1 Corinthians 1:24
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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Notice that the verse doesn't say God gives power and wisdom to believers, but rather that Christ is the power and wisdom. This means our strength and understanding aren't external resources we receive, but come from our very connection to Jesus himself. It's not about having God's power, but about recognizing that God's power is embodied in Christ.
Paul is addressing a divided church in Corinth, a city known for its intellectualism and focus on worldly wisdom. He’s contrasting the "wisdom of the world," which often sees the cross as foolishness, with God’s plan of salvation through Christ. This verse highlights that for those truly called by God, Christ is not a stumbling block but the very source of divine power and wisdom, regardless of their background.
Paul is talking about who God calls. It's not who you'd expect! It challenges our idea of who is 'qualified'.
The Divine Invitation
Paul says "to those who are called." This isn't about people who were already impressive or wise by worldly standards. God's call isn't based on human achievement, status, or intelligence. It's a sovereign invitation.
Breaking Down Barriers
He then specifies, "both Jews and Greeks." This is huge! Jews had the Old Testament Law and a lineage tracing back to Abraham, often seeing themselves as superior. Greeks represented the Gentile world, known for their philosophy and culture, but often considered outside God's favor by Jews. God's call shatters these divisions. It includes everyone who responds to His invitation, regardless of background.
What makes Jesus so special? Paul declares He is the very essence of divine power and wisdom. Let's unpack that.
The Power of God Revealed
For many in the ancient world, power meant military might or political authority. But Paul points to Christ, whose 'power' wasn't in conquering armies, but in His sacrificial love and resurrection. This power is transformative, capable of changing hearts and lives.
The Wisdom of God Embodied
Greek philosophy sought wisdom through human reason and debate. Paul contrasts this with Christ, who represents God's perfect, divine wisdom. This wisdom isn't just knowledge; it's the divine plan for salvation, perfectly executed through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It's a wisdom that transcends human understanding.
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.
The early church was a diverse mix of Jewish and Gentile believers in a Roman-dominated world. Paul's letter to Corinth addresses internal divisions by reminding them that their faith in Christ, seen as foolishness by some Greeks and a stumbling block by some Jews, is actually the divine power and wisdom that transforms lives.
c. 63 BC
Roman Rule in Judea
Rome conquers Jerusalem, establishing direct Roman control over Judea and the surrounding regions, impacting the political and social landscape for Jewish people.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus Christ lives, teaches, and performs miracles, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection, the foundational events of Christianity.
c. AD 30s
Early Spread of Christianity
Following Jesus' resurrection, his followers begin to preach the Gospel, spreading the message throughout Judea and into the wider Greco-Roman world.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive journeys, establishing Christian communities in major cities across the Roman Empire, including Corinth.
This passage echoes the opening of John's Gospel, describing the Word (Jesus) as being 'with God' and 'God,' and then becoming flesh, revealing God's glory and embodying grace and truth, much like 1 Corinthians highlights Christ as God's wisdom and power.
Colossians 2:3Paul explicitly states that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, reinforcing the idea from 1 Corinthians that Christ Himself *is* the wisdom of God, not just a dispenser of it.
Isaiah 11:2This Old Testament prophecy describes the Spirit resting on the coming King, listing the very qualities that represent God's perfect wisdom and power, which Christians recognize as fully embodied in Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:16Paul expresses his confidence in the gospel, calling it the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, directly mirroring the declaration in 1 Corinthians that Christ, the subject of the gospel, is the power of God.
Notice that the verse doesn't say God gives power and wisdom to believers, but rather that Christ is the power and wisdom. This means our strength and understanding aren't external resources we receive, but come from our very connection to Jesus himself. It's not about having God's power, but about recognizing that God's power is embodied in Christ.
Paul is addressing a divided church in Corinth, a city known for its intellectualism and focus on worldly wisdom. He’s contrasting the "wisdom of the world," which often sees the cross as foolishness, with God’s plan of salvation through Christ. This verse highlights that for those truly called by God, Christ is not a stumbling block but the very source of divine power and wisdom, regardless of their background.
Paul is addressing a divided church in Corinth, a city known for its intellectualism and focus on worldly wisdom. He’s contrasting the "wisdom of the world," which often sees the cross as foolishness, with God’s plan of salvation through Christ. This verse highlights that for those truly called by God, Christ is not a stumbling block but the very source of divine power and wisdom, regardless of their background.
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c. AD 50-52— this verse
Founding of the Corinthian Church
Paul spends significant time in Corinth, planting the church and teaching its members about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul writes this letter to address divisions and theological issues within the Corinthian church, offering guidance and correction.
"but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." — Notice that the verse doesn't say God gives power and wisdom to believers, but rather that Christ is the power and wisdom. This means our strength and understanding aren't external resources we r…
