To
those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:24
1 Corinthians 1 [20.] Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn’t God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn’t know God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe. For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1 [25.] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Meaning:
- To Those Who Are Called:
The verse begins by acknowledging a specific group—"those who are called." This call goes beyond a mere invitation; it signifies a divine summons, a calling that transcends cultural or ethnic boundaries. The inclusive mention of both Jews and Greeks underscores the universal reach of this divine call.
- Christ is the Power of God:
The declaration that "Christ is the power of God" encapsulates a profound truth about the redemptive work of Jesus. It points to the transformative power inherent in Christ—a power that surpasses human understanding and transcends the limitations of earthly strength. In Christ, God's power is made manifest, bringing about salvation and renewal.
- Christ is the Wisdom of God:
The second part of the verse asserts that "Christ is the wisdom of God." This extends beyond mere intellectual wisdom; it speaks to the divine wisdom that orchestrates the grand narrative of redemption. In Christ, the infinite wisdom of God is revealed—a wisdom that surpasses human comprehension and unfolds a plan of salvation that defies worldly logic.
Significance:
Universal Call to Salvation: The mention of both Jews and Greeks highlights the universal nature of God's call to salvation. It emphasizes that the transformative power and wisdom of Christ are extended to all who respond to this divine summons, irrespective of cultural or ethnic background.
Christ as the Source of Transformation: The dual declaration of Christ as the power and wisdom of God emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Gospel's impact. Christ is not merely a historical figure but the dynamic source of God's power and the embodiment of divine wisdom, bringing about radical transformation in the lives of believers.
Transcending Human Understanding: The assertion that Christ is the power and wisdom of God challenges human notions and expectations. It invites believers to embrace a perspective that goes beyond human reasoning, acknowledging the mysterious and profound nature of God's redemptive plan in Christ.
Cross References:
Colossians 2:2-3: "That their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This passage from Colossians echoes the theme of Christ as the repository of divine wisdom and knowledge.
Ephesians 3:10: "so that through the assembly the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places." Paul's letter to the Ephesians reinforces the idea that Christ reveals the multifaceted wisdom of God, extending beyond earthly dimensions.
In Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 1:24 encapsulates a foundational truth of the Christian faith—that in Christ, God's power and wisdom are manifested. It speaks to the universal call to salvation, the transformative impact of the Gospel, and the invitation to embrace a perspective that transcends human understanding.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible