Corinthian church. The name Sosthenes, Σωσθένης in Greek, means "safe in strength." 3. Christ Jesus Referred to as "Christ Jesus" in 1 Corinthians 1:1-2 , He is central to the message of the letter. The title "Christ" (Χριστός, Christos) means "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." Jesus is presented as the foundation of the believers' identity and unity. 4. God God is frequently mentioned throughout the chapter, notably as the one who calls believers into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). The Greek term for God, Θεός (Theos), underscores His sovereignty and divine nature. 5. Chloe's People In 1 Corinthians 1:11 , Paul refers to reports from "Chloe's people" about divisions in the church. Chloe is likely a prominent member of the Corinthian community, and her household or associates have informed Paul of the issues within the church. 6. Apollos Mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:12 , Apollos is a Christian teacher known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. His name, Ἀπολλώς in Greek, suggests he was a significant figure in the early church, contributing to the diversity of leadership in Corinth. 7. Cephas Also in 1 Corinthians 1:12 , Cephas is another name for the Apostle Peter. The name Cephas, Κηφᾶς in Greek, is derived from the Aramaic word for "rock," highlighting Peter's foundational role in the church. 8. Christ In 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 , Paul emphasizes that Christ is not divided, countering the factionalism in the church. The repeated reference to Christ underscores His preeminence and the unity that should exist among believers in His name. Places 1. Corinth Corinth is the primary location addressed in 1 Corinthians. It was a major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and commerce, as well as its moral challenges. The church in Corinth was established by Paul during his missionary journeys. The Greek root of the name "Corinth" (Κόρινθος, Korinthos) reflects its historical and cultural significance as a hub of trade and diverse populations. 2. Achaia Achaia refers to the Roman province in southern Greece, of which Corinth was the capital. The mention of Achaia situates the Corinthian church within the broader regional context. The Greek term "Achaia" (Ἀχαΐα, Achaia) indicates the geographical and administrative area under Roman rule, highlighting the spread of Christianity beyond local city boundaries. Events 1. Paul's Greeting to the Corinthians Paul opens the letter by identifying himself as "called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" and mentions Sosthenes as a co-sender (1 Corinthians 1:1). The Greek term "κλητός" (klētos) emphasizes his divine calling. 2. Thanksgiving for the Corinthians Paul expresses gratitude to God for the grace given to the Corinthians in Christ Jesus, highlighting their enrichment in speech and knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:4-5). The Greek word "χάρις" (charis) underscores the unmerited favor they received. 3. The Testimony of Christ Confirmed Paul notes that the testimony about Christ was confirmed among them, so they do not lack any spiritual gift as they await the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:6-7). The term "βεβαιόω" (bebaioō) indicates the firm establishment of their faith. 4. Call for Unity in the Church Paul appeals for unity, urging the Corinthians to agree and avoid divisions, emphasizing that they should be "perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10). The Greek "καταρτίζω" (katartizō) suggests being restored or mended together. 5. Reports of Quarrels Paul addresses reports from Chloe's household about quarrels among the Corinthians, with factions claiming allegiance to different leaders (1 Corinthians 1:11-12). The Greek "ἔρις" (eris) refers to strife or contention. 6. Christ is Not Divided Paul questions whether Christ is divided and whether he, Paul, was crucified for them, emphasizing the centrality of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:13). The rhetorical questions highlight the absurdity of their divisions. 7. Paul's Mission to Preach the Gospel Paul clarifies that Christ sent him to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, to prevent the cross of Christ from being emptied of its power (1 Corinthians 1:17). The Greek "κενόω" (kenoō) means to make void or of no effect. 8. The Message of the Cross Paul contrasts the message of the cross as foolishness to those perishing but as the power of God to those being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). The Greek "μωρία" (mōria) for foolishness and "δύναμις" (dynamis) for power highlight the paradox. 9. God's Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom Paul explains that God has made the wisdom of the world foolish and that through the foolishness of preaching, He saves those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:20-21). The Greek "σοφία" (sophia) for wisdom is central to this contrast. 10. Christ the Power and Wisdom of God Paul declares that Christ is both the power and wisdom of God, surpassing human wisdom and strength (1 Corinthians 1:24). This emphasizes the divine nature of Christ's work and message. 11. God's Choice of the Foolish and Weak Paul highlights that God chose the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong, so no one may boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). The Greek "ἐκλέγομαι" (eklegomai) for choosing underscores God's sovereign selection. 12. Boasting in the Lord Paul concludes by stating that those in Christ Jesus have their righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, and thus, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). This reflects the Hebrew concept of boasting only in God's work. Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1 1. Embrace Unity in Christ In a world that often emphasizes division, 1 Corinthians 1 reminds us of the importance of unity among believers. Paul urges us to "agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you" (1 Corinthians 1:10). This call to unity is a powerful reminder that our shared faith in Christ should transcend any differences, encouraging us to work together for the glory of God. 2. The Power of the Cross The message of the cross may seem foolish to the world, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). This profound truth highlights the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. Embrace the cross as the ultimate symbol of love and redemption, and let it guide your actions and decisions. 3. God Chooses the Humble God often chooses what the world considers weak or foolish to shame the wise and strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). This lesson teaches us that God values humility and uses those who are willing to serve Him with a humble heart. Remember, it's not about our abilities, but about our availability to be used by God. 4. Christ is Our Wisdom In a society that prizes human wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1:30 reminds us that Christ is our wisdom from God. This means that true wisdom comes from knowing and following Jesus. Seek His guidance in all things, and let His wisdom direct your path. 5. Boast in the Lord Paul encourages us to "boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31). This means that our achievements and successes should point back to God, giving Him the glory. Recognize that every good thing comes from Him, and let your life be a testament to His greatness. 6. The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Men The wisdom of God often appears foolish to the world, yet it surpasses human understanding (1 Corinthians 1:25). Trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense to others. His ways are higher, and His wisdom is perfect. 7. Called to be Saints Paul addresses the Corinthians as those "called to be saints" (1 Corinthians 1:2). This calling is not just for the early church but for all believers. Embrace your identity as a saint, set apart for God's purposes, and live a life that reflects His holiness. 8. The Importance of Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 1:7 speaks of the Corinthians not lacking any spiritual gift. This highlights the importance of recognizing and using the gifts God has given us to serve the church and advance His kingdom. Discover your gifts and use them to bless others. 9. God is Faithful Paul reassures us of God's faithfulness, stating that He will keep us firm to the end (1 Corinthians 1:8-9). This promise is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that God is always with us, guiding and sustaining us through life's challenges. 10. The Gospel is the Power of God The gospel is not just a message; it is the power of God for salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18). Share this life-changing message with others, knowing that it has the power to transform lives and bring hope to a broken world. Let the gospel be the foundation of your life and the motivation for your actions. Topics 1. Greeting and Thanksgiving (1 Corinthians 1:1-9) Paul opens the letter with a greeting to the church in Corinth, expressing gratitude for the grace given to them in Christ Jesus. He emphasizes their enrichment in speech and knowledge, and the confirmation of Christ's testimony among them. The Greek word "χάρις" (charis) is used for "grace," highlighting the unmerited favor bestowed upon the believers. 2. Exhortation to Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) Paul appeals for unity among the Corinthians, urging them to avoid divisions and be united in mind and judgment. He addresses reports of quarrels and factions, emphasizing that Christ is not divided. The Greek term "σχίσματα" (schismata) refers to divisions or splits, underscoring the need for harmony. 3. The Wisdom of God vs. the Wisdom of the World (1 Corinthians 1:18-25) Paul contrasts the wisdom of God with worldly wisdom, stating that the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing but the power of God to those being saved. The Greek word "μωρία" (moria) for "foolishness" highlights the paradox of divine wisdom that confounds human understanding. 4. God’s Choice of the Foolish and Weak (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) Paul reminds the Corinthians that God chose the foolish, weak, and lowly things of the world to shame the wise and strong, so that no one may boast before Him. The Greek term "ἐξελέξατο" (exelexato) means "chose," indicating God's sovereign selection of the humble to fulfill His purposes. Themes 1. Unity in the Church Paul addresses the divisions within the Corinthian church, urging believers to be united in mind and thought. He emphasizes that Christ is not divided and that believers should not align themselves with different leaders. The Greek word "σχίσματα" (schismata) in verse 10 refers to divisions or splits, highlighting the need for harmony: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" (1 Corinthians 1:10). 2. The Wisdom of God vs. the Wisdom of the World Paul contrasts the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world, emphasizing that God's wisdom is often seen as foolishness by worldly standards. The Greek word "σοφία" (sophia) is used to describe wisdom, and Paul highlights that God's wisdom is revealed through the message of the cross: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). 3. The Power of the Gospel The apostle underscores the transformative power of the gospel, which is not based on human wisdom but on the power of God. The Greek term "δύναμις" (dynamis) refers to power or strength, illustrating the divine nature of the gospel: "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power" (1 Corinthians 1:17). 4. Boasting in the Lord Paul encourages believers to boast only in the Lord, not in human leaders or wisdom. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "glory" or "boasting" in God, as seen in the Old Testament. Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:24 to reinforce this idea: "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord'" (1 Corinthians 1:31). 5. The Calling of God The chapter highlights the calling of God, which is not based on human standards of wisdom or status. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God chose the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong. The Greek word "κλῆσις" (klesis) refers to calling, emphasizing God's sovereign choice: "Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth" (1 Corinthians 1:26). Prayer Points Pray for unity within the church, that believers would be united in mind and purpose. Ask God for humility to recognize our dependence on Him and to avoid divisions. Pray for boldness to proclaim the message of the cross, trusting in its power to save. Seek God's wisdom in all areas of life, asking for discernment and understanding. Answering Tough Questions 1. (1 Corinthians 1:10) If Paul’s call for unity was divinely inspired, why did early Christian communities continue to divide and form various sects? 2. (1 Corinthians 1:18) How can the message of the cross be convincing without clear historical or scientific proof of a literal resurrection? 3. (1 Corinthians 1:20–21) Why doesn’t modern evidence support divine wisdom over human knowledge if God supposedly made human wisdom “foolish”? 4. (1 Corinthians 1:22) Why do miracles and signs remain unverified by empirical methods if they were essential for convincing first-century Jews and Greeks? 5. (1 Corinthians 1:27–29) How does divine favoritism toward the “weak” and “foolish” align with centuries of church power and widespread influence? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does it mean to be sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy? How does this apply to your life? 2. How does Paul's appeal for unity in the church relate to contemporary issues of division within churches today? 3. Reflect on the concept of God's wisdom versus human wisdom. Can you provide examples from your life where you experienced this contrast? 4. How does the power of the Cross manifest in the lives of believers today? 5. Paul speaks of Christ as wisdom from God, our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. How do you understand these roles of Christ in your personal spiritual journey? 6. How does the idea that God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise affect your understanding of God's Kingdom? 7. How can we apply the principle of focusing on Christ's message rather than the messengers in our interactions within our church communities? 8. How does the affirmation that God will keep us blameless to the end encourage you in your faith journey? 9. How does 1 Corinthians 1 challenge the worldly definitions of wisdom and strength? 10. Reflect on the implications of the divisions in the Corinthian church for today's denominational differences. 11. How does understanding Christ as our wisdom from God change your approach to decision-making in your life? 12. What does it mean to you personally that God chose the weak and the lowly things of the world to shame the wise and the strong? 13. How can we promote unity in our local churches and the global body of Christ? 14. How does Paul's attitude towards his role as a preacher of the Gospel (not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel) inform the priorities in your personal ministry? 15. How should the understanding of Jesus sustaining us to the end affect our view of personal trials and challenges? 16. Why does Paul put emphasis on the Cross as the power of God, and how does that shape our understanding of the Christian faith? 17. In what ways have you experienced God's grace enriching you in all your speech and knowledge? 18. How should the fact that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise inform our approach to evangelism? 19. How does the realization that our boasting should be in the Lord affect the way we view our achievements? 20. How can we ensure we are centered on Christ and His message, and not overly focused on church leaders or denominational identity? 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