1 Corinthians 1:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 1:28
28 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:
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, righteousness, 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 1:28
28 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:
Analysis
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 (kai ta agene tou kosmou kai ta exouthenēmena exelexato ho theos, ta me onta, hina ta onta katargēse, καὶ τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα ἐξελέξατο ὁ θεός, τὰ μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ)—Paul intensifies the paradox. God chose base things (agene, ἀγενῆ, "lowborn, ignoble") and things despised (exouthenēmena, ἐξουθενημένα, perfect passive participle: "things having been despised, treated as nothing"). Things which are not (ta me onta, τὰ μὴ ὄντα) means nobodies, non-entities by social reckoning—those who don't count.
God uses these to bring to nought things that are (hina ta onta katargēse, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ)—the verb katargeō (καταργέω, "to nullify, abolish, render powerless") means to reduce to zero. God nullifies worldly status, power, and pride by accomplishing His purposes through the despised. The pattern continues: the cross (ultimate shame) defeats sin and Satan (ultimate powers); resurrection (from death/non-being) conquers the grave. God creates ex nihilo (from nothing) and saves through the same principle.
Historical Context
In Greco-Roman society, honor and shame were paramount. Public reputation, social status, and patronage determined one's worth. Christianity turned this upside down: God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted (Luke 1:52). The church's inclusion of slaves, women, and outcasts was scandalous—yet this radical equality testified to the gospel's transforming power.
Reflection
- What are "things which are not"—who are the nobodies and non-entities in today's world?
- How does God use the despised and marginalized to "bring to nought" worldly power structures?
- In what ways does the gospel invert social hierarchies and challenge status-seeking?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 4:17
- Parallel theme: Job 34:24, Isaiah 2:11, 2:17, 41:12