1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Q.1. How do people respond to the Word of the Cross? How can we account for the lack of eminent believers? Why can many people not make sense of the Gospel? – (1 Cor.1:18-25)
The word of the Cross divides the world into two groups – 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 (1 Cor.1:18). Scholars cannot figure the Gospel out by reason alone because it is counter-intuitive and requires honesty and humility. Paul asked- 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? (1 Cor.1:20). They say – ‘If something is too good to be true then it probably is not true. Surely salvation cannot be a free gift’. Paul responded – 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 (1 Cor.1:21). Though Christ came with innumerable signs, the Jews still wanted more (1 Cor.1:22-23 c.f. Mt.16:1-4). They mocked Jesus, and claimed they would believe in Him if He came down from the cross (c.f. Mt.27:39-43). The Greeks loved debating about philosophy and beliefs (c.f. Acts 17:21, 32). Such people fail to recognise the limitations of human wisdom and power, compared with God’s omniscience and omnipotence (1 Cor.1:25). Nevertheless – to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor.1:24).