but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 1:24
What does 1 Corinthians 1:24 mean?
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1 Corinthians 1:24
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The verse isn't just saying Christ is powerful and wise; it's calling him "the power" and "the wisdom" – implying he's the source and definition of both. This means God's true strength and understanding aren't found in worldly might or intellect, but in the crucified Christ, who seems utterly powerless and foolish to the world.
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a church deeply divided by factions, each claiming spiritual superiority based on their human leaders. He’s just emphasized the "foolishness" of God's wisdom in saving people through the cross, contrasting it with the world's wisdom. This verse highlights that, for those called by God, Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of divine power and wisdom, not any human leader or worldly philosophy.
The world looks for power in armies and wisdom in the educated elite. But Paul points to something radically different when it comes to God’s work. Who does God actually call?
Paul contrasts those who are 'called' with the world's usual metrics of success. He emphasizes that God's call isn't limited by ethnicity or social standing. To both Jews and Greeks – the distinct cultural and religious groups of the ancient world – God offers the same invitation.
This isn't about who deserves the call or who is naturally gifted. It's about God's sovereign initiative. He reaches out, and those who respond are set apart and brought into His purposes. The power and wisdom aren't inherent in the individuals called, but are given through Christ.
Paul doesn't just say people find power and wisdom in Christ. He says Christ is the power and wisdom of God. What does this profound statement really mean for us?
Christ as God's Power
When the world sees weakness – like a crucified Messiah – God reveals His ultimate strength. The cross, which was a symbol of shame and defeat to many, is precisely where God accomplished His greatest victory over sin and death. This power isn't about force, but about redemption and resurrection.
Christ as God's Wisdom
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Humanity's attempts to solve its problems through intellect and philosophy have repeatedly failed. God's wisdom is displayed in the seemingly 'foolish' plan of salvation through Christ. It's a wisdom that transcends human understanding, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life – solutions that no earthly wisdom could devise.
Understand the original words
klētos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Those who are chosen by God to receive His grace. It implies an effectual invitation from God that results in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
dynamis · Greek Noun
The innate ability, efficacy, or authority of God. It is often demonstrated in the gospel, which is the instrument through which God exerts His power to save sinners.
Paul is writing to a diverse church in Corinth, a bustling Roman city with a mix of Jewish and Gentile cultures, each with their own ideas of wisdom and power. He's addressing divisions and pride by reminding them that the cross of Christ, seen as foolishness by many Greeks and a stumbling block by some Jews, is actually God's true power and wisdom.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, is crucified in Jerusalem. His followers believe he is the Messiah and Son of God.
c. 30-60 AD
Early spread of the Gospel
The message of Jesus' resurrection and salvation through him begins to spread from Jerusalem throughout the Roman Empire, carried by apostles like Paul.
c. 41-54 AD
Roman rule under Claudius
The Emperor Claudius rules Rome, during which the Christian movement gains followers, but also faces opposition and sporadic persecution.
c. 49 AD
Expulsion of Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expels Jewish residents from Rome, potentially including early Jewish Christians, due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus'. This highlights early Roman awareness and confusion about the movement.
c. 50-52 AD— this verse
Paul founds the Corinthian church
The Apostle Paul spends about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a vibrant Christian community composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's missionary journeys
Paul travels extensively throughout the Roman Empire, planting churches and writing letters, including his correspondence with the Corinthian community.
This passage emphasizes that the 'wisdom of God' spoken of in our verse is a hidden, divine mystery, not something humans could ever figure out on their own.
Romans 1:16Paul reiterates that the Gospel is the 'power of God' for salvation, directly echoing the theme that God's strength is revealed not through human might, but through Christ.
Colossians 2:3This verse highlights that in Christ are hidden 'all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,' reinforcing the idea that true wisdom is found exclusively in Him, not in worldly philosophies.
Isaiah 11:2This prophecy describes the Spirit of the Lord resting on the coming Messiah with the 'spirit of wisdom and understanding,' pointing to Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of God's wisdom.
The verse isn't just saying Christ is powerful and wise; it's calling him "the power" and "the wisdom" – implying he's the source and definition of both. This means God's true strength and understanding aren't found in worldly might or intellect, but in the crucified Christ, who seems utterly powerless and foolish to the world.
Paul is addressing a church deeply divided by factions, each claiming spiritual superiority based on their human leaders. He’s just emphasized the "foolishness" of God's wisdom in saving people through the cross, contrasting it with the world's wisdom. This verse highlights that, for those called by God, Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of divine power and wisdom, not any human leader or worldly philosophy.
Paul is addressing a church deeply divided by factions, each claiming spiritual superiority based on their human leaders. He’s just emphasized the "foolishness" of God's wisdom in saving people through the cross, contrasting it with the world's wisdom. This verse highlights that, for those called by God, Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of divine power and wisdom, not any human leader or worldly philosophy.
"but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." — The verse isn't just saying Christ is powerful and wise; it's calling him "the power" and "the wisdom" – implying he's the source and definition of both. This means God's true strength and unde…
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Last reviewed October 2026