Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

1 Corinthians 1

18 For the 1 message of the cross is a foolishness to b those who are perishing, but to us c who are being saved it is the d power of God.

19 For it is written:
e "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." 2

20 f Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the 3 disputer of this age? g Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the h wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For i Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, j to the Jews a 4 stumbling block and to the 5 Greeks k foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ l the power of God and m the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For 6 you see your calling, brethren, n that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many 7 noble, are called. 27 But o God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the 8 base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and p righteousness and sanctification and redemption - 31 that, as it is written, q "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." 9

  1. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 2:14
    But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
  2. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:15
    For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:2
    By which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you - unless you believed in vain.
  4. Cross References
    Romans 1:16
    For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
    1 Corinthians 1:24
    But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
  5. Cross References
    Isaiah 29:14
    Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.
  6. Cross References
    Isaiah 19:12
    Where are they? Where are your wise men? Let them tell you now, And let them know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt.
    Isaiah 33:18
    Your heart will meditate on terror: "Where is the scribe? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?
  7. Cross References
    Job 12:17
    He leads counselors away plundered, And makes f...
    Matthew 13:22
    Now he who received seed among the thorns is he...
    1 Corinthians 2:6
    However, we speak wisdom among those who are ma...
    1 Corinthians 2:8
    Which none of the rulers of this age knew; for ...
    1 Corinthians 3:18
    Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you...
    1 Corinthians 3:19
    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness wit...
  8. Cross References
    Daniel 2:20
    Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His.
    Romans 11:33
    Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
  9. Cross References
    Matthew 12:38
    Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.
    Mark 8:11
    Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him.
    John 2:18
    So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?
    John 4:48
    Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.
  10. Cross References
    Isaiah 8:14
    He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
    Luke 2:34
    Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against
    John 6:60
    Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?
    Galatians 5:11
    And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
    1 Peter 2:8
    And "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
  11. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 2:14
    But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
  12. Cross References
    Romans 1:4
    And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
  13. Cross References
    Colossians 2:3
    In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
  14. Cross References
    John 7:48
    Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him?
  15. Cross References
    Psalms 8:2
    Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
    Matthew 11:25
    At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.
  16. Cross References
    Jeremiah 23:5
    Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.
    Jeremiah 33:16
    In those days Judah will be saved, And Jerusalem will dwell safely. And this is the name by which she will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
    2 Corinthians 5:21
    For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
    Philippians 3:9
    And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.
  17. Cross References
    Jeremiah 9:23
    Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches.
    Jeremiah 9:24
    But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD.
    2 Corinthians 10:17
    But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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