1Cor 1:18 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Cor 1:18-31: 1:18-31 Paul contrasts eloquence and human wisdom, which were highly valued by some of the Corinthians, with the foolish message of the cross—the expression of God’s wisdom. The followers of Apollos, in particular (see 1:12 ), were probably attracted by his rhetorical abilities and intellectual approach to ministry (see Acts 18:24-28 ). In contrast, Paul emphasizes that the real power lies in the simple message of the cross of Christ. 1:18 The message that God is saving the world through a condemned criminal is foolish to unbelievers, for their eyes are blinded to the truth (2 Cor 4:4 ). For believers, whose eyes have been opened by God, the message of the cross has the ring of truth to it, and they know its power to convict the human heart (see 1 Cor 1:23-24 ; Rom 1:16 ). Unbelievers, still in their sin, are headed for destruction , for ultimate condemnation. Believers, whose sins have been forgiven, are being saved: They are on their way to eternal life and glory.

a1:18-31►

cActs 18:24-28►

e2 Cor 4:4►

f1 Cor 1:23-24►

gRom 1:16►

‏ 1 Corinthians 1:18

Summary for 1Cor 1:18-31: 1:18-31 ^a Paul contrasts eloquence and human wisdom, which were highly valued by some of the Corinthians, with the foolish message of the cross—the expression of God’s wisdom. The followers of Apollos, in particular (see 1:12 ^b), were probably attracted by his rhetorical abilities and intellectual approach to ministry (see Acts 18:24-28 ^c). In contrast, Paul emphasizes that the real power lies in the simple message of the cross of Christ. 1:18 ^d The message that God is saving the world through a condemned criminal is foolish to unbelievers, for their eyes are blinded to the truth (2 Cor 4:4 ^e). For believers, whose eyes have been opened by God, the message of the cross has the ring of truth to it, and they know its power to convict the human heart (see 1 Cor 1:23-24 ^f; Rom 1:16 ^g). Unbelievers, still in their sin, are headed for destruction, for ultimate condemnation. Believers, whose sins have been forgiven, are being saved: They are on their way to eternal life and glory.