How does 1 Corinthians 1:18 connect with Romans 1:16 about the gospel's power? Opening Passage • “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) • “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes—first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16) Unpacking the Key Terms • “Message of the cross” (1 Corinthians 1:18) and “gospel” (Romans 1:16) refer to the same good news: Christ crucified and risen. • “Power of God” (Greek: dynamis) means God’s active, life-changing might, not mere persuasion. • “To those who are perishing” vs. “to everyone who believes” sets up the same two groups: unbelief meets the gospel with scorn; belief meets it with saving power. The Shared Theme of Divine Power 1. Source: • Both verses ground power in God alone, not in human eloquence or effort (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5). 2. Purpose: • The power operates “for salvation” (Romans 1:16) and “for us who are being saved” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Salvation is ongoing—past, present, and future. 3. Scope: • Romans highlights universal reach (“everyone who believes”). • Corinthians highlights experiential divide—power felt only by the saved, while the same gospel is deemed “foolishness” by others. Why Some See Folly While Others See Power • Spiritual blindness: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Human pride: The cross overturns worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). • Divine revelation: Only the Spirit opens hearts (1 Corinthians 2:14; Acts 16:14). • Result: Those awakened by God experience the gospel as living power; the rest label it nonsense. Supporting Scriptures • Ephesians 2:1-5 — God’s power makes the dead alive in Christ. • Colossians 1:13-14 — He “rescued us from the dominion of darkness.” • 1 Thessalonians 1:5 — “our gospel came to you not only with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” • Hebrews 4:12 — The word of God is “living and active,” cutting to the heart. Bringing It Home • The same gospel message goes out to all. • God’s power is unleashed where faith is present, accomplishing salvation, transformation, and endurance. • Confidence in sharing the gospel rests not in our skill but in its inherent power—the very power of God demonstrated at the cross and confirmed in the empty tomb. |
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