1 Corinthians 1
“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.”
1 Corinthians 1:18
Summary
1 Corinthians chapter 1 opens with Paul's greeting to the church in Corinth, expressing gratitude for their spiritual gifts. He underscores the importance of unity, urging the believers in Corinth to avoid divisions and to be united in mind and purpose. This exhortation arises due to reports of quarrels among them, with individuals aligning themselves with different leaders like Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ. Paul reminds them that their focus should not be on human leaders but on Christ crucified. Paul continues by highlighting the wisdom of God, which appears as foolishness to the world. He explains that the message of the cross is the power of God for those being saved, an important theological point emphasizing reliance on God's wisdom rather than human understanding. Lastly, Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with godly wisdom, reflecting on how God has chosen what is weak and lowly to shame the strong and wise. This choice demonstrates God's desire to confound worldly expectations and emphasizes the inclusion of all, regardless of status, in the body of Christ.