Keraia
1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:18

The Message of the Cross · 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
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Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Literal
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those indeed perishing, but to us, those being saved, it is the power of God.
Latin
Verbum enim crucis pereuntibus quidem stultitia est: iis autem qui salvi fiunt, id est nobis, Dei virtus est.

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:18

To unbelievers, the idea that God saves the world through a condemned criminal seems foolish because they cannot see the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). For believers, whom God has enlightened, the message of the cross feels true, and they recognize its power to touch the human heart (see 1 Corinthians 1:23–24; Romans 1:16). Unbelievers, still in their sins, are heading towards destruction and ultimate condemnation. Believers, whose sins are forgiven, are being saved and are on their way to eternal life and glory.

1 Corinthians 1:18–31

Paul contrasts eloquence and human wisdom, which some Corinthians valued, with the seemingly foolish message of the cross, which expresses God's wisdom. The followers of Apollos, in particular (see 1 Corinthians 1:12), were likely drawn to his speaking skills and intellectual approach to ministry (see Acts 18:24–28). In contrast, Paul emphasizes that the true power is in the simple message of the cross of Christ.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Binding and Loosing Crucifixion First Letter to the Corinthians Gospel Letter to the Ephesians Mystery Peter, Second Letter of Second Letter to the Corinthians Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Blindness: Spiritual Boasting: Spiritual Christ Crucified Cross: Figurative Fairy Tales God: Saviour Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Illness Jesus, the Christ: Death of Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Power of God in Making the Gospel Effectual Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Pressing toward the Goal Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Salvation: The Gospel is the Power of God To Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Suffering of Christ The Cross The Death of Christ: Mode of Foolishness to Gentiles The Gospel is the Power of God to Salvation The Power of God: Exhibited in Making the Gospel Effectual Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Wisdom: Worldly Word of God: Unbelief In