1 Corinthians 1:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 1:21
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, creation, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 1:21
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.
Analysis
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God (epeide gar en te sophia tou theou ouk egno ho kosmos dia tēs sophias ton theon, ἐπειδὴ γὰρ ἐν τῇ σοφίᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκ ἔγνω ὁ κόσμος διὰ τῆς σοφίας τὸν θεόν)—Paul explains why God chose the cross: human wisdom failed. In the wisdom of God means according to God's wise design—He created a world that reveals His existence (Rom 1:19-20). Yet the world by wisdom knew not God (ouk egno, οὐκ ἔγνω, "did not know")—human philosophy, despite access to general revelation, failed to produce saving knowledge of God. The verb ginōskō (γινώσκω) means intimate, relational knowledge, not mere information.
It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (eudokēsen ho theos dia tēs mōrias tou kērygmatos sōsai tous pisteuontas, εὐδόκησεν ὁ θεὸς διὰ τῆς μωρίας τοῦ κηρύγματος σῶσαι τοὺς πιστεύοντας)—God's alternative method: kerygma (κήρυγμα, "proclamation, preaching"), the simple announcement of the gospel. The foolishness of preaching is not that preaching is foolish but that the content preached (the cross) appears foolish. Salvation comes through faith (pisteuontas, πιστεύοντας, present participle: "those believing"), not intellectual achievement.
Historical Context
Greek philosophers (from Socrates to the Stoics) sought to know God or ultimate reality through reason, contemplation, and dialectic. They failed—not for lack of brilliance but because sin blinds the mind (2 Cor 4:4) and hardens the heart. God's solution was not better philosophy but gospel proclamation: the announcement of what God has done in Christ, received by faith, not comprehended by reason.
Reflection
- Why did human wisdom, despite access to God's revelation in creation, fail to produce saving knowledge of God?
- How does "the foolishness of preaching" (simple gospel proclamation) succeed where sophisticated philosophy fails?
- What is the relationship between faith and reason, and why is faith necessary for knowing God?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Corinthians 1:24, Daniel 2:20, Romans 1:28, 11:33, Ephesians 3:10
- Parallel theme: Matthew 11:25, Luke 10:21