1Cor 1:26, 29 | JFB | STEP | 26. ye see —rather, from the prominence of the verb in the Greek, "see" or "consider" (imperative) [ALFORD from Vulgate and IRENÆUS ]. your calling . . . are called —Instead of the words in italics, supplied by English Version, supply, "were your callers." What Paul is dwelling on (compare ) is the weakness of the instrumentality which the Lord employed to convert the world [HINDS and WHATELY ; so ANSELM ]. However, English Version accords well with . "The whole history of the expansion of the Church is a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, until the emperor himself laid down his crown before the cross of Christ" [OLSHAUSEN ]. wise . . . after the flesh —the wisdom of this world acquired by human study without the Spirit. (Contrast ).

1 Corinthians 1:26

26. ye see—rather, from the prominence of the verb in the Greek, "see" or "consider" (imperative) [ALFORD from Vulgate and IRENÆUS].

your calling . . . are called —Instead of the words in italics, supplied by English Version, supply, "were your callers." What Paul is dwelling on (compare 1Co 1:27, 28) is the weakness of the instrumentality which the Lord employed to convert the world [HINDS and WHATELY; so ANSELM]. However, English Version accords well with 1Co 1:24. "The whole history of the expansion of the Church is a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, until the emperor himself laid down his crown before the cross of Christ" [OLSHAUSEN].

wise . . . after the flesh—the wisdom of this world acquired by human study without the Spirit. (Contrast Mt 16:17).

1 Corinthians 1:29

29. no flesh . . . glory—For they who try to glory (boast) because of human greatness and wisdom, are "confounded" or put to shame (1Co 1:27). Flesh, like "the flower of the field," is beautiful, but frail (Isa 40:6).

in his presence—We are to glory not before Him, but in Him [BENGEL].