Keraia
1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:22

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

Modern
Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,
Traditional
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
Literal
Since also Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom,
Latin
Quoniam et Judæi signa petunt, et Græci sapientiam quærunt:

Original

Greek
English
Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:22

Jews who did not believe wanted to see miracles to confirm the message (see Matthew 12:38–39; 16:1–4; John 2:18, 23; 4:48). Greeks, famous for their philosophy schools, were interested only in human wisdom, meaning philosophical reasoning.

1 Corinthians 1:22–24

Paul uses the words Greeks and Gentiles interchangeably to refer to non-Jews.

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.

People

Javan: Son of Japheth; ancestor of Greek people Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

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

Topics

Boasting: Spiritual Greece: Philosophy of Greek: Philosophy of Miracles: Design of Philosophy is not Sufficient for an Adequate Knowledge of God Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Salvation: Plan of Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Wisdom: Worldly Word of God: Unbelief In