1 Corinthians 1:28
God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this and think God just likes picking the underdogs. But Paul's point is even bolder: God intentionally chose what the world considers insignificant, not just to elevate them, but to expose the weakness of what the world thinks is important. He uses the "nothing" of the world to dismantle the "something" of the world's wisdom and power.
Paul is addressing divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were boasting about following different leaders. He argues that God deliberately chooses the weak and humble, not the powerful and impressive, to show His strength and shame the worldly wise. This is to ensure that no one can boast in themselves, but only in God.
Ever feel overlooked or insignificant? Like you don't measure up to the world's standards? This verse flips that script entirely.
Paul is making a radical point here about God's perspective. The world values power, status, wealth, and intelligence – things that are impressive and visible. But God's
How can something that 'is not' actually accomplish something 'is'? This verse describes God's upside-down way of working that confounds human logic.
Paul isn't just saying God uses the weak; he's saying God chooses them specifically to demonstrate His power. It's not a backup plan; it's the primary strategy.
Nullifying the 'Is'
By choosing the insignificant, God makes sure that no one can boast in their own achievements or social standing. The glory goes entirely to Him.
This effectively cancels out or brings to nothing the things the world relies on – human wisdom, strength, and social status. God's chosen agents prove that true power comes from Him alone, not from the attributes the world esteems.
Understand the original words
agenēs · Greek Adjective
Being of low status or common. It suggests things that are looked down upon or considered unimportant by the standards of the world.
exoutheneō · Greek Adjective/Participle
Regarded with contempt or as having no worth. It highlights the contrast between worldly evaluation and God’s sovereign valuation.
The early church often comprised people from humble backgrounds, and their message centered on a crucified Messiah, both factors that seemed foolish or weak to the sophisticated Hellenistic world.
c. 334-323 BC
Alexander the Great's Conquests
Alexander's conquests spread Greek language, culture, and philosophy across the Near East, creating a Hellenistic world.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire, which sought to impose Hellenistic culture and religion on Judea. This highlighted the tension between Jewish tradition and surrounding Hellenistic society.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome annexed Judea, bringing the region under Roman rule and further integrating it into the wider Mediterranean world.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The central event of Christianity, involving the execution of Jesus by Roman authorities, seen by many as shameful and ignominious.
c. AD 40s-50s
This passage shows God choosing David, who was the youngest and overlooked shepherd boy, to be king, highlighting God's tendency to select the humble and unassuming.
2 Corinthians 12:9Paul's experience with his 'thorn in the flesh' demonstrates how God's power is made perfect in weakness, echoing the theme of God using what is weak and despised to show His might.
Matthew 11:25Jesus rejoices that God has hidden His truth from the wise and understanding but revealed it to little children, mirroring the idea that God exalts the humble and insignificant over those considered important by the world.
Philippians 2:7Christ Jesus, though in the form of God, emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, which perfectly illustrates God choosing the 'low and despised' in the person of Jesus to accomplish His redemptive plan.
It's easy to read this and think God just likes picking the underdogs. But Paul's point is even bolder: God intentionally chose what the world considers insignificant, not just to elevate them, but to expose the weakness of what the world thinks is important. He uses the "nothing" of the world to dismantle the "something" of the world's wisdom and power.
Paul is addressing divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were boasting about following different leaders. He argues that God deliberately chooses the weak and humble, not the powerful and impressive, to show His strength and shame the worldly wise. This is to ensure that no one can boast in themselves, but only in God.
Paul is addressing divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were boasting about following different leaders. He argues that God deliberately chooses the weak and humble, not the powerful and impressive, to show His strength and shame the worldly wise. This is to ensure that no one can boast in themselves, but only in God.
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Early Spread of the Gospel
The Apostle Paul and others spread the Christian message throughout the Hellenistic world, encountering diverse cultures and philosophies.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church in Corinth, a wealthy and influential Greek city, dealing with divisions and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts and the nature of God's power.
"God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are," — It's easy to read this and think God just likes picking the underdogs. But Paul's point is even bolder: God intentionally chose what the world considers insignificant, not just to elevate them, but…
