1 Corinthians 1:18 - Exposition

For the preaching of the cross; rather, the word of the cross. To them that are perishing; rather, to the perishing; to all those who are now walking in the paths that lead to destruction ( 2 Corinthians 2:15 ). To them it was foolishness, because it requires spiritual discernment ( 1 Corinthians 2:14 ); and, on the other hand, human wisdom is foolishness with God ( 1 Corinthians 3:19 ). Foolishness . It shows the heroic character of the faith of St. Paul that he deliberately preached the doctrine of the cross because he felt that therein lay the conversion and salvation of the world, although he was well aware that he could preach no truth so certain at first to revolt the unregenerate hearts of his hearers. To the Jews "the cross" was the tree of shame and horror; and a crucified person was "accursed of God" ( Deuteronomy 21:23 ; Galatians 3:13 ). To the Greeks the cross was the gibbet of a slave's infamy and a murderer's punishment. There was not a single association connected with it except those of shame and agony. The thought of "a crucified Messiah" seemed to the Jews a revolting folly; the worship of a crucified malefactor seemed to the Greeks "an execrable superstition" (Tacitus, 'Ann.,' 1 Corinthians 15:44 ; Pliny, 'Epp.' 10:97); yet so little did St. Paul seek for popularity or immediate success, that this was the very doctrine which he put in the forefront, even at a city so refined and so voluptuous as Corinth. And the result proved his inspired wisdom. That very cross became the recognized badge of Christianity, and when three centuries had elapsed it was woven in gold upon the banners and set in jewels on the diadems of the Roman empire. For had not Christ prophesied, And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me"? Unto us which are being saved; who are on the way of salvation. The same present participle is used in Luke 13:23 ; Acts 2:47 ; 2 Corinthians 2:15 ; Revelation 21:24 . It is the power of God. Because the cross is at the heart of that gospel which is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" ( Romans 1:16 ; Romans 8:3 ), though many were tempted to be ashamed of it. It could never be a carnal weapon of warfare, and yet was mighty for every purpose ( 2 Corinthians 10:4 , 2 Corinthians 10:5 ).