1 Corinthians 1:20
Verse
Context
The Message of the Cross
19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Where is the wise - the scribe - the disputer of this world? - These words most manifestly refer to the Jews; as the places (Isa 29:14; Isa 33:18; Isa 44:25) to which he refers cannot be understood of any but the Jews. The wise man σοφος, of the apostle, is the חכם chakam of the prophet; whose office it was to teach others. The scribe, γραμματευς, of the apostle, is the ספר sopher of the prophet; this signifies any man of learning, as distinguished from the common people, especially any master of the traditions. The disputer, συζητητης, answers to the דרש derosh, or דרשן darshan, the propounder of questions; the seeker of allegorical, mystical, and cabalistical senses from the Holy Scriptures. Now as all these are characters well known among the Jews, and as the words αιωνος τουτου, of this world are a simple translation of עולם הזה olam hazzeh, which is repeatedly used to designate the Jewish republic, there is no doubt that the apostle has the Jews immediately in view. This wisdom of theirs induced them to seek out of the sacred oracles any sense but the true one; and they made the word of God of none effect by their traditions. After them, and precisely on their model, the schoolmen arose; and they rendered the doctrine of the Gospel of no effect by their hypercritical questions, and endless distinctions without differences. By the preaching of Christ crucified God made foolish the wisdom of the Jewish wise men; and, after that the pure religion of Christ had been corrupted by a Church that was of this world, God rendered the wisdom and disputing of the schoolmen foolishness, by the revival of pure Christianity at the Reformation. The Jews themselves allow that nothing is wise, nothing strong, nothing rich, without God. "Our rabbins teach that there were two wise men in this world; one was an Israelite, Achitophel, the other was a Gentile, Balaam; but both were miserable in this world." "There were also two strong men in the world; one an Israelite, Samson, the other a Gentile, Goliah; but they were both miserable in this world." "There were two rich men in the world; one an Israelite, Korah, the other a Gentile, Haman; but both these were miserable in this world. And why? Because their gifts came not from God." See Schoettgen. In truth the world has derived very little, if any, moral good, either from the Jewish rabbins or the Gentile philosophers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Where--nowhere; for God "brings them to naught" (Co1 1:19). the wise--generally. the scribe--Jewish [ALFORD]. the disputer--Greek [ALFORD]. Compare the Jew and Greek of this world contrasted with the godly wise, Co1 1:22-23. VITRINGA thinks the reference is to the Jewish discourses in the synagogue, daraschoth, from a Hebrew root "to dispute." Compare "questions," Act 26:3; Tit 3:9. If so, "wise" refers to Greek wisdom (compare Co1 1:22). Paul applies Isa 33:18 here in a higher sense; there the primary reference was to temporal deliverance, here to external; Co1 1:22, which is in threefold opposition to Co1 1:18 there, sanctions this higher application; the Lord in the threefold character being the sole ground of glorying to His people. of this world . . . of this world--rather, "dispensation (or age) . . . world"; the Greek words are distinct. The former is here this age or worldly order of things in a moral point of view, as opposed to the Christian dispensation or order of things. The latter is the world viewed externally and cosmically. made foolish--shown the world's philosophy to be folly, because it lacks faith in Christ crucified [CHRYSOSTOM]. Has treated it as folly, and not used its help in converting and saving men (Co1 1:26-27) [ESTIUS].
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:20 In God’s eyes, the human wisdom of this world is foolish. Divine wisdom lies in the message of the cross and in Jesus Christ (see 1:24, 30).
1 Corinthians 1:20
The Message of the Cross
19For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”20Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Worldliness?
By J. Vernon McGee5.7K44:45MAT 6:33JHN 3:311CO 1:20JAS 3:131PE 5:5In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the question of what worldliness is according to the book of James. He compares the epistle to God's University, with James as the Dean, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and living out the teachings in the epistle. Dr. McGee highlights that worldliness is not simply defined by external behaviors like attending certain amusements or engaging in certain vices, but rather it encompasses the attitudes and desires of the heart. He points out that worldliness is characterized by selfishness, envy, discord, and a focus on temporal pleasures rather than eternal values. Dr. McGee also references the insights of Dr. Griffith Thomas, who observed that while the world may be becoming more "churchy," the church itself is becoming increasingly worldly.
The Little Maid
By Carl Armerding1.2K33:522KI 5:14ISA 55:6MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 28:19ACT 14:11CO 1:20In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience from their childhood, highlighting the importance of having evidence and personal encounters with God. They talk about growing up in a Christian home and having to start working at a young age to support the family. Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasizes the value of education and how witnessing the benefits of education firsthand strengthened their faith. The sermon also references a biblical story about a young girl who was taken captive and ended up serving a general and his wife.
Cse Seminar 7(2003) Questions and Answers
By Kent Hovind1.0K2:28:52GEN 1:1PSA 14:1PRO 3:5ROM 1:221CO 1:20COL 2:81TI 6:20This sermon by Kent Hovind delves into the topics of creation, evolution, and dinosaurs, emphasizing the belief that the Bible is scientifically accurate and evolution is a flawed religion. The seminar includes a question and answer session where various scientific and philosophical perspectives on evolution are discussed, challenging the conventional narrative taught in schools. The speaker highlights the views of renowned scientists and philosophers who question the validity of evolution as a scientific theory, presenting evidence that challenges mainstream scientific beliefs.
Church Live Re-Visited: Session Two - Part 2
By Ron Bailey87435:221CO 1:20JAS 3:13This sermon delves into the wisdom of God versus the wisdom of the world, emphasizing the importance of choosing God's wisdom which comes from above and leads to humility, mercy, and righteousness. It contrasts the mindset of independence from God with the surrender and dependence on God's power, especially exemplified through the cross of Christ. The sermon highlights the mystery of God's wisdom that confounds the rulers of this age, revealing the profound truth that God's strength is often displayed through weakness and humility.
Observations on Gnosticism and Manicheism
By Howard F. Vos01CO 1:201CO 2:6COL 2:81TI 6:201JN 4:1Howard F. Vos delves into the history and impact of Gnosticism, a belief system that emerged in the first century, blending elements from various religions and philosophies to combine revelation with worldly wisdom. Gnostics believed in the inherent evil of matter and the goodness of spirit, emphasizing the attainment of knowledge of the good God for salvation. This system, though short-lived, influenced ascetic practices and the hierarchical structure within the church, leading to a clearer definition of Christian doctrine and canon. The remnants of Gnosticism can be seen in Manicheism and the Mandaeans, highlighting the lasting effects of this ancient belief system.
Exposition on Psalm 83
By St. Augustine0GEN 3:19EXO 3:14PSA 82:1ISA 53:12LUK 20:35ROM 8:311CO 1:201CO 3:17EPH 6:12PHP 2:72TH 2:4St. Augustine delves into Psalm 82, interpreting it as a reflection of the congregation of God's people, comparing the Jewish people to the Synagogue and the Christian people to the Church. He highlights the prophetic nature of the Psalm, pointing to Christ as the ultimate judge and the enemies of God who will face judgment. Augustine emphasizes the importance of seeking God's name and the ultimate victory of God over His enemies, leading to their shame and destruction for those who do not seek His name.
A Victory for the Truth
By H.J. Vine02CH 13:15MAT 18:201CO 1:20EPH 1:10H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of unity in Christ, drawing parallels between the unity of Israel under King Abijah and Jeroboam and the unity of believers in Christ as the only appointed Centre by God. He emphasizes the need for believers to be subject to the directions of Christ, the Head of the assembly, as recorded in the Scriptures, to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Vine highlights the story of Abijah standing firm on God's truth against Jeroboam, the great division maker, as a lesson for believers to stand faithfully on the revealed truth of God, centered on Christ.
Love Not the World
By Horatius Bonar0WorldlinessEternal PerspectiveMAT 16:25JHN 1:10JHN 7:7JHN 14:27JHN 17:9JHN 17:161CO 1:20GAL 6:14JAS 4:41JN 2:15Horatius Bonar emphasizes the dangers of loving the world, warning that its gain leads to the loss of the soul and that friendship with the world is enmity against God. He highlights that the world does not recognize or love Christ, and that believers are called to be separate from it, as it is ruled by Satan and filled with wickedness. Bonar urges Christians to focus on eternal treasures rather than the fleeting pleasures of this world, reminding them that their true home lies in the kingdom to come.
Rediscovering Intuition
By Ernest O'Neill0PSA 14:1PRO 3:5MAT 11:25MAT 18:2ROM 1:201CO 1:20JAS 4:10Ernest O'Neill discusses the concept of foolishness in denying the existence of God, emphasizing the worldly wisdom that leads many to reject the idea of a Creator and rely solely on themselves. He explores the idea of regaining childlike faith and intuition by humbling ourselves and acknowledging the limitations of our worldly knowledge. O'Neill highlights the importance of becoming like children, trusting in a higher power, and seeking a deeper connection with the Father of the universe, as exemplified by Jesus' teachings.
Exposition on Psalm 88
By St. Augustine0PSA 87:4ISA 53:4MAT 26:37MAT 27:33LUK 23:34JHN 1:47ROM 6:9ROM 8:31CO 1:201CO 13:3EPH 5:81PE 2:211JN 3:16St. Augustine delves into Psalm 87, exploring the prophetic nature of the Psalm in relation to the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. He highlights the importance of imitating Christ's sacrifice and the need for charity in our actions. The Psalm is interpreted to reflect the sorrows and pains experienced by Christ, emphasizing His humanity and willingness to endure suffering for the salvation of humanity. St. Augustine connects the Psalm to the concept of Christ being free among the dead, emphasizing His unique ability to lay down His life and take it up again. The Psalm is further analyzed to reveal the depth of Christ's suffering, the rejection He faced, and the ultimate victory over death and sin.
The Evolution of Stupidity
By Ray Comfort0GEN 1:1PSA 14:11CO 1:202TI 1:7TIT 3:3Ray Comfort delivers a powerful sermon on the foolishness of rejecting the Bible and denying the existence of God, highlighting the consequences of such disbelief in modern society. He contrasts the wisdom of the world with the 'stupidity' in God's eyes, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our sinful nature and the need for God's grace for transformation. Comfort challenges the prevailing beliefs in evolution and moral relativism, pointing out the inherent flaws in denying a Creator and the truth found in the Bible.
Rationalism
By Charles Hodge0PRO 3:5ROM 1:201CO 1:20COL 2:82TI 3:16Charles Hodge preaches about the importance of understanding the different forms of Rationalism and their implications on faith. He emphasizes the necessity of faith being based on God's revelation and the importance of reason in judging the credibility and evidence of a revelation. Hodge also highlights the need for unity between philosophy and theology, acknowledging the authority of facts and the higher authority of the Bible over human speculation. He stresses the importance of interpreting the Bible in accordance with established facts and the need to yield to God's revelation when it contradicts human philosophy.
The Literatures of the Natural Man
By W.J. Erdman0ECC 1:2ECC 3:11ECC 12:13ROM 1:201CO 1:20W.J. Erdman preaches on how Ecclesiastes is a book that resonates with the natural man, as seen in the literature, poetry, ethics, and philosophies of various cultures throughout history. The questions, doubts, and reflections on the vanity of life expressed in Ecclesiastes are universal themes that echo in the hearts of people across different nations and time periods. The search for meaning, the struggle with despair, and the pursuit of the unknowable are all captured in the musings of Ecclesiastes, mirroring the sentiments found in the works of poets and thinkers worldwide.
‘And to Be Desired to Make One wise.’
By Andrew Murray0Divine WisdomTemptationMAT 4:31CO 1:20JAS 3:15Andrew Murray emphasizes that humanity's spiritual nature is designed to know and enjoy God, yet it often seeks wisdom in the world instead. This pursuit leads to a reliance on worldly reasoning, which becomes an obstacle to experiencing God's love and fosters pride. He illustrates this struggle through the temptations faced by Jesus, highlighting the dangers of self-sufficiency, materialism, and pride. Ultimately, Murray calls for a return to seeking divine wisdom rather than worldly knowledge.
Jacob and the Law of Life (Continued)
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 28:10GEN 31:13JHN 1:47JHN 14:61CO 1:201CO 2:14GAL 6:1PHP 2:8COL 1:18T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the sevenfold operation of life as represented by seven persons in Genesis, focusing on Jacob as a symbol of God's way of life. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the House of God, Bethel, starting from its heavenly side and the heavenly order that governs the Church. It highlights the need for everything to begin and lead to heaven, being of Christ, and the significance of Christ linking heaven with earth. The sermon also delves into the principles of authority and subjection in the Church, showing how authority is reached through subjection, and how heavenly order is governed by the law of Christly increase.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Where is the wise - the scribe - the disputer of this world? - These words most manifestly refer to the Jews; as the places (Isa 29:14; Isa 33:18; Isa 44:25) to which he refers cannot be understood of any but the Jews. The wise man σοφος, of the apostle, is the חכם chakam of the prophet; whose office it was to teach others. The scribe, γραμματευς, of the apostle, is the ספר sopher of the prophet; this signifies any man of learning, as distinguished from the common people, especially any master of the traditions. The disputer, συζητητης, answers to the דרש derosh, or דרשן darshan, the propounder of questions; the seeker of allegorical, mystical, and cabalistical senses from the Holy Scriptures. Now as all these are characters well known among the Jews, and as the words αιωνος τουτου, of this world are a simple translation of עולם הזה olam hazzeh, which is repeatedly used to designate the Jewish republic, there is no doubt that the apostle has the Jews immediately in view. This wisdom of theirs induced them to seek out of the sacred oracles any sense but the true one; and they made the word of God of none effect by their traditions. After them, and precisely on their model, the schoolmen arose; and they rendered the doctrine of the Gospel of no effect by their hypercritical questions, and endless distinctions without differences. By the preaching of Christ crucified God made foolish the wisdom of the Jewish wise men; and, after that the pure religion of Christ had been corrupted by a Church that was of this world, God rendered the wisdom and disputing of the schoolmen foolishness, by the revival of pure Christianity at the Reformation. The Jews themselves allow that nothing is wise, nothing strong, nothing rich, without God. "Our rabbins teach that there were two wise men in this world; one was an Israelite, Achitophel, the other was a Gentile, Balaam; but both were miserable in this world." "There were also two strong men in the world; one an Israelite, Samson, the other a Gentile, Goliah; but they were both miserable in this world." "There were two rich men in the world; one an Israelite, Korah, the other a Gentile, Haman; but both these were miserable in this world. And why? Because their gifts came not from God." See Schoettgen. In truth the world has derived very little, if any, moral good, either from the Jewish rabbins or the Gentile philosophers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Where--nowhere; for God "brings them to naught" (Co1 1:19). the wise--generally. the scribe--Jewish [ALFORD]. the disputer--Greek [ALFORD]. Compare the Jew and Greek of this world contrasted with the godly wise, Co1 1:22-23. VITRINGA thinks the reference is to the Jewish discourses in the synagogue, daraschoth, from a Hebrew root "to dispute." Compare "questions," Act 26:3; Tit 3:9. If so, "wise" refers to Greek wisdom (compare Co1 1:22). Paul applies Isa 33:18 here in a higher sense; there the primary reference was to temporal deliverance, here to external; Co1 1:22, which is in threefold opposition to Co1 1:18 there, sanctions this higher application; the Lord in the threefold character being the sole ground of glorying to His people. of this world . . . of this world--rather, "dispensation (or age) . . . world"; the Greek words are distinct. The former is here this age or worldly order of things in a moral point of view, as opposed to the Christian dispensation or order of things. The latter is the world viewed externally and cosmically. made foolish--shown the world's philosophy to be folly, because it lacks faith in Christ crucified [CHRYSOSTOM]. Has treated it as folly, and not used its help in converting and saving men (Co1 1:26-27) [ESTIUS].
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:20 In God’s eyes, the human wisdom of this world is foolish. Divine wisdom lies in the message of the cross and in Jesus Christ (see 1:24, 30).