Greeting and thanksgiving
1 Corinthians 1:1–9FocusA gifted church called to fellowship
Connection to the wholePaul acknowledges God's work among the Corinthians before addressing conduct that contradicts their shared calling.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 1:20
KJVWhere is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
Read it in context
The word of the cross
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 1:18 (1 Corinthians 1:18 to 1 Corinthians 1:31).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The contrast between divine and human wisdom explains the gospel's character and removes grounds for boasting in status or ability.
- 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
- 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
- 1:20 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?
- 1:21 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.
- 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
- 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
- 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
- 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
- 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
- 1:27 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;
- 1:28 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:
- 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
- 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
- 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21): Paul addresses the Corinthian church about divisions, boasting, and the roles of gospel workers such as himself and Apollos. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The word of the cross. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18 through 1 Corinthians 1:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The contrast between divine and human wisdom explains the gospel's character and removes grounds for boasting in status or ability. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The word of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18 to 1 Corinthians 1:31). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 1:18. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:31, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- is the wise Isa 33:18 Isa 53:1
- hath 1 Cor 1:19 2 Sam 15:31 2 Sam 16:23 2 Sam 17:14,23 Job 12:17,20,24 Isa 44:25 Rom 1:22
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 1
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
The report of divisions
1 Corinthians 1:10–17FocusOne Christ rather than parties
Connection to the wholeThe rival slogans expose a divided church, and Paul's questions redirect attention from ministers to Christ and His cross.
interpretation FocusGod's wisdom and human boasting
Connection to the wholeThe contrast between divine and human wisdom explains the gospel's character and removes grounds for boasting in status or ability.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation Liberty and responsibility
1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation Order in the assembly
1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.