1 Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

For {G1063} the preaching {G3056} of the cross {G4716} is {G2076} to them {G3303} that perish {G622} foolishness {G3472}; but {G1161} unto us {G2254} which are saved {G4982} it is {G2076} the power {G1411} of God {G2316}.

For the message about the execution-stake is nonsense to those in the process of being destroyed, but to us in the process of being saved it is the power of God.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.

Context

First Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, a prominent and wealthy Roman city known for its diverse cultures, philosophical schools, and significant moral challenges. In this epistle, Paul addresses numerous issues facing the young Christian community, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal misunderstandings. Chapter 1 specifically confronts the problem of factions arising from an overemphasis on human wisdom and eloquent speech, contrasting it with the simplicity and power of the gospel message.

Key Themes

  • The Paradox of the Cross: This verse highlights a central paradox of Christian faith: what appears as weakness and absurdity to the world (the crucifixion of Christ) is, in God's economy, the ultimate display of His power and wisdom. The cross confounds human logic and pride.
  • Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom: Paul contrasts worldly wisdom, which seeks intellectual superiority or impressive rhetoric, with God's divine wisdom, which is revealed through the seemingly humble and scandalous message of a crucified Savior. This theme is further explored in 1 Corinthians 1:25, where Paul states that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men."
  • Two Distinct Responses: The verse clearly delineates two groups of people with two opposing responses to the gospel: "them that perish" who see it as foolishness, and "us which are saved" who experience it as the power of God. This division reflects the spiritual state of individuals in relation to God's truth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the preaching of the cross" in Greek is ho logos tou staurou, which literally means "the word of the cross" or "the message concerning the cross." It encapsulates the entire gospel narrative centered on Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. The term "foolishness" comes from the Greek word moria, from which we derive "moron," emphasizing the utter absurdity and stupidity the message holds for the unregenerate mind. Conversely, "power of God" is dynamis Theou, denoting God's dynamic, inherent ability to save, transform, and empower, often linked to the concept of "dynamite" for its explosive force.

Related Scriptures

  • This verse sets the stage for Paul's broader argument in 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, where he elaborates that "we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."
  • The concept of the gospel being the power of God for salvation is also articulated in Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth."
  • The distinction between those who perish and those who are saved echoes themes found throughout scripture, such as in John 3:16, which speaks of believing in Christ to have everlasting life and not perish.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 1:18 serves as a powerful reminder that the effectiveness of the gospel does not depend on human eloquence, intellectual appeal, or cultural acceptance. Its power resides in God Himself. We should not be discouraged if the world considers our faith foolish or irrelevant; this is precisely how God's wisdom operates. The true measure of the gospel's impact is not intellectual assent but spiritual transformation, leading to salvation. This verse encourages humility in proclamation and unwavering confidence in the divine origin and power of the message of Christ crucified.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

  • Romans 1:16

    ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10

    And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:23

    But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:25

    Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3

    But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:21

    For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back