" Not With Wisdom of Words "

1st. Corinthians 1:17-2:8   " For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect. 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 it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise ? Where is the scribe ? Where is the disputer of this world ? Hath not GOD made foolish the wisdom of this world ? For after that in the wisdom of GOD the world by wisdom knew not GOD, it please GOD by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks (Gentiles) seek after wisdom: But we preach CHRIST crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, 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. Because the foolishness of GOD is wiser than men; and the weakness of GOD is stronger than men. For ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But GOD hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and GOD hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath GOD chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in HIS presence. But of HIM are ye in CHRIST JESUS WHO of GOD is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, 'He that glorieth, let him glory in the LORD.'

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of GOD. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of GOD in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which GOD ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the LORD of glory. "

     Corinth was a city of great wealth and wickedness. The church at Corinth was spiritually in need of help, so messengers from the local body brought Paul a report and a letter containing inquiries about which they desired instruction. As the Apostle responded to their need for help, beginning with their divisive spirit, he declared,  "For CHRIST sent me ... to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words" (v.17). With the phrase  "not with wisdom of words,"  Paul got to the root of the sectarian difficulty. Remember, these Corinthians were Grecians, and the Greeks exalted human wisdom. Division arose in the Corinthian church as they gathered around their preferred teachers and philosophized together - this is what led the Apostle to proclaim,  "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness" (v.18).

     Paul opposed the idea that the Gospel is mere  "human wisdom," and he showed the distinction between the two - First, by declaring the mystery of the cross (v.18). The preaching of the cross pinpoints the lost condition of man and makes known the necessity of sacrificial atonement by the SON of GOD. Second, he demonstrated this truth by listing those who generally compose the church (v.26); not many people of wise, mighty. or noble character are found therein because, in their exalted estimation of themselves, they are unwilling to submit to the righteousness of GOD by faith. Third, Paul concluded the argument with his own example (2:1-2) - the Apostle himself did not come to the Corinthians with excellence of speech and wisdom; rather, he came proclaiming  "JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified" - the only preaching that matters ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org