1 Corinthians 1

Summary

 

1 Corinthians 1 addresses the issue of divisions in the Corinthian church and underscores the centrality of the message of the cross. Paul emphasizes the folly of human wisdom and the power of God's wisdom displayed through the seemingly foolish message of the cross. The chapter sets the stage for Paul's further instructions and corrections to the Corinthian believers.

 

1. Greetings and Thanksgiving (1 Corinthians 1:1-9): Paul opens the letter by introducing himself and Sosthenes, greeting the Corinthians and expressing gratitude for the grace of God given to them in Christ Jesus. He highlights their enrichment in all speech and knowledge as they eagerly wait for the revealing of Jesus Christ.
2. Divisions in the Church (1 Corinthians 1:10-17): Paul addresses the problem of divisions within the Corinthian church. He urges them to be united in mind and judgment, emphasizing the importance of avoiding divisions based on allegiance to specific leaders. He baptizes in the name of Christ rather than creating factions around particular leaders.
3. The Foolishness of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25): Paul emphasizes the paradox of the message of the cross, which seems foolish to those who are perishing but is the power of God for those who are being saved. God's wisdom, displayed through the cross, is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
4. God's Choice and Human Boasting (1 Corinthians 1:26-31): Paul reminds the Corinthians that God chose the foolish, weak, and lowly things of the world to shame the wise and strong. The purpose is to nullify human boasting and to emphasize that salvation is found in Christ alone, not in human wisdom or achievement.

 

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