1 Corinthians 1:24
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 1:24
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 1:24
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Analysis
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (autois de tois klētois, Ioudaiois te kai Hellēsin, Christon theou dynamin kai theou sophian, αὐτοῖς δὲ τοῖς κλητοῖς, Ἰουδαίοις τε καὶ Ἕλλησιν, Χριστὸν θεοῦ δύναμιν καὶ θεοῦ σοφίαν)—Paul returns to the language of calling (klētois, κλητοῖς, "called ones")—the same term from verse 1. Them which are called are those whom God sovereignly summons to faith. For these, the cross is no longer scandalous or foolish but reveals Christ the power of God (Christon theou dynamin, Χριστὸν θεοῦ δύναμιν) and the wisdom of God (theou sophian, θεοῦ σοφίαν).
What Jews sought in signs and Greeks sought in philosophy is found in Christ crucified: true power (victory over sin, death, Satan) and true wisdom (the solution to humanity's greatest problem). The called—whether Jew or Greek—see this by divine revelation, not human insight. Calling breaks through the blindness; the Spirit opens eyes to see glory where the world sees shame.
Historical Context
The early church was radically inclusive: both Jews and Greeks, once divided by culture, law, and worldview, were united in the body of Christ. This was itself a demonstration of the gospel's power—reconciling the irreconcilable. Yet this unity was not achieved by compromise or diluting the gospel but by preaching the offensive cross, which God used to call both groups to saving faith.
Reflection
- How does divine calling enable believers to see the cross as power and wisdom when the world sees weakness and folly?
- What does it mean practically that Christ Himself is "the power of God" and "the wisdom of God"?
- How does the gospel unite groups (Jew/Greek, slave/free, male/female) that would otherwise remain divided?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:2, 1:9, 1:30, Romans 1:16
- References God: 1 Corinthians 1:18, Luke 11:49, Romans 1:4
- Parallel theme: Luke 7:35, Romans 9:24, Colossians 2:3