What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:27? But God chose - “But God chose” (1 Corinthians 1:27) points to the Lord’s deliberate initiative, not human merit. - Scripture repeatedly shows God acting first: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). - Jesus told His disciples, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). - The contrast—“But God”—highlights a divine reversal of expectations, much like Romans 5:8 where “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” the foolish things of the world - God selects what the culture labels “foolish.” The message of the cross itself is called “foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18). - Examples: • Noah building an ark when no flood was in sight (Genesis 6–7). • Marching around Jericho with trumpets (Joshua 6). - In each case, the so-called “foolish” act becomes the avenue for God’s power and glory. to shame the wise - Purpose clause: God overturns boastful intellect and self-reliance. - “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). - When Paul preached in Athens, some philosophers sneered (Acts 17:32), yet the resurrection exposed the limits of their reasoning. - Romans 1:22 observes that professing to be wise, people became fools—exactly what this verse underscores. God chose the weak things of the world - Weakness in God’s hand becomes strength. Gideon’s 300 soldiers (Judges 7) and David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17) illustrate this principle. - Paul embraced it personally: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). - Ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and women at an empty tomb were entrusted with the gospel’s launch (Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 24:1-10). to shame the strong - Earthly strength—whether military, political, or intellectual—crumbles before God’s power. - Mary praised the Lord who “has brought down the mighty from their thrones” (Luke 1:52). - Nebuchadnezzar learned that “those who walk in pride He is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37). - The cross itself looked like utter weakness, yet through it God “disarmed the powers and authorities” (Colossians 2:15). summary God intentionally overturns human expectations. By choosing what looks foolish and weak, He exposes the emptiness of worldly wisdom and strength, displaying His own supremacy. Believers, therefore, boast only in the Lord, resting in His sovereign choice and power rather than in personal brilliance or might. |
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