1 Corinthians 1

Parallel Chapters and Verses, Greek and Hebrew Lexicon, Commentaries, Strong's Bible Dictionary, Concordances and Cross References for 1 Corinthians 1 1 Corinthians : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 Corinthians 1:1 New American Standard Bible: Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, God's Word Translation: From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Sosthenes, our brother in the Christian faith. King James Version: Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Bible in Basic English: Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the purpose of God, and Sosthenes the brother, Weymouth New Testament: Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God--and our brother Sosthenes: World English Bible: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, Alphabetical: an and apostle as be brother by called Christ God Jesus of our Paul Sosthenes the to will GSB: 1:1 Paul, {1} called [to be] an {2} apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and {3} Sosthenes [our] brother, (1) The inscription of the epistle, in which he mainly tries to procure the good will of the Corinthians towards him, yet nonetheless in such a way that he always lets them know that he is the servant of God and not of men. (2) If he is an apostle, then he must be heard, even though he sometimes sharply reprehends them, seeing he has not his own cause in hand, but is a messenger that brings the commandments of Christ. (3) He has Sosthenes with himself, that this doctrine might be confirmed by two witnesses. PNT: 1:1 The Divisions in the Church Brought to Light SUMMARY OF I CORINTHIANS 1: Greetings to the Church. Thanksgiving for the Grace of God. An Exhortation to Unity. Schisms Rebuked. The Sin of Honoring Human Leaders Instead of Christ. The Preaching of the Cross the Power of God to Salvation. Not the Worldly Wise and Proud, but the Humble and Lowly. Converted. Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ. Some of the Judaizing teachers, who had visited the church at Corinth after the departure of Paul, in order to lessen his authority, had asserted that he was not an apostle, divinely called like the Twelve. Hence, at the beginning, he asserts his apostleship, and refers to his divine call. See 1Co 9:1 2Co 12:12. Sosthenes, [our] brother. A Sosthenes, who was then the chief ruler of the synagogue at Corinth, is named in Ac 18:17. The Sosthenes whom Paul associated with himself in the letter must have been well known to, and influential among, the Corinthians, and was probably the former chief ruler, who had been converted. Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, all well known to the church, were at Ephesus with Paul (1Co 16:12,19), but Sosthenes is chosen to appear with him in the salutation. WES: 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle - There is great propriety in every clause of the salutation, particularly in this, as there were some in the church of Corinth who called the authority of his mission in question. Through the will of God - Called the commandment of God, 1Tim 1:1 This was to the churches the ground of his authority; to Paul himself, of an humble and ready mind. By the mention of God, the authority of man is excluded, Gal 1:1; by the mention of the will of God, the merit of Paul, 1Cor 15:8, and c. And Sosthenes - A Corinthian, St. Paul's companion in travel. It was both humility and prudence in the apostle, thus to join his name with his own, in an epistle wherein he was to reprove so many irregularities. Sosthenes the brother - Probably this word is emphatical; as if he had said, Who, from a Jewish opposer of the gospel, became a faithful brother. MHC: 1:1-9 All Christians are by baptism dedicated and devoted to Christ, and are under strict obligations to be holy. But in the true church of God are all who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, and who call upon him as God manifest in the flesh, for all the blessings of salvation; who acknowledge and obey him as their Lord, and as Lord of all; it includes no other persons. Christians are distinguished from the profane and atheists, that they dare not live without prayer; and they are distinguished from Jews and pagans, that they call on the name of Christ. Observe how often in these verses the apostle repeats the words, Our Lord Jesus Christ. He feared not to make too frequent or too honourable mention of him. To all who called upon Christ, the apostle gave his usual salutation, desiring, in their behalf, the pardoning mercy, sanctifying grace, and comforting peace of God, through Jesus Christ. Sinners can have no peace with God, nor any from him, but through Christ. He gives thanks for their conversion to the faith of Christ; that grace was given them by Jesus Christ. They had been enriched by him with all spiritual gifts. He speaks of utterance and knowledge. And where God has given these two gifts, he has given great power for usefulness. These were gifts of the Holy Ghost, by which God bore witness to the apostles. Those that wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, will be kept by him to the end; and those that are so, will be blameless in the day of Christ, made so by rich and free grace. How glorious are the hopes of such a privilege; to be kept by the power of Christ, from the power of our corruptions and Satan's temptations! 1 Corinthians 1:2 New American Standard Bible: To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: God's Word Translation: To God's church that was made holy by Christ Jesus and called to be God's holy people in the city of Corinth and to people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. King James Version: Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: Bible in Basic English: To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been made holy in Christ Jesus, saints by the selection of God, with all those who in every place give honour to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Weymouth New Testament: To the Church of God in Corinth, men and women consecrated in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all in every place who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-- their Lord as well as ours. World English Bible: to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours: Alphabetical: all and at be been by call called calling Christ church Corinth every everywhere God have holy in is Jesus Lord name of on our ours place saints sanctified the their those To together which who with GSB: 1:2 {4} Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are {5} sanctified in {a} Christ Jesus, {b} called [to be] saints, with all that in every place {c} call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (4) It is a church of God, even though it has great faults in it, as it obeys those who admonish them. (5) A true definition of the universal church, which is: (a) The Father sanctifies us, that is to say, separates us from the wicked in giving us to his Son, that he may be in us, and we in him. (b) Whom God by his gracious goodness and absolute love has separated for himself: or whom God has called to holiness: the first of these two expositions, shows from where our sanctification comes: and the second shows to what end it strives for. (c) He is correctly said to call on God who cries to the Lord when he is in danger, and craves help from his hands, and by the figure of speech synecdoche, it is taken for all the service of God: and therefore to call upon Christ's name, is to acknowledge and take him for very God. PNT: 1:2 Unto the church of God. This designation of the church appears oftener than any other in the New Testament. To them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus. All of the church of God at Corinth were sanctified in Christ Jesus; that is, they were set apart from the world and consecrated to God. All Christians are sanctified in the sense of the term in the New Testament, and called to be saints. The humblest Christian is a saint, as well as Peter or Paul. With all that in every place. The letter is intended for all Christians, as well as for those at Corinth. Call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Recognize him as their divine Savior. Both theirs and ours. The Lord of the saints everywhere as well as ours (1Co 8:6 Eph 4:5). Since there is only one Lord and Master, all Christians should be brethren. WES: 1:2 To the church of God which is in Corinth - St. Paul, writing in a familiar manner to the Corinthians, as also to the Thessalonians and Galatians, uses this plain appellation. To the other churches he uses a more solemn address. Sanctified through Jesus Christ - And so undoubtedly they were in general, notwithstanding some exceptions. Called - Of Jesus Christ, Rom 1:6 And - As the fruit of that calling made holy. With all that in every place - Nothing could better suit that catholic love which St. Paul labours to promote in this epistle, than such a declaration of his good wishes for every true Christian upon earth. Call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ - This plainly implies that all Christians pray to Christ, as well as to the Father through him. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:3 New American Standard Bible: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. God's Word Translation: Good will and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are yours! King James Version: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Bible in Basic English: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Weymouth New Testament: May grace and peace be granted to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. World English Bible: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Alphabetical: and Christ Father from God Grace Jesus Lord our peace the to you GSB: 1:3 {6} Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. (6) The foundation and the life of the Church is Christ Jesus given from the Father. PNT: 1:3 Grace [be] unto you. The favor of God; the divine blessing. This is the apostolical benediction. See PNT Ro 1:7. Peace. This is always an appropriate benediction, since peace is one of the greatest blessings, but was especially appropriate to a church which was torn by dissensions. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:4 New American Standard Bible: I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, God's Word Translation: I always thank God for you because Christ Jesus has shown you God's good will. King James Version: I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; Bible in Basic English: I give praise to my God for you at all times, because of the grace of God which has been given to you in Christ Jesus; Weymouth New Testament: I thank my God continually on your behalf for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus-- World English Bible: I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; Alphabetical: always because Christ concerning for given God grace his I in Jesus my of thank the was which you GSB: 1:4 {7} I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; (7) Going about to condemn many vices, he begins with a true commendation of their virtues, lest he might seem after to descend to chiding, being moved with malice or envy: yet in such a way that he refers all to God as the author of them, and that in Christ, that the Corinthians might be more ashamed to profane and abuse the holy gifts of God. PNT: 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf. Before speaking of the faults which he must rebuke, he speaks of the grounds for praise and hope. He did not forget these, because there was much that he could not praise. He could see their improvement on their former condition, as well as their present faults. A good example for all critics. WES: 1:4 Always - Whenever I mention you to God in prayer. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:5 New American Standard Bible: that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, God's Word Translation: Through Christ Jesus you have become rich in every way-in speech and knowledge of every kind. King James Version: That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Bible in Basic English: So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort; Weymouth New Testament: that you have been so richly blessed in Him, with readiness of speech and fulness of knowledge. World English Bible: that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge; Alphabetical: all and been enriched every everything For have him in knowledge speaking speech that way were you your GSB: 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, {8} in {d} all utterance, and [in] all knowledge; (8) He refers to that by name which they abused the most. (d) Seeing that while we live here we know but in part, and prophesy in part, this word all must be limited by the present state of the faithful: and by utterance he does not mean a vain kind of babbling, but the gift of holy eloquence, which the Corinthians abused. PNT: 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him. The grace of God (1Co 1:4) had enriched them. [In] all utterance, and [in] all knowledge. The reference is especially, but not exclusively, to the supernatural gifts of tongues and of knowledge which were imparted to the early church. See 1Co 12:8-10 2Co 8:7 11:6. WES: 1:5 In all utterance and knowledge - Of divine things. These gifts the Corinthians particularly admired. Therefore this congratulation naturally tended to soften their spirits, and I make way for the reproofs which follow. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:6 New American Standard Bible: even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, God's Word Translation: Our message about Christ has been verified among you. King James Version: Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: Bible in Basic English: Even as the witness of the Christ has been made certain among you: Weymouth New Testament: Thus my testimony as to the Christ has been confirmed in your experience, World English Bible: even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: Alphabetical: about as because Christ concerning confirmed even in our testimony the was you GSB: 1:6 {9} Even as the testimony of Christ was {e} confirmed in you: (9) He shows that the true use of these gifts consists in this, that the mighty power of Christ might be set forth in them, that hereafter it might evidently appear how wickedly they abused them for glory and ambition. (e) By those excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit. PNT: 1:6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. It was confirmed by the fruits which it brought forth; their belief and the spiritual gifts which were bestowed upon some of them. WES: 1:6 The testimony of Christ - The gospel. Was confirmed among you - By these gifts attending it. They knew they had received these by the hand of Paul: and this consideration was highly proper, to revive in them their former reverence and affection for their spiritual father. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:7 New American Standard Bible: so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, God's Word Translation: Therefore, you don't lack any gift as you wait eagerly for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. King James Version: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Bible in Basic English: So that having every grace you are living in the hope of the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; Weymouth New Testament: so that there is no gift of God in which you consciously come short while patiently waiting for the reappearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, World English Bible: so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; Alphabetical: any are as awaiting be Christ do eagerly for gift in Jesus lack lacking Lord not of our revealed revelation so spiritual that the Therefore to wait you GSB: 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; {10} waiting for the {f} coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (10) He says along the way that there is no reason why they should be so pleased in those gifts which they had received, seeing that those were nothing in comparison of those which are to be looked for. (f) He speaks of the last coming of Christ. PNT: 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift. They were enriched by the grace of God (1Co 1:5), so that they were not inferior to other Christians in privileges. Waiting for the coming. They, like other Christians, were eagerly waiting for the return of the Lord to the earth. WES: 1:7 Waiting - With earnest desire. For the glorious revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ - A sure mark of a true or false Christian, to long for, or dread, this revelation. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:8 New American Standard Bible: who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God's Word Translation: He will continue to give you strength until the end so that no one can accuse you of anything on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. King James Version: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bible in Basic English: Who will give you strength to the end, to be free from all sin in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Weymouth New Testament: who will also keep you stedfast to the very End, so that you will be free from reproach on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. World English Bible: who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Alphabetical: also be blameless Christ confirm day end He in Jesus keep Lord of on our so strong that the to who will you GSB: 1:8 {11} Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] {g} blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (11) He testifies that he hopes that things go well with them from now on, that they may more patiently abide his reprehension afterward. And yet together in addition shows, that the beginning as well as the accomplishing of our salvation is only the work of God. (g) He calls them blameless, not whom man never found fault with, but with whom no man can justly find fault, that is to say, those who are in Christ Jesus, in whom there is no condemnation. See Lu 1:6. PNT: 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end. He will do his part to confirm you; give you strength to the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Free from blame when they are called to meet the Lord. WES: 1:8 Who will also - if you faithfully apply to him. Confirm you to the end. In the day of Christ - Now it is our day, wherein we are to work out our salvation; then it will be eminently the day of Christ, and of his glory in the saints. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:9 New American Standard Bible: God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. God's Word Translation: God faithfully keeps his promises. He called you to be partners with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. King James Version: God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Bible in Basic English: God is true, through whom you have been given a part with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Weymouth New Testament: God is ever true to His promises, and it was by Him that you were, one and all, called into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. World English Bible: God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Alphabetical: called Christ faithful fellowship God has his into is Jesus Lord our Son through were who whom with you GSB: 1:9 God [is] {h} faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (h) True and constant, who not only calls us, but also gives to us the gift of perseverance. PNT: 1:9 God [is] faithful. Hence he will faithfully discharge his part of the covenant. His promises may be relied upon. By whom ye were called, etc. The fact that he had called the saints to fellowship with his Son, is proof that their salvation will be completed. WES: 1:9 God is faithful - To all his promises; and therefore to him that hath shall be given. By whom ye are called - A pledge of his willingness to save you unto the uttermost. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:10 New American Standard Bible: Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. God's Word Translation: Brothers and sisters, I encourage all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to agree with each other and not to split into opposing groups. I want you to be united in your understanding and opinions. King James Version: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Bible in Basic English: Now I make request to you, my brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will all say the same thing, and that there may be no divisions among you, so that you may be in complete agreement, in the same mind and in the same opinion. Weymouth New Testament: Now I entreat you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to cultivate a spirit of harmony--all of you--and that there be no divisions among you, but rather a perfect union through your having one mind and one judgement. World English Bible: Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Alphabetical: agree all among and another appeal be brethren brothers but by Christ complete divisions exhort I in Jesus judgment Lord made may mind name no Now of one our perfectly same so that the there thought to united with you GSB: 1:10 {12} Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that {13} ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be {i} perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (12) Having made an end of the preface, he comes to the matter itself, beginning with a most grave testimony, as though they should hear Christ himself speaking, and not Paul. (13) The first part of this epistle, in which his purpose is found, to call back the Corinthians to brotherly harmony, and to take away all occasion of discord. So then this first part concerns the taking away of divisions. Now a division occurs when men who otherwise agree and consent together in doctrine, yet separate themselves from one another. (i) Knit together, as a body that consists of all its parts, fitly knit together. PNT: 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren. How earnest and imploring is the Apostle's exhortation that they should maintain unity! That ye all speak the same thing. Have no distinctive party declarations. This is violated in the modern sectarian symbols and confessions. [That] there be no divisions among you. No schisms, in the Greek. If there were none, and all were perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment, all would speak the same thing. There would be no variance in their declarations. It is evident, from what follows, that, while the Corinthians had not separated into various church organizations, they had formed several parties within the church (1Co 1:12). Organized sects, claiming to be branches of the church, were unknown till centuries later. WES: 1:10 Now I exhort you - Ye have faith and hope; secure love also. By the endearing name of our Lord Jesus Christ - lnfinitely preferable to all the human names in which ye glory. That ye all speak the same thing - They now spoke different things, 1Co 1:12 And that there be no schisms among you - No alienation of affection from each other. Is this word ever taken in any other sense in scripture? But that ye be joined in the same mind - Affections, desires. And judgment - Touching all the grand truths of the gospel. MHC: 1:10-16 In the great things of religion be of one mind; and where there is not unity of sentiment, still let there be union of affection. Agreement in the greater things should extinguish divisions about the lesser. There will be perfect union in heaven, and the nearer we approach it on earth, the nearer we come to perfection. Paul and Apollos both were faithful ministers of Jesus Christ, and helpers of their faith and joy; but those disposed to be contentious, broke into parties. So liable are the best things to be corrupted, and the gospel and its institutions made engines of discord and contention. Satan has always endeavoured to stir up strife among Christians, as one of his chief devices against the gospel. The apostle left it to other ministers to baptize, while he preached the gospel, as a more useful work. 1 Corinthians 1:11 New American Standard Bible: For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you. God's Word Translation: Brothers and sisters, some people from Chloe's family have made it clear to me that you are quarreling among yourselves. King James Version: For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Bible in Basic English: Because it has come to my knowledge, through those of the house of Chloe, that there are divisions among you, my brothers. Weymouth New Testament: For I have been distinctly informed, my brethren, about you by Chloe's people, that there are dissensions among you. World English Bible: For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Alphabetical: among are been brethren brothers by Chloe's concerning For from have household I informed me My people quarrels some that there you GSB: 1:11 {14} For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. (14) He begins his reprehension and chiding by taking away an objection, because he understood from good witnesses that there were many factions among them. And in addition he declares the cause of dissentions, because some depended on one teacher, some on another, and some were so addicted to themselves that they neglected all teachers and learned men, calling themselves the disciples of Christ alone, completely ignoring their teachers. PNT: 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me. He candidly tells them how he had learned of their dissensions. Them [who are of the house] of Chloe. Whether these were her children or her servants, or whether she lived at Corinth and these members of her household had come to visit Paul at Ephesus, or whether she lived at Ephesus and these persons had made a visit to Corinth, these are all unknown. Chloe is not elsewhere name. WES: 1:11 It hath been declared to me by them of the family of Chloe - Whom some suppose to have been the wife of Stephanas, and the mother of Fortunatus and Achaicus. By these three the Corinthians had sent their letter to St. Paul, 1Cor 16:17. That there are contentions - A word equivalent with schisms in the preceding verse . MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:12 New American Standard Bible: Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." God's Word Translation: This is what I mean: Each of you is saying, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." King James Version: Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Bible in Basic English: That is, that some of you say, I am of Paul; some say, I am of Apollos; some say, I am of Cephas; and some say, I am Christ's. Weymouth New Testament: What I mean is that each of you is a partisan. One man says "I belong to Paul;" another "I belong to Apollos;" a third "I belong to Peter;" a fourth "I belong to Christ." World English Bible: Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ." Alphabetical: am and another Apollos Cephas Christ each follow I is mean Now of One Paul saying says still that this What you GSB: 1:12 Now {k} this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. (k) The matter I would say to you is this. PNT: 1:12 Now this I say. I explain more fully what I mean. He shows that there were four existing parties: Of Paul. A Pauline party, clinging to the founder of their church (Ac 18:1-11); Of Apollos. A party of Apollos, who were probably carried away by their admiration of his Alexandrian philosophy (Ac 18:24); Of Cephas. A party of Judaizer, who claimed to be following Peter, called here by his Hebrew name of Cephas (Joh 1:42); and Of Christ. A fourth party, who claimed to turn away from all these human leaders, and to be only of Christ. WES: 1:12 Now this I say - That is, what I mean is this: there are various parties among you, who set themselves, one against an other, in behalf of the several teachers they admire. And I of Christ - They spoke well, if they had not on this pretence despised their teachers, 1Cor 4:8 Perhaps they valued themselves on having heard Christ preach in his own person. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:13 New American Standard Bible: Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? God's Word Translation: Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in Paul's name? King James Version: Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? Bible in Basic English: Is there a division in Christ? was Paul nailed to the cross for you? or were you given baptism in the name of Paul? Weymouth New Testament: Is the Christ in fragments? Is it Paul who was crucified on your behalf? Or were you baptized to be Paul's adherents? World English Bible: Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul? Alphabetical: baptized been Christ crucified divided for Has he in into Is name not of Or Paul the Was Were you GSB: 1:13 {15} Is Christ divided? was {16} Paul crucified for you? or were ye {17} baptized in the name of Paul? (15) The first reason why divisions ought to be avoided: because Christ seems by that means to be divide and torn in pieces, who cannot be the head of two different and disagreeing bodies, being himself one. (16) Another reason: because they cannot without great injury to God so depend on men as on Christ: which thing those no doubt do who allow whatever some man speaks, and do it for their own sakes: as these men allowed one and the very same Gospel being uttered by one man, and did loathe it being uttered by another man. So that these factions were called by the names of their teachers. Now Paul sets aside his own name, not simply to grieve no man, but also to show that he does not plead his own cause. (17) The third reason taken from the form and end of baptism, in which we make a promise to Christ, calling also on the name of the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore although a man does not fall from the doctrine of Christ, yet if he depends upon certain teachers, and despises others, he forsakes Christ: for if he holds Christ as his only master, he would hear him, no matter who Christ taught by. PNT: 1:13 Is Christ divided? The church is the Body of Christ (1Co 12:12,13). Can that body be cut into parts, and these assigned to human leaders? Was Paul crucified for you? The cross binds us to Christ alone. By baptism we are baptized in Christ's name, into his death, and into Christ (Ro 6:3). WES: 1:13 Is Christ divided - Are not all the members still under one head? Was not he alone crucified for you all; and were ye not all baptized in his name? The glory of Christ then is not to be divided between him and his servants; neither is the unity of the body to be torn asunder, seeing Christ is one still. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:14 New American Standard Bible: I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, God's Word Translation: I thank God that I didn't baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius King James Version: I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Bible in Basic English: I give praise to God that not one of you had baptism from me, but Crispus and Gaius; Weymouth New Testament: I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius-- World English Bible: I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius, Alphabetical: am and any baptize baptized Crispus did except Gaius God I none not of thank thankful that you GSB: 1:14 {18} I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; (18) He protests that he speaks so much the more boldly of these things, because through God's providence, he is void of all suspicion of gathering disciples to himself, and taking them from others. By which we may understand, that not the scholars only, but the teachers also are here reprehended, who gathered flocks separately and for themselves. PNT: 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you. The Corinthians hearing, believed and were baptized (Ac 18:8); but the fellow-ministers of Paul usually administered the baptismal rite. Since some of the Corinthians were claiming to be of his party, he was glad that he had not personally baptized them, lest some of them should say he had baptized in his own name (1Co 1:15). But Crispus. Formerly chief ruler of the synagogue at Corinth (Ac 18:8). And Gaius. He was Paul's host at Corinth when the Epistle to the Romans was written. See Ro 16:23. WES: 1:14 I thank God - (A pious phrase for the common one, I rejoice,) that, in the course of his providence, I baptized none of you, but Crispus, once the ruler of the synagogue, and Caius. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:15 New American Standard Bible: so that no one would say you were baptized in my name. God's Word Translation: so that no one can say you were baptized in my name. King James Version: Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. Bible in Basic English: So that no one may be able to say that you had baptism in my name. Weymouth New Testament: for fear people should say that you were baptized to be my adherents. World English Bible: so that no one should say that I had baptized you into my own name. Alphabetical: baptized can in into my name no one say so that were would you WES: 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in my own name - In order to attach them to myself. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:16 New American Standard Bible: Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. God's Word Translation: I also baptized Stephanas and his family. Beyond that, I'm not sure whether I baptized anyone else. King James Version: And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. Bible in Basic English: And I gave baptism to the house of Stephanas; but I am not certain that any others had baptism from me. Weymouth New Testament: I did, however, baptize Stephanas' household also: but I do not think that I baptized any one else. World English Bible: (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; besides them, I don't know whether I baptized any other.) Alphabetical: Yes also any anyone baptize baptized beyond did do don't else household I if know not Now of other remember Stephanas that the whether PNT: 1:16 I baptized also the household of Stephanas. This household was the first fruits of Achaia (1Co 16:15); Stephanas was one of the three Corinthian brethren then visiting Paul at Ephesus (1Co 16:17). There is no proof that this, or any other household named in Scripture, contained infants, but there is proof that most of them did not. The household does not mean the same as the family, but those dwelling in the house; often the servants only. WES: 1:16 I know not - That is, it does not at present occur to my memory, that I baptized any other. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:17 New American Standard Bible: For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. God's Word Translation: Christ didn't send me to baptize. Instead, he sent me to spread the Good News. I didn't use intellectual arguments. That would have made the cross of Christ lose its meaning. King James Version: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Bible in Basic English: For Christ sent me, not to give baptism, but to be a preacher of the good news: not with wise words, for fear that the cross of Christ might be made of no value. Weymouth New Testament: Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim the Good News; and not in merely wise words--lest the Cross of Christ should be deprived of its power. World English Bible: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Good News-not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't be made void. Alphabetical: baptize be but Christ cleverness cross did emptied For gospel human in its lest made me not of power preach send so speech that the to void wisdom with words would GSB: 1:17 {19} For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: {20} not with {l} wisdom of words, lest the {21} cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (19) The taking away of an objection: that he gave not himself to baptize many amongst them: not for the contempt of baptism, but because he was mainly occupied in delivering the doctrine, and committed those that received his doctrine to others to be baptized. And so he declared sufficiently how far he was from all ambition: whereas on the other hand they, whom he reprehends, as though they gathered disciples to themselves and not to Christ, bragged most ambitiously of numbers, which they had baptized. (20) Now he turns himself to the teachers themselves, who pleased themselves in brave and glory-seeking eloquence, to the end that they might draw more disciples after them. He openly confesses that he was not similar to them, opposing gravely, as it became an apostle, his example against their perverse judgments: so that this is another place in this epistle with regard to the observing of a godly simplicity both in words and sentences in teaching the Gospel. (l) With eloquence: which Paul casts off from himself not only as unnecessary, but also as completely contrary to the office of his apostleship: and yet Paul had this kind of eloquence, but it was heavenly, not of man, and void of fancy words. (21) The reason why he did not use the pomp of words and fancy speech: because it was God's will to bring the world to his obedience by that way, by which the most foolish among men might understand that this work was done by God himself, without the skill of man. Therefore as salvation is set forth to us in the Gospel by the cross of Christ, which nothing is more contemptible than, and more far from life, so God would have the manner of the preaching of the cross, most different from those means with which men do use to draw and entice others, either to hear or believe: therefore it pleased him by a certain kind of most wise folly, to triumph over the most foolish wisdom of the world, as he had said before by Isaiah that he would. And by this we may gather that both these teachers who were puffed up with ambitious eloquence, and also their hearers, strayed far away from the goal and mark of their calling. PNT: 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel. Paul does not intend to disparage baptism, but to say that, in the division of labor, the work assigned him was to preach, while others did the baptizing. If the common views of his physical condition are correct, he was hardly strong enough to do a great deal of baptizing. Not with wisdom of words. Instead of seeking eloquence or philosophical speculation, which might hide the cross, he told the simple story of the gospel in plain and simple language. WES: 1:17 For God did not send me to baptize - That was not my chief errand: those of inferior rank and abilities could do MHC: 1:17-25 Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. This is the sum and substance of the gospel. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys. And by his death we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings and death of the Son of God, if explained and faithfully applied, appears foolishness to those in the way to destruction. The sensual, the covetous, the proud, and ambitious, alike see that the gospel opposes their favourite pursuits. But those who receive the gospel, and are enlightened by the Spirit of God, see more of God's wisdom and power in the doctrine of Christ crucified, than in all his other works. God left a great part of the world to follow the dictates of man's boasted reason, and the event has shown that human wisdom is folly, and is unable to find or retain the knowledge of God as the Creator. It pleased him, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe. By the foolishness of preaching; not by what could justly be called foolish preaching. But the thing preached was foolishness to wordly-wise men. The gospel ever was, and ever will be, foolishness to all in the road to destruction. The message of Christ, plainly delivered, ever has been a sure touchstone by which men may learn what road they are travelling. But the despised doctrine of salvation by faith in a crucified Saviour, God in human nature, purchasing the church with his own blood, to save multitudes, even all that believe, from ignorance, delusion, and vice, has been blessed in every age. And the weakest instruments God uses, are stronger in their effects, than the strongest men can use. Not that there is foolishness or weakness in God, but what men consider as such, overcomes all their admired wisdom and strength. 1 Corinthians 1:18 New American Standard Bible: For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. God's Word Translation: The message about the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed, but it is God's power to us who are being saved. King James Version: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Bible in Basic English: For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God. Weymouth New Testament: For the Message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are on the way to perdition, but it is the power of God to those whom He is saving. World English Bible: For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. Alphabetical: are being but cross foolishness For God is it message of perishing power saved the those to us who word GSB: 1:18 For the {m} preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the {n} power of God. (m) The preaching of Christ crucified, or the type of speech which we use. (n) It is that in which he declares his marvellous power in saving his elect, which would not so evidently appear if it depended upon any help of man, for if it did man might attribute that to himself which is to be attributed only to the cross of Christ. PNT: 1:18 The preaching of the cross. The gospel of a Crucified Savior. Unto them that perish. Those who are unregenerate. Foolishness. The Greek philosopher and the Jewish scribe scoffed at the thought of a Savior who had been crucified. They held that his crucifixion proved that he was not divine. Unto us who are saved. There are two sections of mankind--the unsaved and the saved. To the first, the cross is folly; to the second, the gospel of the Crucified One comes as the power of God. See Ro 1:16. To the unsaved, the cross is a pillar of cloud; to the saved, a pillar of light. WES: 1:18 To them that perish - By obstinately rejecting the only name whereby they can be saved. But to us who are saved - Now saved from our sins, and in the way to everlasting salvation, it is the great instrument of the power of God. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:19 New American Standard Bible: For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE." God's Word Translation: Scripture says, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will reject the intelligence of intelligent people." King James Version: For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Bible in Basic English: As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge. Weymouth New Testament: For so it stands written, "I will exhibit the nothingness of the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nought." World English Bible: For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing." Alphabetical: And aside clever cleverness destroy For frustrate I intelligence intelligent is it of set the will wisdom wise written GSB: 1:19 {22} For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (22) The apostle proves that this should not seem strange, seeing that it was foretold so long before, and declares further that God often punishes the pride of the world in such a way, which so pleases itself in its own wisdom: and therefore that it is vain, indeed a thing of no value, and such as God rejects as unprofitable, which they so carefully laboured for, and considered to be so important. PNT: 1:19 I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. By turning to the passage in Isa 29:14, its meaning is clear. God will put aside the wisdom and understanding of men; these will not save; but he will save by what the world called foolishness. WES: 1:19 For it is written - And the words are remarkably applicable to this great event. Isaiah 29:14 MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:20 New American Standard Bible: Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? God's Word Translation: Where is the wise person? Where is the scholar? Where is the persuasive speaker of our time? Hasn't God turned the wisdom of the world into nonsense? King James Version: Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Bible in Basic English: Where is the wise? where is he who has knowledge of the law? where is the man of this world who has a love of discussion? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Weymouth New Testament: Where is your wise man? Where your expounder of the Law? Where your investigator of the questions of this present age? Has not God shown the world's wisdom to be utter foolishness? World English Bible: Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world? Alphabetical: age debater foolish God Has is made man not of philosopher scholar scribe the this Where wisdom wise world GSB: 1:20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the {o} scribe? where [is] the {p} disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (o) Where are you, O you learned fellow, and you that spend your days in turning your books? (p) You that spend all your time in seeking out the secret things of this world, and in expounding all hard questions: and thus he triumphs against all the men of this world, for there was not one of them that could so much as dream of this secret and hidden mystery. PNT: 1:20 Where [is] the wise? The Greek philosophers. In Greek, the term philosopher means a lover of wisdom. The scribe? The scribes were the Jewish learned class. The disputer of this world? Probably the Greek teachers who disputed daily in the public places (Ac 19:9). Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? All their worldly wisdom is excluded from the gospel. WES: 1:20 Where is the wise? and c. - The deliverance of Judea from Sennacherib is what Isaiah refers to in these words; in a bold and beautiful allusion to which, the apostle in the clause that follows triumphs over all the opposition of human wisdom to the victorious gospel of Christ. What could the wise men of the gentiles do against this? or the Jewish scribes? or the disputers of this world? - Those among both, who, proud of their acuteness, were fond of controversy, and thought they could confute all opponents. Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world - That is, shown it to be very foolishness. Isaiah 33:18 MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:21 New American Standard Bible: For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. God's Word Translation: The world with its wisdom was unable to recognize God in terms of his own wisdom. So God decided to use the nonsense of the Good News we speak to save those who believe. King James Version: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. Bible in Basic English: For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him. Weymouth New Testament: For after the world by its wisdom--as God in His wisdom had ordained--had failed to gain the knowledge of God, God was pleased, by the apparent foolishness of the Message which we preach, to save those who accepted it. World English Bible: For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe. Alphabetical: believe come did foolishness For God him in its know message not of pleased preached save since the those through to was well-pleased what who wisdom world GSB: 1:21 {23} For after that in the {q} wisdom of God the {r} world by wisdom knew not God, {24} it pleased God by the {s} foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (23) He shows that the pride of men was worthily punished by God, because they could not behold God, as they properly should have, in the most clear mirror of the wisdom of the world, and this wisdom is the workmanship of the world. (q) By the world he means all men who are not born again, but remain as they were, when they were first born. (r) In the workmanship of this world, which has the marvellous wisdom of God engraved on it, so that every man may behold it. (24) The goodness of God is wonderful, for while he goes about to punish the pride of this world, he is very provident and careful for the salvation of it, and teaches men to become fools, so that they may be wise to God. (s) So he calls the preaching of the Gospel, as the enemies supposed it to be: but in the mean time he taunts those very sharply who had rather charge God with folly than acknowledge their own, and crave pardon for it. PNT: 1:21 For...the world by wisdom knew not God. Worldly wisdom did not search out the true God. Intellectual speculation had done its utmost, and failed. Hence it was rejected, and the Divine Wisdom chose by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. That is, by preaching what the wise and puffed up of the this world called foolishness. They called the gospel foolishness. WES: 1:21 For since in the wisdom of God - According to his wise disposals, leaving them to make the trial. The world - Whether Jewish or gentile, by all its boasted wisdom knew not God - Though the whole creation declared its Creator, and though he declared himself by all the prophets; it pleased God, by a way which those who perish count mere foolishness, to save them that believe. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:22 New American Standard Bible: For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; God's Word Translation: Jews ask for miraculous signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, King James Version: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: Bible in Basic English: Seeing that the Jews make request for signs, and the Greeks are looking for knowledge: Weymouth New Testament: Seeing that Jews demand miracles, and Greeks go in search of wisdom, World English Bible: For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, Alphabetical: and ask demand for Greeks indeed Jews look miraculous search signs wisdom GSB: 1:22 {25} For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: (25) A declaration of that which he said: that the preaching of the Gospel is foolish. It is foolish, he says, to those whom God has not endued with new light, that is to say, to all men being considered in themselves: for the Jews require miracles, and the Greeks arguments, which they may comprehend by their intellect and wisdom: and therefore they do not believe the Gospel, and also mock it. Nonetheless, in this foolish preaching there is the great power and wisdom of God, but such that only those who are called perceive: God showing most plainly, that even then when mad men think him most foolish, he is far wiser than they are, and that he surmounts all their might and power, when he uses most vile and abject things, as it has appeared in the fruit of the preaching of the Gospel. PNT: 1:22 For the Jews require a sign. Not merely miracles, such as the apostles worked (Ac 4:22 6:08 8:06 15:12 19:11), but a sign from heaven (Mt 16:1 Mr 8:11 Lu 11:16). They said, Let Christ come down from heaven, if he be risen. And the Greeks seek after wisdom. While the Jews asked for a sign from heaven, the Greeks demanded a well-argued system of philosophy (Ac 17:18). WES: 1:22 For whereas the Jews demand of the apostles, as they did of their Lord, more signs still, after all they have seen already; and the Greeks, or gentiles, seek wisdom - The depths of philosophy, and the charms of eloquence. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:23 New American Standard Bible: but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, God's Word Translation: but our message is that Christ was crucified. This offends Jewish people and makes no sense to people who are not Jewish. King James Version: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; Bible in Basic English: But we give the good news of Christ on the cross, a hard thing to the Jews, and a foolish thing to the Gentiles; Weymouth New Testament: while we proclaim a Christ who has been crucified--to the Jews a stumbling-block, to Gentiles foolishness, World English Bible: but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks, Alphabetical: a and block but Christ crucified foolishness Gentiles Jews preach stumbling to we PNT: 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified. Not merely Christ, but Christ Crucified; a Crucified Savior. Unto the Jews a stumblingblock. Because they had an entirely different conception of the Christ. Yet it was predicted that he should be a stone of stumbling (Mt 21:42 Isa 8:14) Unto the Greeks foolishness. It seemed to the Greeks that a being who died so ignominious a death could not be divine. WES: 1:23 We go on to preach, in a plain and historical, not rhetorical or philosophical, manner, Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumblingblock - Just opposite to the signs they demand. And to the Greeks foolishness - A silly tale, just opposite to the wisdom they seek. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:24 New American Standard Bible: but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. God's Word Translation: But to those Jews and Greeks who are called, he is Christ, God's power and God's wisdom. King James Version: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Bible in Basic English: But to those of God's selection, Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power and the wisdom of God. Weymouth New Testament: but to those who have received the Call, whether Jews or Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. World English Bible: but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Alphabetical: and are both but called Christ God Greeks has Jews of power the those to who whom wisdom PNT: 1:24 But unto them who are called. But to those who obey the gospel call, whether Jews or Gentiles, the Crucified Christ is found to be the power of God, and the wisdom of God. The gospel not only is found to be mighty, but wise in meeting the wants of the soul. WES: 1:24 But to them that are called - And obey the heavenly calling. Christ - With his cross, his death, his life, his kingdom. And they experience, first, that he is the power, then, that he is the wisdom, of God. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:25 New American Standard Bible: Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. God's Word Translation: God's nonsense is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength. King James Version: Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Bible in Basic English: Because what seems foolish in God is wiser than men; and what seems feeble in God is stronger than men. Weymouth New Testament: Because that which the world deems foolish in God is wiser than men's wisdom, and that which it deems feeble in God is mightier than men's might. World English Bible: Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Alphabetical: and Because foolishness For God is man's men of strength stronger than the weakness wisdom wiser PNT: 1:25 The foolishness of God. In one thing that men call foolishness, in Christ Crucified, there is greater wisdom than in all the philosophers, and though it seemed weakness of God to let Christ be crucified, yet the Crucified Savior is mightier than all the strength of men. If folly and weakness be of God, these will be wiser and stronger than men. WES: 1:25 Because the foolishness of God - The gospel scheme, which the world judge to be mere foolishness, is wiser than the wisdom of men; and, weak as they account it, stronger than all the strength of men. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:26 New American Standard Bible: For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; God's Word Translation: Brothers and sisters, consider what you were when God called you to be Christians. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view. You were not in powerful positions or in the upper social classes. King James Version: For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: Bible in Basic English: For you see God's design for you, my brothers, that he has not taken a great number of the wise after the flesh, not the strong, not the noble: Weymouth New Testament: For consider, brethren, God's call to you. Not many who are wise with merely human wisdom, not many of position and influence, not many of noble birth have been called. World English Bible: For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; Alphabetical: according birth brethren Brothers by called calling consider flesh For human influential many mighty noble Not of standards that the there think to were what when wise you your GSB: 1:26 {26} For ye see your {t} calling, brethren, how that not many wise men {u} after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: (26) A confirmation taken from those things which came to pass at Corinth, where the church especially consisted of the lowly and common people, insomuch that the philosophers of Greece were driven to shame when they saw that they could do nothing with their wisdom and eloquence in comparison with the apostles, whom nonetheless they called idiots and unlearned. And in this he beats down their pride: for God did not prefer them before those noble and wise men so that they should be proud, but that they might be constrained, whether they wished to or not, to rejoice in the Lord, by whose mercy, although they were the most abject of all, they had obtained in Christ both this wisdom as well as all things necessary to salvation. (t) What way the Lord has taken in calling you. (u) After that type of wisdom which men consider to be important, as though there were none else: but because they are carnal, they do not know spiritual wisdom. PNT: 1:26 Not many wise men after the flesh. Paul now shows the weakness of the human instrumentality chosen to convert the world; not those the world called wise, not the mighty, not the noble, yet the work was moving on with wonderful power. WES: 1:26 Behold your calling - What manner of men they are whom God calls. That not many wise men after the flesh - In the account of the world. Not many mighty - Men of power and authority. MHC: 1:26-31 God did not choose philosophers, nor orators, nor statesmen, nor men of wealth, and power, and interest in the world, to publish the gospel of grace and peace. He best judges what men and what measures serve the purposes of his glory. Though not many noble are usually called by Divine grace, there have been some such in every age, who have not been ashamed of the gospel of Christ; and persons of every rank stand in need of pardoning grace. Often, a humble Christian, though poor as to this world, has more true knowledge of the gospel, than those who have made the letter of Scripture the study of their lives, but who have studied it rather as the witness of men, than as the word of God. And even young children have gained such knowledge of Divine truth as to silence infidels. The reason is, they are taught of God; the design is, that no flesh should glory in his presence. That distinction, in which alone they might glory, was not of themselves. It was by the sovereign choice and regenerating grace of God, that they were in Jesus Christ by faith. He is made of God to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; all we need, or can desire. And he is made wisdom to us, that by his word and Spirit, and from his fulness and treasures of wisdom and knowledge, we may receive all that will make us wise unto salvation, and fit for every service to which we are called. We are guilty, liable to just punishment; and he is made righteousness, our great atonement and sacrifice. We are depraved and corrupt, and he is made sanctification, that he may in the end be made complete redemption; may free the soul from the being of sin, and loose the body from the bonds of the grave. And this is, that all flesh, according to the prophecy by Jeremiah, Jer 9:23-24, may glory in the special favour, all-sufficient grace, and precious salvation of Jehovah. 1 Corinthians 1:27 New American Standard Bible: but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, God's Word Translation: But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame. King James Version: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; Bible in Basic English: But God made selection of the foolish things of this world so that he might put the wise to shame; and the feeble things that he might put to shame the strong; Weymouth New Testament: But God has chosen the things which the world regards as foolish, in order to put its wise men to shame; and God has chosen the things which the world regards as destitute of influence, in order to put its powerful things to shame; World English Bible: but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; Alphabetical: and are But chose chosen foolish God has of shame strong the things to weak which wise world PNT: 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world. Men whom the world would call foolish, with a gospel that it called foolishness; yet these confounded the wise and upturned the world's philosophies. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:28 New American Standard Bible: and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, God's Word Translation: God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises-what it considers to be nothing-in order to destroy what it considers to be something. King James Version: 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: Bible in Basic English: And the low things of the world, and the things without honour, did God make selection of, yes, even the things which are not, so that he might make as nothing the things which are: Weymouth New Testament: and the things which the world regards as base, and those which it sets utterly at nought--things that have no existence--God has chosen in order to reduce to nothing things that do exist; World English Bible: and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are: Alphabetical: and are base chose chosen despised God has He lowly may not nullify of so that the things this to world GSB: 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which {x} are not, to bring to {y} nought things that are: (x) Which in man's judgment are almost nothing. (y) To show that they are vain and unprofitable, and worth nothing. See Geneva Ro 3:31 PNT: 1:28 Base things of the world. Those of lowly birth. And things which are despised. People that the world would call nobodies, and things that it counts as nothing. These are chosen to bring to nothing things that are; the existing state of things; the pagan religious, governments, and civilization; these were to be overthrown through the influence of the gospel. WES: 1:28 Things that are not - The Jews frequently called the gentiles, Them that are not, 2 Esdras vi. 56, 57. In so supreme contempt did they hold them. The things that are - In high esteem. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:29 New American Standard Bible: so that no man may boast before God. God's Word Translation: As a result, no one can brag in God's presence. King James Version: That no flesh should glory in his presence. Bible in Basic English: So that no flesh might have glory before God. Weymouth New Testament: to prevent any mortal man from boasting in the presence of God. World English Bible: that no flesh should boast before God. Alphabetical: before boast God him man may no one so that GSB: 1:29 That no {z} flesh should glory in his presence. (z) Flesh is often, as we see, taken for the whole man: and he uses this word flesh very well, to contrast the weak and miserable condition of man with the majesty of God. PNT: 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presnece. That it should be shown that the power was of God. WES: 1:29 That no flesh - A fit appellation. Flesh is fair, but withering as grass. May glory before God - In God we ought to glory. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:30 New American Standard Bible: But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, God's Word Translation: You are partners with Christ Jesus because of God. Jesus has become our wisdom sent from God, our righteousness, our holiness, and our ransom from sin. King James Version: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: Bible in Basic English: But God has given you a place in Christ Jesus, through whom God has given us wisdom and righteousness and salvation, and made us holy: Weymouth New Testament: But you--and it is all God's doing--are in Christ Jesus: He has become for us a wisdom which is from God, consisting of righteousness and sanctification and deliverance; World English Bible: But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: Alphabetical: and are became because become But by Christ doing for from God has him His holiness in is It Jesus of our redemption righteousness sanctification that to us who wisdom you GSB: 1:30 But {a} of him are ye in Christ Jesus, {27} who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (a) Whom he cast down before, now he lifts up, indeed, higher than all men: yet in such a way that he shows them that all their worthiness is outside of themselves, that is, it stands in Christ, and that of God. (27) He teaches that especially and above all things, the Gospel ought not to be condemned, seeing that it contains the principal things that are to be desired, that is, true wisdom, the true way to obtain righteousness, the true way to live honestly and godly, and the true deliverance from all miseries and calamities. PNT: 1:30 Who from God is made to us wisdom. Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God (1Co 1:24), is wisdom to us. And righteousness. In him we are made righteous, and obtain sanctification and redemption. Christ is all of these to us. WES: 1:30 Of him - Out of his free grace and mercy. Are ye Engrafted into Christ Jesus, who is made unto us that believe wisdom, who were before utterly foolish and ignorant. Righteousness - The sole ground of our justification, who were before under the wrath and curse of God. Sanctification - A principle of universal holiness, whereas before we were altogether dead in sin. And redemption - That is, complete deliverance from all evil, and eternal bliss both of soul and body. MHC: 1 Corinthians 1:31 New American Standard Bible: so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD." God's Word Translation: As Scripture says, "Whoever brags must brag about what the Lord has done." King James Version: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Bible in Basic English: So that, as it is said in the holy Writings, Whoever has a desire for glory, let his glory be in the Lord. Weymouth New Testament: in order that it may be as Scripture says, "He who boasts--let his boast be in the Lord." World English Bible: that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord." Alphabetical: as boast boasts him in is it just Let Lord so that the Therefore who written GSB: 1:31 That, according as it is written, {b} He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (b) Let him yield all to God and give him thanks: and so by this place is man's free will beaten down, which the papists so dream about. PNT: 1:31 He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. See Jer 9:23. As Christ is our all, imparts every grace that we enjoy, and bestows every blessing, there is no ground for glorying in Paul, Apollos or Cephas, but in the Lord alone. WES: 1:31 Let him glory in the Lord - Not in himself, not in the flesh, not in the world. Jer 9:23,24 MHC: Online Parallel Bible NASB, GWT, KJV, NIV, GWT, NLT, ASV, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Chapter and Verse Old and New Testament Christian Bible Study, Concordance, Chain Links, Cross Reference for pastors, teachers and students