BIBL 360
Name: Steven A. Graham
UNLOCKING THE SCRIPTURES PROJECT: OBSERVATION TEMPLATE
1. Chapter Four Questions
A. I have read the book of 1 Corinthians in one sitting. Highlight the correct answer:
oYes
No
B. I have read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 in both a formal/word-for-word translation (KJV,
NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation/thought-for-thought (NIV,
NLT, or NCV). You will find a copy of these translations in your provided digital library
or at BibleGateway.com.
Yes
oNo
C. After reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 these three times, note your initial observations of
this passage in the chart below.
Verse(s) Observations
18 First, one must ask, “what is the message of the cross?” Paul seems to mean the
gospel message. Thus, the message of the cross is that following Jesus is the only
way to be reconciled back to the Father. Paul creates two groups in this one verse—
those headed for destruction (sin and eternal death), and those who are being saved
(sanctification and eternal life). Thus, Paul sees only two options for humanity—
faith in Christ and salvation through Him or denying Christ and death. Sin leads to
death, and the only way to overcome sin is by following Jesus. However, following
Jesus means believing in resurrection, preferring others over oneself, and that no
one can earn their way back into the graces of God. Following Jesus means
believing that true prosperity and wealth are in doing what is just and right, helping
the poor, loving your enemy, and laying down your life for those who might never
do such a thing for you. Following Jesus means surrender and, to those whom God
has not yet revealed Himself, following Jesus is foolishness. Yet, while those who
doubt blindly head towards destruction, those who believe have seen the evidence
of God’s power, through following Jesus.
19 In verse 18, Paul contrasts the perceived foolishness of the cross with its actual
power. Here, in verse 19, Paul extends the argument he is making by demonstrating
that human wisdom is ultimately futile when it stands in opposition to God. God’s
ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Only He
determines what is truly wise and discerning, thus Paul uses Scripture (God’s word)
to support his argument to the believers, in Corinth. Here, Paul is calling the church
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of Corinth to humility, while warning them of the ways of the world around them.
20 In light of his use of Isaiah 29:14, Paul now provokes the reader to consider the
actual value of human wisdom. The unbeliever may view the message of the cross
as foolishness, but “God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.” The
ways and wisdom of the world have been proven, time and time again, to end in
war, famine, and division. The way of the cross, however, brings justice, peace,
love, and unity. Paul is further building his case against those who scoff at Jesus
and His followers. Furthermore, it is interesting to consider how this statement
might have affected the people of Corinth. This was a very philosophical culture;
they took pride in their intellect. Again, Paul calls the church to humility.
21 As Jesus stated, “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one
knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and
anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." (Matthew 11:27, English
Standard Version). Paul is building upon his original claim that the only way to the
Father is through Jesus (i.e., the message of the cross), and nothing else. All of
Scripture points to the reality that mankind cannot get to God on their own. Only
through the divine revelation of Jesus Christ can mankind be saved. Moreover, it is
the simple gospel, not the philosophy of men, that has leads to salvation (Maybe
God does have a sense of humor).
22 Here, Paul calls out all members of the church—Jews and Gentiles. Both are
tempted to overlook the revelation God has given, because of their own
understandings. Like a good shepherd, Paul clearly knows his sheep and likely
wants them to see that he understands their plight. Much like they did with Jesus in
the gospels, the Jews seek a sign as evidence of God. On the other hand, the
Gentiles seek for rational explanations.
23 Paul drives home the fact that it was none of these things (signs or rationale) which
brought these believers to salvation, but it was Christ crucified. Paul draws the
attention of the reader back to the core message of the gospel—Jesus. This message
offends the Jews and acts as a stumbling block to those who cannot imagine their
Messiah as anything other than a warrior king. And while Jesus certainly is this
king, the Jew struggles to believe that He came first to bring peace, then He will
return with judgement. This message is foolish to the Gentile, likely for similar
reasons as the Jews. A God who is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29),
who died for the world, and was killed by men seems like “nonsense” (1
Corinthians 1:23, New Living Translation). Yet, Paul’s response to these criticisms
is to continue preaching Christ crucified.
24 Here, Paul turns from warning to encouragement. “Called by God to salvation” is a
reminder that it was God who called them, them being both Jew and Gentile, thus
all are given access to the Father, through the Son. Furthermore, Paul is still
building upon his original thought, contrasting worldly wisdom with God’s
wisdom. While human wisdom may fall short or be perceived as foolishness (as
discussed earlier in 1 Corinthians 1:18-23), Christ embodies the true wisdom and
power of God. This challenges the Corinthians' reliance on worldly wisdom and
underscores the superiority of Jesus.
25 Much like Isaiah, who wrote, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah
64:6, New International Version), when compared to the righteousness of God,
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Paul notes that what men perceive as foolishness, and what men perceive as
weakness (i.e., the message of the cross) is a sign to the Jew and far greater and far
more powerful than the most esteemed philosophers and the most revered warriors.
From a human perspective, the crucifixion of Jesus may seem foolish and weak;
but it is through this apparent weakness that God accomplishes His greatest act of
love and power.
26 Here, Paul reminds his “brothers and sisters” who they are now, in contrast with
who they were before Christ revealed Himself to them. I am reminded of the
orphan who finds himself at home within the loving family who adopted him.
Once, he had nothing and was without, but now, he has all that his adopted family
has. In the same light, not only do these believers have the inheritance of the
coming kingdom, but they have also been made a part of a thriving community,
where they shared all they had and “they had all things in common” (Acts 4:31,
New King James Version). In the eyes of the world, they lack wisdom and power
and wealth; however, God has called them and made available to them, true
wisdom, true power, and true wealth.
27 Paul emphasizes God's deliberate choice in selecting those who are considered
foolish and weak by worldly standards. Paul notes that God chooses to “shame
those who think they are wise,” suggesting that God desires to humble those who
rely on their own wisdom and strength. Paul also underscores the underlying theme
of divine election, where God sovereignly chooses individuals for His own
purposes, contrary to man’s expectations.
28 Paul clearly does not believe that the gospel is about “my prosperity,” “my good
life,” or what I think is important. God chose us to do His will and fulfill His
desires. This verse drives home the reality that following Jesus is not about “me;”
following Jesus is about Him. God's purpose in choosing the lowly is to bring to
nothing the things that are considered significant or powerful in the world. This
highlights the disruptive nature of God's kingdom, which challenges and overturns
worldly norms and values. God’s kingdom is upside down and backwards to the
kingdoms of this world.
29 “As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God” (New Living
Translation). That is such a powerful verse. No man can boast, for all that we have,
even our ability to question God is because He first loved us, because He desired to
create us, because He gave us freedom. In the end, God will have eliminated all
pride and all selfishness, and to bring that end about, God calls upon those who
cannot boast. He empowers those who have no power, and through them, He brings
to nothing what the world considers something, thus directing all glory to its
rightful place—back to Him.
30-31 Here, Paul reminds the church that they are no longer identified with the world, but
their identity is in Christ. They are one with Him, and therefore, they are one with
the Father. It is only through Christ that this can be so, and that is “for our benefit.”
In our foolishness, we see the evidence of God and still we rebel. In our
pridefulness, we recognize the way that leads to life, yet we still go our own way.
Over and over, God has made a way for humanity to trust in Him, and every time,
we turn to our own devises. Thus, Christ was made wisdom itself, that we might
trust and believe in Him. In this, we receive His Spirit, and we begin to love His
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ways. As Paul says, “Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and
he freed us from sin.” We cannot do this for ourselves. It is only by the blood of
Jesus that we are sanctified. Therefore, we “boast only in the LORD.”
D. With your Bible open, reread 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and note fifteen additional
observations from this passage.
Verse(s) Observations
18 This verse introduces a theme that Paul develops further in the following verses. He
contrasts human wisdom, which often sees the cross as foolishness, with God's
wisdom, which reveals His power and purpose through what appears weak or
foolish to the world. For the Corinthian church, this verse serves as a reminder that
their faith in the crucified Christ is the true source of strength and wisdom, contrary
to how it might be perceived by others.
19 Here, Paul highlights God's intention to undermine and invalidate human wisdom
and discernment, because it is independent of or opposed to divine revelation.
Using Scripture, Paul emphasizes that human wisdom, in its pride and self-
sufficiency, cannot stand against God and His purposes.
20 This verse continues to build on Paul's theme that God's way of salvation, through
the crucifixion of Christ, challenges conventional human wisdom. The cross, an
instrument of shame and execution, becomes the ultimate revelation of God's
power and wisdom. Thus, Paul calls believers to humility and faith, recognizing
that human wisdom is limited and flawed. He invites them to trust in God's
wisdom, revealed in the gospel, rather than relying on their own understanding.
21 Here, in verse twenty-one, Paul emphasizes that God's method of salvation differs
from what the world expects. Instead of relying on human wisdom or worldly
methods, God chooses to save people through what appears to be foolishness—
specifically, Christ crucified. This also demonstrates the importance of preaching
the gospel message, despite what others think or say.
22 Paul highlights that there are many opposing approaches to finding God. However,
despite their individual pursuits, both Jews and Gentiles faced spiritual blindness.
The signs and wonders performed by Jesus often went unrecognized or were
dismissed by the Jewish leaders, while the wisdom of the gospel was foolishness to
the Greeks (1 Corinthians 1:23). This highlights the need for revelation and
spiritual discernment to recognize God's truth.
23 In this verse, Paul places emphasis on the fact that the central message of Christian
preaching is "Christ crucified." This reflects the core of the gospel message, which
focuses on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation.
24 Paul is affirming that salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. He is not only the
means of salvation but also the embodiment of God's power and wisdom. Paul’s
claim, here, aligns with that of all the New Testament, which emphasize the
exclusive role Jesus has in reconciling humanity back to God.
25 This verse offers encouragement to believers facing challenges or persecution for
their faith. Paul reassures them that God's wisdom and strength far surpass any
human opposition or adversity they may encounter, challenging believers to trust in
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God's wisdom and power, even when His ways may seem counterintuitive or
paradoxical from a human perspective.
26 Here, Paul underscores God's sovereignty in calling believers to faith. He
emphasizes that God's criteria for calling are not based on human achievements or
social status but on His grace and mercy. Paul encourages his brothers and sisters,
reassuring them that God's calling is not limited by human standards.
27 Paul's statement, here, reflects God's redemptive approach. God works through the
unexpected and the weak to accomplish His purposes. This aligns with other
biblical themes, such as God's preference for the marginalized and His use of the
weak to demonstrate His strength, prompting humility and dependence on God,
among believers. Paul highlights that true wisdom and strength come from God,
not from human achievement or status.
28 Here, Paul continues to emphasize God's deliberate choice of those who are
considered low and despised by worldly standards. This reflects God's pattern
throughout Scripture of elevating the humble and exalting the lowly.
29 Paul clarifies the purpose behind God's deliberate choice of the lowly and despised:
to prevent anyone from boasting before Him. This underscores God's intention to
eliminate human pride and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, Paul highlights the
principle of salvation by grace alone. God's choice of the lowly is not based on
merit or worthiness but on His grace and mercy. This prevents anyone from taking
credit for their own salvation and emphasizes the undeserved nature of God's favor.
30 Paul reminds believers that Christ became to us wisdom, righteousness,
sanctification, and redemption. Christ is the way to the Father, and Paul's
description of Christ's work ought to evoke gratitude and praise among believers,
then and now. It is a reminder of the richness of God's grace and the blessings we
have received through our union with Jesus Christ.
31 To conclude the preceding argument, Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, where the
prophet speaks on behalf of God, emphasizing that true boasting should be in
understanding and knowing God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but
relational, emphasizing a deep, personal relationship with God. By referencing
Scripture, Paul underscores the biblical foundation for his teaching.
18-32 1 Corinthians 1:18-32 contains a powerful message, in which the apostle Paul
contrasts the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world, emphasizing the
unexpected and countercultural nature of the Christian message. Paul calls
believers to humility, reminding them that it is only by God’s grace that they have
salvation, yet encourages followers of Christ to stand tall as they proclaim the
message of the cross with boldness. Furthermore, Paul emphasizes that all
believers, no matter their race or status, are united and equal within the community
of Christ. Overall, Paul challenges the church to reconsider their understanding of
wisdom and power, to embrace the gospel message, find their identity in Christ,
and boast only in the Lord.
E. Using your Bible and the two charts of observations you have constructed above, record
the major facts of the passage. For this exercise you should not consult any outside
resource. You are simply writing down what you have observed in reading the Scriptures.
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i. Who:
a. The Apostle Paul is the author of this letter, written to the Corinthian church.
b. Sosthenes is with Paul and mentioned in the introduction of this letter.
c. The Corinthian church (believers) are the recipients of this letter.
d. Those who are perishing and who view the message of the cross as foolishness.
e. Those who believe and are being saved and accept the message of the cross,
seeing it as the power of God.
f. The foolish, the weak, the low and despised, whom God uses to shame the wise
and the strong, and to bring to nothing that which is.
g. The wise, the scribes, and the debaters of this age who are challenged by Paul’s
message and the fact that God has made the wisdom of this world foolish.
h. The Jews who seek signs as validation of divine truth are addressed by Paul as
well.
i. The Greek/Gentile are also addressed by Paul for their pursuit of intellectual
understanding, and their criticism of the gospel.
j. God is the central character of Paul’s letter.
i. This includes God the Father, who makes the wisdom of the world
foolish, and chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
ii. This includes Jesus Christ, God the Son, who is central to the message
of the cross, embodying the power and wisdom of God.
iii. This includes the Holy Spirit, inspiring the apostle Paul to write the
words he is writing to the Corinthian church, and present with those
who read Paul’s words, revealing God’s message to those who believe.
k. The apostle also quotes the prophets of Torah, Isaiah and Jeremiah, bringing
their revelations from God to remembrance, for the sake of his argument.
ii. What:
a. The paradoxical message of the cross and its divisive nature, causing those who
are perishing to stumble, yet bringing life to those who are being saved, is the
central theme of this portion of Paul’s letter.
b. Paul contrasts God’s wisdom, demonstrated through Jesus Christ and the cross,
with the wisdom of the world, which is rendered foolish by God’s actions, as
God uses what the world considers foolish to reveal His true wisdom and
power.
c. This portion of Paul’s letter has a revelatory atmosphere, as Paul unveils the
true nature of God’s wisdom and power through the message of Christ
crucified.
d. Paul asserts that for those who are called, Jesus Christ is the power and
wisdom of God, which surpasses human understanding, reinforcing the idea
that true wisdom and power are found in what appears weak and foolish to the
world.
e. Paul declares that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the discernment
of the discerning, bringing to the forefront the insignificance of man’s ways
and the sovereignty of God’s ways.
f. God often chooses the lowly, weak, and despised of the world to shame the
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wise and powerful, and Paul underscores this reality, reminding the
Corinthians of their own calling and status, and demonstrating how God’s
ways challenge human expectations.
g. Paul’s message is both a warning and an encouragement, reminding believers
of their calling and identity in Christ, while calling them to cling to the simple
gospel, in humility.
h. God’s purpose for choosing the lowly, Paul says, is also to prevent men from
boasting in themselves, calling believers to direct their boasting towards God,
promoting humility.
i. Paul highlights the differing responses of Jews and Greeks to the gospel
message—Jews demand a sign, Greeks seek wisdom—and how both are
confounded by the message of Christ crucified.
j. Paul identifies Jesus Christ as the only source for salvation, emphasizing the
nature of Christ’s saving work in that He became wisdom, righteousness,
redemption, and sanctification to the believer.
k. This passage encourages believers to reflect on what God has brought them
from and the grace He has given to them, through Christ. Paul calls the
Corinthians, and all believers, to recognize their own state, as well as the state
of the world, in contrast with the awesome power and sovereignty of God.
iii. Where:
a. Paul is writing to a community of believers in Corinth.
b. Paul is writing to the Corinthians from Ephesus
c. This portion of Paul’s letter speaks to the broader world and culture of the
Greeks and Jews or his day.
d. Paul’s message is centered around the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, which
brings to remembrance “the place of the skull,” or Golgotha, right outside the
city walls of Jerusalem.
e. While they are not mentioned specifically, hell and paradise (or the kingdom of
heaven) are certainly being referenced, as Paul mentions those who are being
saved and those who are headed for destruction.
iv. When:
a. Paul is writing this letter while on his third missionary journey, in Ephesus.
b. This letter was written during the earliest parts of the Jesus movement and
formation of the church.
c. Paul brings to the believer’s mind the time in their lives before their calling.
d. Paul also brings to mind the day of judgement, speaking of God bringing those
things that are to nothing, “so that no human being might boast in the presence
of God” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29, English Standard Version).
2. Chapter Five Questions
A. Using the examples provided in the textbook and in the additional information folder as
well as the provided student example construct a structural outline of 1 Corinthians 1:18-
31. The principles of structure should influence how you build this structural outline.
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1 Corinthians 1:18-31, English Standard Version:
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being
saved it is the power of God. (PIVOT, CONTRAST & PREPERATION)
19MFor it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
(EXPLANATION & PREPERATION)
(QUESTION POSED)
20MWhere is the one who is wise?
Where is the scribe?
Where is the debater of this age? (REPETITION)
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (PREPERATION & QUESTION
POSED)
(ILLUSTRATION)
21MFor since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it
pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
(EXPLANATION & CAUSE TO EFFECT)
22MFor Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23Mbut we preach Christ crucified, a
stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24Mbut to those who are called, both Jews
and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (CONTRAST,
EXPLANATION & CAUSE TO EFFECT)
(PIVOT)
(QUESTION ANSWERED)
25MFor the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger
than men. (SUMMARY, PREPERATION & CONTRAST)
(ILLUSTRATION) (CLIMAX & EXPLANATION)
26MFor consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly
standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27MBut God chose
what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to
shame the strong; 28MGod chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that
are not, to bring to nothing things that are, (REPETITION, CONTRAST & CAUSE TO
EFFECT)
(EXPLANATION & CAUSE TO EFFECT)
29Mso that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30MAnd because of him
you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and
sanctification and redemption, 31Mso that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast
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in the Lord.”
B. List and explain the principles of structure (comparison, contrast, repetition, illustration,
question posed, question answered, etc.) that you have observed in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
These principles of structure should be reflected in the structural outline from the
previous question.
Verse(s) Principle of Structure
18 Paul pivots from his call to unity and his declaration that no man is to be
followed, to the message of the cross. The message of the cross is power to thos
who believe, but in contrast, it is foolishness to the world. This verse is a
preparation for Paul’s following argument.
19 Paul uses Scripture to support or clarify his previous statement. This is still
preparing the reader for the coming argument.
20 Paul now poses several questions, repeating the same theme – the wisdom of the
world is empty. This supports his opening thesis and leads into his main
argument.
21 Paul now gives an illustration, an example of the previous question/statements,
explaining the world’s wisdom cannot understand God, nor can they perceive
Christ (the wisdom of God) for who He was/is. Paul then explains how God
takes pleasure in using what the world calls foolish to bring those who trust Him
into salvation. It is this belief in Christ (the message of folly) that causes the
believer to be saved.
22 - 24 Paul further explains how the message of the cross is incompatible with the
ways of man. God has done the opposite of what man calls wisdom, to save. He
has sent His messengers to preach the message of the cross – a message which,
to those who are called, saves, but in contrast, to those who are not, causes both
Jew and Gentile to stumble even further.
25 Paul now begins to pivot from the question and thesis to his argument. He is
now answering the questions he has posed. In this verse, Paul prepares for the
climax of his argument, summarizing all that he has said about man’s strength in
contrast to God’s “weakness.”
26 - 28 All that Paul has said comes to this point—the climax. Paul illustrates how God
uses the weak to expose the strong, and takes what is weak to glorify Himself,
by pointing to his audience, the reader. Paul repeats similar examples,
emphasizing his point, each one contrasting the ways of the world with the ways
of God, and each one expressing how God has used what the world considers
weak to cause what the world considers strong to come to nothing.
29 - 31 Paul closes by explaining that God has done all of this so that no man can boast,
giving everyone access to His gift of salvation, through faith in Christ. Thus, it is
because of God’s kindness and because of the Lord’s atonement that the reader
has gained salvation. Therefore, those who have been justified should only boast
in Him.
C. Using the examples provided in the textbook and in the additional resources folder,
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construct a brief outline of 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. This outline should be based off of and
reflect the content in the two previous questions, but it should not use the same verbiage
as the principles of structure.
I. The Message of the Cross is Power (1:18)
a. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who
are perishing, but to those being saved, it is the power
of God.
II. God's Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom (1:19-21)
a. God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and frustrate
the intelligence of the intelligent (quoting Isaiah).
b. Human wisdom cannot know God.
c. It pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to
save those who believe.
III. Different Responses to the Gospel (1:22-25)
a. Jews demand signs, and Greeks seek wisdom.
b. Paul preaches Christ crucified: a stumbling block to
Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those called,
Christ is the power and wisdom of God.
c. God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and
God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
IV. Calling of the Corinthians/Do Not Boast (1:26-29)
a. Few of the Corinthians were wise, powerful, or of noble
birth, by the standards of the world.
b. But God chose the foolish, weak, lowly, and despised
things of the world to shame the wise and strong.
c. This was to prevent humans boasting before God.
V. Christ as Wisdom from God/Boast in the Lord (1:30-31)
a. Christ Jesus has become wisdom from God,
righteousness, holiness, and redemption for believers.
b. Therefore, boasting should be in the Lord, as it is
written (quoting Jeremiah).
3. Chapter Six Questions
Using the example of Colossians 1:24–29 found in the textbook and the list of details to look for
from this chapter, complete the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when” of 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
You should use the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook,
Holman Concise Bible Commentary and the HCSB Study Bible notes in order to gather
information for these answers. These answers should be more detailed than the ones you
provided in the Chapter Four questions (Your answers for 1E).
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**Apologies. There is not much more detail here, but I did not find much use of the
recommended commentaries. I pray this does not take away from my grade; however, this
is based on my knowledge and understanding so, I understand. (If it helps, my knowledge is
simply from years of reading commentaries and listening to teachings, etc.)
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
A. Who? (The characters)
a. The Apostle Paul is the author of this letter, written to the Corinthian church (1:1).
b. Sosthenes is with Paul and mentioned in the introduction of this letter (1:1).
c. The Corinthian church (believers) are the recipients of this letter (1:2).
d. Those who are perishing and who view the message of the cross as foolishness
(1:18).
e. Those who believe (Jew and Greek/Gentile), who are called, who are being saved,
and accept the message of the cross, seeing it as the power of God (1:18, 21, 24)
i. The foolish, the weak, the low and despised, whom God uses to shame the
wise and the strong, and to bring to nothing that which is (1:25).
f. The wise, the scribes, and the debaters of this age who are challenged by Paul’s
message and the fact that God has made the wisdom of this world foolish (1:20).
g. The Jews who seek signs as validation of divine truth are addressed by Paul as
well (1:22).
h. The Greek/Gentile are also addressed by Paul for their pursuit of intellectual
understanding, and their criticism of the gospel (1:22).
i. God is the central character of Paul’s letter.
i. This includes God the Father, who will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
who makes the wisdom of the world foolish, and chooses the foolish
things of the world to shame the wise (1:18, 20, 27-29) .
ii. This includes Jesus Christ, God the Son, who is central to the message of
the cross, embodying the power and wisdom of God, in whom all men
should boast (1:21, 23, 24, 30, 31).
iii. This includes the Holy Spirit, inspiring the apostle Paul to write the words
he is writing to the Corinthian church, and present with those who read
Paul’s words, revealing God’s message to those who believe.
j. The apostle also quotes the prophets of Torah, Isaiah and Jeremiah, bringing their
revelations from God to remembrance, for the sake of his argument (1:19, 31).
B. What? (Key truths or Events)
a. The paradoxical message of the cross and its divisive nature, causing those who
are perishing to stumble, yet bringing life to those who are being saved, is the
central theme of this portion of Paul’s letter.
b. Paul contrasts God’s wisdom, demonstrated through Jesus Christ and the cross,
with the wisdom of the world, which is rendered foolish by God’s actions, as God
uses what the world considers foolish to reveal His true wisdom and power.
c. This portion of Paul’s letter has a revelatory atmosphere, as Paul unveils the true
nature of God’s wisdom and power through the message of Christ crucified.
d. Paul asserts that for those who are called, Jesus Christ is the power and wisdom
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of God, which surpasses human understanding, reinforcing the idea that true
wisdom and power are found in what appears weak and foolish to the world.
e. Paul declares that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the discernment of
the discerning, bringing to the forefront the insignificance of man’s ways and the
sovereignty of God’s ways.
f. God often chooses the lowly, weak, and despised of the world to shame the wise
and powerful, and Paul underscores this reality, reminding the Corinthians of their
own calling and status, and demonstrating how God’s ways challenge human
expectations.
g. Paul’s message is both a warning and an encouragement, reminding believers of
their calling and identity in Christ, while calling them to cling to the simple
gospel, in humility.
h. God’s purpose for choosing the lowly, Paul says, is also to prevent men from
boasting in themselves, calling believers to direct their boasting towards God,
promoting humility.
i. Paul highlights the differing responses of Jews and Greeks to the gospel message
—Jews demand a sign, Greeks seek wisdom—and how both are confounded by
the message of Christ crucified.
j. Paul identifies Jesus Christ as the only source for salvation, emphasizing the
nature of Christ’s saving work in that He became wisdom, righteousness,
redemption, and sanctification to the believer.
k. This passage encourages believers to reflect on what God has brought them from
and the grace He has given to them, through Christ. Paul calls the Corinthians,
and all believers, to recognize their own state, as well as the state of the world, in
contrast with the awesome power and sovereignty of God.
C. Where? (Geography and Location)
a. Paul is writing to a community of believers in Corinth.
b. Paul is writing to the Corinthians from Ephesus
c. This portion of Paul’s letter speaks to the broader world and culture of the
Greeks and Jews or his day.
d. Paul’s message is centered around the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, which
brings to remembrance “the place of the skull,” or Golgotha, right outside the
city walls of Jerusalem.
e. While they are not mentioned specifically, hell and paradise (or the kingdom of
heaven) are certainly being referenced, as Paul mentions those who are being
saved and those who are headed for destruction.
D. When? (Time factors)
a. Paul is writing this letter while on his third missionary journey, in Ephesus.
b. This letter was written during the earliest parts of the Jesus movement and
formation of the church.
c. Paul brings to the believer’s mind the time in their lives before their calling.
d. Paul also brings to mind the day of judgement, speaking of God bringing those
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things that are to nothing, “so that no human being might boast in the presence
of God” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29, English Standard Version).
