In the beginning, when God created the world and everything within it, He had a master plan, a divine blueprint designed with infinite love and wisdom. Within this plan, God set apart a special group of people known as His elects, chosen with purpose and care.
Just as a skilled designer selects the finest materials to craft a masterpiece, God, in His sovereign grace, hand-picked His elect to receive His precious gift of salvation. This divine selection is not based on our merits or accomplishments but is purely out of God’s boundless love and grace.
Let’s journey back to the days of old, where we find a demonstration of God’s design for His elect in the story of Noah. In Genesis 6 verse 8, we read thus: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”
Among the sinful and wicked generation, God saw in Noah a heart that sought after Him, and so He chose Noah to carry out His plan for the salvation of humanity.
As we fast forward to the New Testament, we encounter another example of God’s divine selection in the calling of the disciples.
Mark 3 verses 13 to 14 says,
“And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.”
Just as Jesus hand-picked His disciples, He continues to select and call His elects today, drawing them close to Him and sending them to share the good news of salvation.
In God’s unfathomable wisdom, He has crafted a unique and individualized path for each of His chosen ones. Just as every sunrise paints a unique brightness across the sky, each person selected by God is designed with a purpose tailored to their specific journey of faith.
Ephesians 2 verse 10 expresses this truth.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
As we continue on this faith-filled journey, let us rejoice in the knowledge that we are lovingly chosen, set apart, and destined for salvation, eagerly anticipating the day when we will stand in the glorious presence of our Heavenly Father.
The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:18
The message of 1 Corinthians 1: 18 focuses on the salvation power of the gospel of Christ.
The message of the cross is at the heart of Christianity. It’s all about Jesus’ amazing love and sacrifice for us. When Jesus died on the cross, He showed how much He cared for us, and through His resurrection, He proved His power over death.
The cross transforms our lives through the Holy Spirit, giving us a fresh start in Christ. This is God’s plan to save us, and everyone is invited to embrace hope, redemption, and a vibrant relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
The central theme of this verse revolves around the amazing power of the cross of Christ. This verse reminds believers that the message of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross may be perceived as foolish by the world, but for those who believe, it holds the unmatched power of God.
The world’s wisdom often clashes with the wisdom of God. The concept of a crucified Saviour may seem absurd to those who do not believe. However, Christians are called to embrace the seeming “foolishness” of the cross, recognizing that it is not mere foolishness but the very wisdom and power of God.
As Christians, we should not be swayed by the world’s opinions or influenced by popular beliefs that undermine the significance of the cross. The cross of Christ is the focal point of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled with God.
As believers, we experience daily transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit into becoming more Christ-like in character and conduct. This verse encourages us to reflect on the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and to live in light of the salvation we have received.
In this verse, Paul highlights the contrast between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom. The world often values human intelligence, eloquence, and power, but God’s wisdom transcends human understanding. 1 Corinthians 1 verse 19 states,
“For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
Human wisdom alone cannot comprehend the ways of God. As Christians, we must rely on God’s wisdom, seeking His guidance and understanding through prayer and His Word.
We may face persecution and mockery for our faith. The world’s values often clash with the principles of the Gospel. However, this verse reminds us to stand firm and unashamedly embrace the message of the cross.
Just like Paul, who faced opposition and persecution for preaching Christ’s crucifixion, we must hold on to the truth of the Gospel and boldly share it with others, even if it seems foolish to the world. Our faith in the power of the cross will sustain us in challenging times and inspire others to discover God’s redemption love.
The message finds resonance in various biblical stories. One such story is that of Noah and Ark. When God instructed Noah to build an ark to save himself and the animals from the impending flood, it must have seemed foolish to the people around him.
Nevertheless, Noah’s obedience to God’s seemingly foolish command led to the salvation of his family and the continuation of life on Earth. This story reminds us that God’s ways may appear foolish to the world, but they lead to life and hope.
Therefore, despite being perceived as foolish by the world, the cross is the very wisdom and power of God, offering salvation and transformation to all who believe. As believers, we are called to embrace the cross, understanding that worldly wisdom cannot compare to God’s wisdom.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,” meaning
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” means the spiritual blindness that separates the world from comprehending the significance of the gospel.
In this statement, the “message of the cross” refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which proclaims the Good News of salvation through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It is the central theme of Christianity, representing God’s love and plan to redeem humanity from sin.
To the spiritually blind, this message may seem foolish, and their rejection of it leads to a state of perishing—eternal separation from God. This perception can be influenced by various factors, such as worldly wisdom and a refusal to accept the truth of God’s plan for redemption through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
However, to believers, the cross is the power of God unto salvation. That is why Apostle Paul mentions in Romans 1 verse 16,
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek”
The understanding of any man and their acceptance of the message of the cross depends on their spiritual condition. Those who have not experienced God’s saving grace may find it difficult to understand the depth of God’s love and the wisdom of His plan for salvation through the cross. Their hearts remain blind to the truth.
2 Corinthians 4 verse 4 says,
“whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”
This spiritual blindness prevents them from perceiving the true significance of the message of the cross and the power of God’s salvation.
As Christians, we are called to share the message of the cross with love and compassion, understanding that some may initially reject it. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that hearts are softened, eyes are opened, and people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
“But to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” meaning
“But to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” means the message of the cross is salvation to those who accept Christ’s gospel.
The message of the cross is not just a historical event but a present reality that transforms lives. Through faith in Jesus, we experience the power of God working in our lives, renewing us, forgiving us, and guiding us on the path of righteousness.
Believers have unashamed confidence and joy in sharing the Gospel because it carries the power of God to save souls. It brings light into darkness, freedom from sin, and a restored relationship with God.
We must understand that salvation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of being transformed into the likeness of Christ. When someone believes in Jesus Christ and accepts Him as their Lord and Saviour, a remarkable transformation occurs.
The power of God begins to work in them through the Holy Spirit. This redemptive power brings about several significant changes in the life of a believer:
Through the message of the cross, believers receive forgiveness for their sins and are redeemed from the power of sin and death (Ephesians 1 verse 7; Colossians 1 verse 13 to 14). They experience a spiritual rebirth, becoming new creations in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5 verse 17 says,
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
The power of God transforms their hearts and minds, leading to a changed and renewed life, enabling them to overcome sin and temptation, thereby empowering them to live victoriously through Christ.
As Christians, we have hope and assurance of eternal life with Him. We are also equipped to serve and share the Gospel with others, becoming witnesses of God’s redemptive power.
Therefore, this statement reminds Christians that the message of the cross is not a mere intellectual concept but a life-changing reality. It is the power of God that actively works in the lives of those who believe, bringing salvation, spiritual growth, and a deeper relationship with the living God.
As Christians, we can rejoice in the power of the cross, knowing that it continues to empower us on our journey of faith.
Who wrote I Corinthians 1:18 and when was it written?
1 Corinthians 1:18 was written by Apostle Paul. It was written around AD 54-55.
What is the context of 1 Corinthians 1?
The context of 1 Corinthians addresses issues of division, worldly wisdom, and the need to focus on the message of the cross.
This chapter was written because of the various issues and challenges that arose within the church in Corinth. The city of Corinth was a busy urban center with diverse cultures and religious influences, which affected the Christian community there.
Paul founded the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and later spent considerable time there on his third missionary journey. After leaving Corinth, He received reports and letters from the Corinthian believers, which prompted him to address their concerns and correct their behavior through this letter.
In the opening verse, Paul established his authority as an Apostle chosen by God. Additionally, he mentions Sosthenes, who likely served as a companion in ministry and contributed to the letter’s writing. This introduction sets the tone for Paul’s intent to address the Corinthians with divine authority.
This letter was addressed to the entire Corinthian church, emphasizing their sanctification in Christ and their calling as saints. He also acknowledged the universal fellowship among believers who call upon the name of Jesus Christ, showing that the challenges faced by the Corinthian church were not unique to them alone.
Paul expressed his gratitude to God for the Corinthians and mentioned the gifts and spiritual blessings they received. However, he also foreshadows the challenges they are facing, hinting at the need for spiritual growth and maturity.
Paul addressed the issue of divisions within the church, urging the Corinthians to be united in thought and purpose while emphasizing the importance of harmony and agreement among believers, reminding them of their shared identity in Christ.
He reiterated the problem of factions within the Corinthian church, as some members were aligning themselves with specific leaders rather than being united under Christ. Such divisions can contradict the essential unity of the body of Christ and reorient the focus on Christ as the foundation of our faith.
“Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1 verse 13)
This message gave clarifications on baptisms. According to Paul, he does not seek recognition or intend to create divisions based on who baptized whom. His primary concern is to emphasize the centrality of Christ and His gospel message.
“I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.” (1 Corinthians 1 verses 14 to 16)
Apostle Paul reiterates his primary mission, which is to preach the gospel, which is the significance of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. He warned against relying solely on persuasive speech and human wisdom, which could detract from the profound impact of Christ’s crucifixion.
Further in the passage, He contrasts the reactions to the message of the cross. To those who reject Christ, it appears foolish, but to those who embrace Christ, it reveals the power of God for salvation.
Paul draws upon the Old Testament text, Isaiah 29 verse 14 which says,
“Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.”
We can infer from the scripture above that God’s wisdom often confounds the wisdom of this world. He challenged the Corinthians’ preoccupation with the wisdom of the world and intellectual debates and called them to embrace the true wisdom found in Christ and not our foolish wisdom.
Human wisdom alone cannot lead to the knowledge of God; rather, God chose to reveal Himself through the seemingly “foolish” message of the gospel preached by His messengers. Those who believe in this message find salvation through faith in Christ.
The letter also addressed the different expectations of Jews and Greeks regarding signs and wisdom. Instead of catering to their preferences, Paul, in the letter, insists on proclaiming Christ’s crucifixion as the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and wisdom.
“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1 verses 21 to 24)
The wisdom and strength of God surpass human understanding. Even the aspects of God’s plan that appear “foolish” or “weak” by human standards far exceed human wisdom and power.
“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called.” (1 Corinthians 1 verse 26)
Not many influential or prominent people were among those called to faith in Christ. God intends to make His gospel accessible to all, irrespective of social status or worldly achievements.
Paul clearly stated that God’s choice of messengers and recipients of the gospel often defies human logic. He deliberately selects the weak, lowly, and despised to confound the powerful and proud, ensuring that no one can boast before Him.
“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” (1 Corinthians 1 verse 27)
He concluded this chapter by referencing Jeremiah 9 verse 24, urging the Corinthians to boast not in themselves but in the Lord. He encourages them to find their confidence and pride in their relationship with Christ rather than in worldly accomplishments.
“But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these, I delight,” says the Lord.”
What is the difference in biblical translations of 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV, KJV, NIV & ESV)?
1 Corinthians 1:18 New King James Version (NKJV) biblical translation:
“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.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 King James Version (KJV) biblical translation:
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 New International Version (NIV) biblical translation:
“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.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 English Standard Version (ESV) biblical translation:
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
There is no significant difference between the NKJV, KJV, ESV, and NIV translations. The four translations are written almost the same way, except for some minor differences in wording.
The NKJV and NIV translations use “message of the cross,” while the KJV and ESV translations use “preaching of the cross” and “word of the cross,” respectively.
Also, the ESV translation uses the term “folly” instead of “foolishness” to describe how the message of the cross is perceived by those who are perishing.
Despite these differences, the overall meaning and message remain the same.
How do I apply 1 Corinthians 1:18 to my life?
Applying 1 Corinthians 1:18 to your life involves believing more in the power of the cross and working for your salvation.
In a world that prioritizes the wisdom of men and self-reliance, you must hold fast to the message of the cross. Understand that through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, forgiveness and salvation are assured. The cross is not just a religious symbol but a reminder of God’s immense love for us.
When you face ridicule or mockery for your faith, don’t be discouraged. Instead, stand firm and unashamed of the gospel. Remember, the world may not fully understand the power of the cross, but it is the very thing that transforms lives and brings hope.
In times of weakness or doubt, turn to God’s power, which is revealed through the cross. The same power that conquered sin and death lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Rely on His strength to overcome challenges and temptations.
The world’s wisdom may seem enticing, but remember that God’s wisdom is far greater. When making decisions, seek guidance from the Word of God and through prayer. Trust that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans are always for our good.
As you encounter people who view the message of the cross as foolishness, respond with love and compassion. Share the gospel gently and with humility, knowing that it is the Holy Spirit who opens hearts to the truth.
Let the power of the cross be evident in your life. Allow it to change you from the inside. Walk in love, forgiveness, and kindness, reflecting the character of Christ.
As you live out the gospel, you become a living testimony of its power.
What is 1 Corinthians 1:18 prayer?
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude and awe for the message of the cross. Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. I acknowledge that through His sacrifice, I find forgiveness, redemption, and new life.
In a world where Your wisdom may seem foolish to some, I choose to embrace the power of the cross and the salvation it brings. Help me to stand firm in my faith, even when the world may mock or misunderstand the truth of the gospel.
I surrender to Your wisdom when faced with choices and decisions, may Your Word be my guide and Your Spirit lead me on the right path. Grant me love and grace to share the gospel with humility. Open the hearts of my contacts to see the truth and experience the power of Your love; this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Conclusion
In a world obsessed with human wisdom and accomplishments, the message of the cross might seem counterintuitive. However, 1 Corinthians 1 verse 25 assures us that
“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
The cross shows us that God’s ways are higher and deeper than human understanding.
As believers, we must not be swayed by the world’s opinions or led astray by empty philosophies. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith.
The message of salvation must therefore be delivered not only in the church today but to everyone that comes our way. The word of forgiveness of sins and the doctrine of the cross must be preached to all groups of people. This is the only way to change the present state of this sinful world.
The cross is a reminder that our salvation is not dependent on our works or human achievements but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Ephesians 2 verses 8 to 9 declares,
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
As followers of Christ, we must embrace the message of the cross with absolute faith and gratitude. We must never forget that, in the midst of difficulties, only the power of the cross sustains us, for If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8 verse 31).
Therefore, let us hold on to the power of the cross, for it is the heartbeat of our faith, the foundation of our hope, and the embodiment of God’s incredible love for us.