1 Corinthians 1:21
Verse
Context
The Message of the Cross
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
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For after that in the wisdom of God - Dr. Lightfoot observes, "That σοφια του Θεου, the wisdom of God, is not to be understood of that wisdom which had God for its author, but that wisdom which had God for its object. There was, among the heathen, σοφια της φυσεως, wisdom about natural things, that is, philosophy; and σοφια του Θεου, wisdom about God; that is, divinity. But the world in its divinity could not, by wisdom, know God." The plain meaning of this verse is, that the wise men of the world, especially the Greek philosophers, who possessed every advantage that human nature could have, independently of a Divine revelation, and who had cultivated their minds to the uttermost, could never, by their learning, wisdom, and industry, find out God; nor had the most refined philosophers among them just and correct views of the Divine nature, nor of that in which human happiness consists. The work of Lucretius, De Natura Rerum, and the work of Cicero, De Natura Deorum, are incontestable proofs of this. Even the writings of Plato and Aristotle have contributed little to remove the veil which clouded the understanding of men. No wisdom but that which came from God could ever penetrate and illuminate the human mind. By the foolishness of preaching - By the preaching of Christ crucified, which the Gentiles termed μωρια, foolishness, in opposition to their own doctrines, which they termed σοφια, wisdom. It was not by the foolishness of preaching, literally, nor by the foolish preaching, that God saved the world; but by that Gospel which they called μωρια, foolishness; which was, in fact, the wisdom of God, and also the power of God to the salvation of them that believed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
after that--rather, "whereas." in the wisdom of God--in the wise arrangement of God. world by wisdom--rather, "by its wisdom," or "its philosophy" (Joh 1:10; Rom 1:28). knew not God--whatever other knowledge it attained (Act 17:23, Act 17:27). The deistic theory that man can by the light of nature discover his duty to God, is disproved by the fact that man has never discovered it without revelation. All the stars and moon cannot make it day; that is the prerogative of the sun. Nor can nature's highest gifts make the moral day arise; that is the office of Christ. Even the Jew missed this knowledge, in so far as he followed after mere carnal world wisdom. it pleased God--Paul refers to Jesus' words (Luk 10:21). by the foolishness of preaching--by that preaching which the world (unbelieving Jews and Gentiles alike) deem foolishness. save them that believe-- (Rom 1:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For after that in the wisdom of God,.... These words contain a reason proving the infatuation of men, with respect to "the wisdom of God"; by which may be meant either Christ, who is the wisdom of God, was in the world, and yet the world of the Jews, and their chief Rabbins among them, with all their wisdom, neither knew him, nor God his Father; or the Gospel, which is also so called, and though this was come, both into the Jewish and Gentile world, yet neither of them, by their natural wisdom, knew the God of grace, so manifestly revealed in it; or rather the works of creation, in which there is such a visible display of the wisdom of God: yet "the world by wisdom knew not God"; the author of them: the Gentiles knew him not in any spiritual and saving manner, as in Christ, or the God of all grace; yea, they knew him not as the God of nature to be the one, only, true God; they knew him not so as to glorify him as God, or to worship him in a right way and manner: wherefore, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe; it was his purpose and decree within himself; it was his sovereign good will and pleasure; it was what he, without any motion from, or merit in the creature, resolved of himself from all eternity that he would "save", not the wise man, the Scribe, the disputer of this world, the rationalist, the talker, nor the worker, but "them that believe" in his Son; that look unto him, venture on him, and commit the care and keeping of their souls to him, however weak, mean, and despicable they may otherwise be; or whether they believe with a weak, or a strong faith, so be it, it is but true: the Ethiopic version reads, "that believe in this foolish doctrine"; and this he determined to do, and did, "by the foolishness of preaching"; or by that sort of preaching, which both for the matter of it, Christ, that itself, and the manner of it, the world reckons foolishness; and which are the things of the Father's grace in election, of the Son's grace in redemption, and the Spirit's in regeneration: so the wise men of the world, with all their wisdom, are left ignorant of God, and perish in their sins, whilst the Gospel they despise is the power of God unto salvation to all that believe in Christ; this, through efficacious grace, becomes the means of regenerating and quickening men, showing them their need of salvation, and where it is, and of working faith in them to look to Christ for it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21 Human wisdom alone does not bring people to the true knowledge of God; that comes only through the message of the cross, which the world considers foolish, but which saves those who believe (cp. Matt 11:25).
1 Corinthians 1:21
The Message of the Cross
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
America's Last Call (Compilation)
By Compilations3.2K18:14CompilationMAT 10:1MRK 16:15LUK 3:31CO 1:21TIT 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hard preaching and repentance. He compares the current generation to the religious vipers and proud Pharisees of John the Baptist's time. The preacher highlights the urgency of the message, stating that people have only 40 days to repent before facing judgment. He emphasizes that God's plan for salvation and revival has always been through the preaching of His Word, and encourages believers to follow the example of past preachers who boldly proclaimed the truth and led many to salvation.
The Necessity of the Spirit's Work
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K39:19EZK 36:27MAT 7:7LUK 18:13JHN 3:16ROM 8:91CO 1:21HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher describes a scenario where a reputable and upright tradesman is confronted with the truth that he is a condemned sinner, just like a thief on the cross. The preacher questions whether this man would believe and truly feel his sinfulness. The preacher then goes on to describe the transformation that occurs in a person after their conversion to Christianity. They are able to face troubles and storms with faith, even in the midst of great loss and adversity. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and finding joy in Him, regardless of circumstances.
Worship That Comes by the Word, The: Satisfaction in the Greatness of God
By John Piper1.5K34:01MAT 6:33ROM 4:20ROM 10:14ROM 10:171CO 1:211CO 2:4In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of preaching as a means to spread the glories of God and satisfy the spiritual hunger of believers. He highlights the problem of people filling themselves with worldly distractions like television, which diminishes their hunger for God's word. The pastor's main goal is to inspire a radical devotion to God, leading to a magnification of His glory and a transformation of hearts. He concludes that the ultimate aim of preaching, regardless of the text or topic, is to cultivate soul-satisfying, God-exalting worship.
Eyes That Cannot See
By John Rhys Watkins1.4K49:53Spiritual BlindnessJHN 9:1JHN 9:34ACT 26:131CO 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Saul of Tarsus, who was initially blinded by his religious zeal and desire for success. The preacher compares Saul to modern-day preachers who may be sincere in their aims and motives but are blinded by their own agendas. The preacher emphasizes the need for spiritual eyes and the danger of succumbing to ultimate darkness without the light of God. The sermon also references the story of a blind man in John chapter 9, highlighting Jesus' response that the man's blindness was not a result of sin but an opportunity for God's works to be manifested.
The True Servant of Christ - Part 4
By Paul Washer1.3K1:01:07ServanthoodMAT 6:33ROM 10:171CO 1:211TH 2:132TI 3:162TI 4:22PE 1:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the word of God. He quotes Hebrews 4:12, which describes the word of God as living, active, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The preacher acknowledges that it is easier for us to see faults in others than in ourselves, but encourages the audience to examine their own hearts and seek the truth of God's word. He highlights four ways in which the Scriptures effectively work in believers: it brings new life, feeds and nourishes, renews the mind, and is transmitted through preaching. The preacher urges the audience to commit their lives to knowing and understanding the Bible as the word of God.
Four Things This Generation Must Hear
By Rolfe Barnard95011:49MessagePSA 47:8MAT 6:10ACT 2:36ROM 9:15ROM 14:111CO 1:211CO 15:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for churches to focus on the mission and message of God rather than getting caught up in proving their own views. He highlights the urgency of reaching out to those who are dying and going to hell, rather than getting caught up in doctrinal debates. The preacher calls for a revival of old-fashioned preaching that confronts people with the foundational truths of the gospel, including the sovereignty of God and the sinfulness of man. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel as the only way to reach and save people.
Winning Souls Is Wise
By John R. Rice87738:01Soul WinningPSA 119:18MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ACT 2:461CO 1:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of soul-winning and the urgency to save people from hell. He encourages the audience to be determined and committed to the task of evangelism, even if it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. The motivation for soul-winning is said to be rooted in the love of Jesus, who died for sinners. The preacher also shares a personal example of distributing a booklet and engaging in conversations about salvation at a bus station. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging the audience to make a commitment to win someone to Christ within the next seven days.
The Gospel According to Isaiah
By William MacDonald80834:36GospelGEN 15:6PSA 96:12ISA 55:1HAB 2:4JHN 7:371CO 1:211CO 1:25In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a couple who lived empty lives, focused on material pleasures and entertainment. He emphasizes the tragedy of people living their lives like hamsters on a wheel, going around in circles and getting nowhere. The preacher then discusses the transformation that occurs when Jesus comes into a person's heart, comparing it to a briar bush becoming a cypress tree. He concludes by inviting the congregation to accept Jesus into their hearts and seek forgiveness for their sins, emphasizing the urgency of seeking the Lord while he may be found.
(A Living Challenge) How Badly Do You Want It?
By Dale Gish7621:23:26MAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 1:21EPH 1:161TH 5:17HEB 10:25JAS 4:8The sermon titled "How Bad Do You Want It?" emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights that this vision leads to power over temptation, victory over sin, answered prayer, and being filled with the fullness of God. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their desire for experiencing the mighty power of God in their lives and compares it to their other desires. The speaker emphasizes that having a strong desire for the testimony of Jesus Christ and divine intervention in one's life is crucial.
Preaching in the 19th Century
By Ian Murray75359:44Revival in the ChurchThe Power of PreachingPSA 119:105MAT 28:19ACT 6:4ROM 10:141CO 1:211TH 2:132TI 3:162TI 4:2HEB 4:12JAS 1:22Ian Murray reflects on the profound impact of 19th-century preaching, emphasizing the dedication and long pastorates of influential preachers like Spurgeon and Palmer. He highlights the remarkable conversions and community transformations that resulted from their sermons, contrasting the evangelistic fervor of the first half of the century with the more contemporary, less impactful preaching of the latter half. Murray notes that while the earlier preachers focused on the heart and conscience, later preachers became more concerned with social issues and intellectualism, leading to a decline in spiritual fervor. He calls for a return to the principles of the first half of the century, urging a reliance on the Holy Spirit and a commitment to the ministry of the Word and prayer. The sermon concludes with a hopeful reminder of God's promises and the need for revival in preaching.
The New Exodus Community - Galatians 5:1
By Michael Flowers40332:26CommunityLUK 9:31JHN 13:34ACT 11:181CO 1:21GAL 4:9GAL 5:3GAL 5:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about his dog and a bone to illustrate the destructive nature of biting and devouring one another. He connects this behavior to the false teachings that were being spread in the Galatian churches, suggesting that they were causing division and harm within the community. The speaker emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself, quoting from the law to support this idea. He also highlights the practical ways in which the congregation can serve one another, using the example of volunteers in the church and the desire to create a loving environment for children.
The Easter Miracle
By Thaddeus Barnum36434:22EasterMAT 4:4ACT 1:8ACT 8:4ROM 10:171CO 1:21HEB 4:121PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the common testimony and witness of believers in spreading the word of God. He shares a personal story of a man who initially lived a double life but was convicted of his sins and gave his life to Christ through the testimony of his daughter. The speaker encourages believers not to be hindered by fear or feelings of inadequacy in sharing the gospel, as God uses ordinary people to proclaim His word. He also highlights the importance of being knowledgeable about the Bible and being filled with the Holy Spirit to effectively share the gospel.
The Preached Word
By Art Katz1571:06:25Word Of GodPSA 119:105ISA 55:11MAT 28:19ACT 6:4ROM 10:171CO 1:21HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not underestimating the significance of preaching the word of God. He cautions against being melodramatic or having grandiose notions about the service, but instead recognizes it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for eternity to break into time. The preacher shares his personal experience of feeling inadequate and uncomfortable as a preacher, but acknowledges that this discomfort is necessary for growth and formation. He also highlights the importance of seeking guidance from God through devotion and scripture reading to receive the message to be preached.
The Trend Away From God
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual DiscernmentWorldlinessGEN 1:11ISA 53:6MAT 16:26JHN 12:31ROM 12:21CO 1:212CO 6:17PHP 3:8JAS 4:41JN 5:19Watchman Nee addresses the alarming trend away from God, emphasizing that while Christians recognize sinful things as Satanic, they often overlook the worldly pursuits like education, science, and culture that are equally under Satan's influence. He warns that the entire world lies in the evil one, and even seemingly innocent endeavors can lead believers astray if not kept under God's authority. Nee illustrates this with examples from history and personal experience, showing how institutions founded on Christian principles can drift into worldly standards once divine influence wanes. He concludes that true deliverance from these entanglements is not merely through personal dedication but through the mercy and redemptive work of God, urging believers to tread carefully in all worldly matters.
Gospel Preaching Commanded
By A.W. Pink0Divine ElectionGospel PreachingMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:23JHN 6:44ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 1:21EPH 2:11TH 2:42TI 4:2A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of gospel preaching, countering the misconception that God's election excludes certain individuals from salvation. He argues that while God has prepared a feast, it is humanity's natural inclination to resist coming to Him, necessitating divine intervention to compel them to accept His grace. Pink asserts that the power of the gospel lies not in human ability but in God's authority, which enables the dead in sin to respond to His call. He stresses the responsibility of Christians to actively share the gospel with all, as it is through this preaching that God's elect are called. Ultimately, he calls for a serious commitment to evangelism, urging believers to start in their own communities.
The Famine Has Begun (Excerpt)
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual FaminePreachingJER 1:5AMO 8:11JON 1:2JON 3:4MAT 28:19ROM 10:141CO 1:21TIT 1:3HEB 4:122PE 2:5David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical role of preaching in God's plan to address the spiritual famine in society, highlighting that God has always sent prophets and preachers to deliver His message. He draws parallels from biblical examples, such as Noah and Jonah, to illustrate that God’s method for warning and redeeming nations is through the proclamation of His Word. Wilkerson warns that our current generation is in dire need of powerful, convicting preaching, as it faces greater moral decay than past societies. He asserts that the only solution to this spiritual crisis is the anointed preaching of the Gospel, not political or social efforts. Ultimately, he calls for a return to bold, uncompromising preaching to awaken hearts before judgment comes.
Death--Academic Honours--Written Sermons
By John Newton0MAT 13:45JHN 6:37ROM 6:231CO 1:211TH 5:18John Newton emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's sovereignty and being thankful in all circumstances, even in the face of sorrow and distress, as sin and its consequences are ever-present and souls are in need of salvation. He congratulates a minister on their calling, urging them to seek God's glory and anointing of the Holy Spirit for effective ministry. Newton warns against pursuing worldly honors over spiritual growth, highlighting the value of knowing Jesus Christ above all else and the necessity of plain, understandable preaching to reach all listeners.
Profiting From the Word 2. the Scriptures and God
By A.W. Pink0Knowledge Of GodSupernatural RevelationPSA 36:9PSA 63:1JHN 3:3ACT 17:23ROM 6:131CO 1:211CO 2:142CO 4:62TI 3:162PE 1:21A.W. Pink emphasizes the supernatural nature of the Scriptures as a divine revelation from God, asserting that true knowledge of God can only be attained through a spiritual understanding imparted by the Holy Spirit. He warns against the dangers of a mere intellectual grasp of Scripture, which can lead to a superficial faith devoid of genuine transformation. Pink highlights that a true relationship with God results in a profound reverence for His commandments, a deeper trust in His sufficiency, and a heartfelt delight in His perfections. He calls for believers to recognize God's claims, fear His majesty, and submit to His providences, as these are indicators of profiting from the Word. Ultimately, Pink encourages a life that reflects a supernatural experience of God, evidenced by a transformed heart and life.
Preachers of Righteousness
By Art Katz0PreachingRighteousnessEZK 33:7MAT 5:14ROM 10:141CO 1:211TH 2:42TI 4:2HEB 4:12JAS 3:11PE 4:112PE 2:5Art Katz emphasizes the critical role of preachers of righteousness in delivering God's word, which should not be diluted to please audiences but should challenge and provoke spiritual maturity. He highlights the need for preachers to be vessels of divine truth, understanding that their messages carry eternal significance and require a response from the congregation. Katz warns against the worldly compromises that can dilute the preached word, urging both preachers and listeners to recognize the weight of their responsibilities in the proclamation of God's truth. He calls for a church environment that supports and nurtures true preaching, which often involves discomfort and a call to deeper faith. Ultimately, Katz stresses that the effectiveness of preaching lies in the authenticity and spiritual depth of the preacher, who must be willing to endure suffering and sacrifice for the sake of delivering God's message.
Holy Orders
By Ian Paisley0JER 6:15ROM 10:14ROM 10:171CO 1:211CO 1:23GAL 1:81TI 3:12TI 4:2TIT 1:51JN 4:6Ian Paisley preaches against the concept of Holy Orders as an institution unknown to the Scriptures, denouncing Popery's elevation of priesthood through claimed divine institution and sacramental significance. He refutes Apostolic Succession, highlighting the distinction between the Apostles and other ministers, emphasizing the lack of scriptural support for this assumption. Paisley challenges the doctrines of Apostolic Succession and Papal Unity, exposing the fallacies and historical corruptions within these systems. He underscores the importance of character and doctrine in appointing bishops, contrasting the Apostolic emphasis on preaching the Gospel with the modern prioritization of sacraments over preaching and Gospel truths.
Luke 16:2931. Abraham's Reply to the Rich Man.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0JHN 20:29ACT 16:31ROM 10:171CO 1:21HEB 4:12Favell Lee Mortimer emphasizes that God's method of reaching souls is through His written word and appointed messengers, rather than through supernatural appearances of departed spirits. The rich man in the story imagined that a warning from a departed soul would lead his brothers to repentance, but God's plan involves believers sharing His message with others. Just as Jesus did not appear to His enemies after His resurrection, God calls us to believe in His word and appointed messengers for salvation. The word of God has the power to awaken the hearts of the thoughtless and save them from eternal torment, leading them to the abode of bliss through faith.
The Scriptures and God
By A.W. Pink0Knowledge Of GodSupernatural RevelationPSA 36:9JHN 3:3JHN 17:3ACT 17:231CO 1:211CO 2:142CO 4:62TI 3:162PE 1:211JN 5:20A.W. Pink emphasizes the supernatural nature of the Scriptures as a divine revelation, asserting that they are not merely inspired but verbally dictated by God. He warns against human theories that undermine their authority and highlights the necessity of a supernatural revelation to truly know God, which cannot be achieved through mere intellectual study. Pink argues that a genuine knowledge of God leads to a transformed life, characterized by a deeper reverence for His commandments, a firmer trust in His sufficiency, and a more fervent praise for His goodness. He stresses that true conversion involves recognizing God's claims and submitting to His will, resulting in a supernatural experience that is evident in the believer's life. Ultimately, Pink calls for a return to a biblical understanding of God, contrasting it with the paganized views prevalent in modern Christianity.
The Jews, the Holocaust, and the Presence of God
By Ray Comfort0JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 10:141CO 1:212TI 4:2Ray Comfort addresses the implications of a well-known ex-televangelist's belief that all who died in the Holocaust went to Heaven, questioning if salvation is limited to specific groups or circumstances, and emphasizing the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. He challenges the idea of seeking God's presence as the primary focus of evangelism, highlighting the importance of preaching the Gospel and leading sinners to repentance through the power of God's Word rather than relying on emotional experiences.
Ezekiel 36:27
By Chuck Smith0SalvationThe Work of the Holy SpiritEZK 36:27JHN 6:44JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ROM 8:7ROM 10:141CO 1:212CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 2:1Chuck Smith emphasizes the essential role of the Holy Spirit in the process of salvation, asserting that humanity is spiritually dead and cannot come to God without the Spirit's drawing. He explains that salvation is not merely a result of human effort or preaching but requires the Spirit to reveal God's work through Christ. Smith highlights that the Christian experience and acts of faith must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, as true repentance and faith are impossible without His influence. The sermon underscores that God's promises and the reality of salvation are only understood through the Spirit's work in our lives.
Voices That Despair of Revival
By John R. Rice02CH 7:14MAT 9:36LUK 10:1JHN 4:34ACT 1:8ACT 1:111CO 1:21GAL 3:24EPH 4:11John R. Rice preaches about the possibility of having revival now, emphasizing the urgent need for Spirit-filled workers to reach the lost. Drawing from Matthew 9:36-38, he highlights Jesus' compassion for the multitudes and His call for more laborers to bring in the harvest. Rice stresses that the issue is not with the harvest, which is plentiful, but with the laborers who are few. He challenges believers to pray for God to send forth more workers into His harvest, just as Jesus instructed His disciples.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For after that in the wisdom of God - Dr. Lightfoot observes, "That σοφια του Θεου, the wisdom of God, is not to be understood of that wisdom which had God for its author, but that wisdom which had God for its object. There was, among the heathen, σοφια της φυσεως, wisdom about natural things, that is, philosophy; and σοφια του Θεου, wisdom about God; that is, divinity. But the world in its divinity could not, by wisdom, know God." The plain meaning of this verse is, that the wise men of the world, especially the Greek philosophers, who possessed every advantage that human nature could have, independently of a Divine revelation, and who had cultivated their minds to the uttermost, could never, by their learning, wisdom, and industry, find out God; nor had the most refined philosophers among them just and correct views of the Divine nature, nor of that in which human happiness consists. The work of Lucretius, De Natura Rerum, and the work of Cicero, De Natura Deorum, are incontestable proofs of this. Even the writings of Plato and Aristotle have contributed little to remove the veil which clouded the understanding of men. No wisdom but that which came from God could ever penetrate and illuminate the human mind. By the foolishness of preaching - By the preaching of Christ crucified, which the Gentiles termed μωρια, foolishness, in opposition to their own doctrines, which they termed σοφια, wisdom. It was not by the foolishness of preaching, literally, nor by the foolish preaching, that God saved the world; but by that Gospel which they called μωρια, foolishness; which was, in fact, the wisdom of God, and also the power of God to the salvation of them that believed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
after that--rather, "whereas." in the wisdom of God--in the wise arrangement of God. world by wisdom--rather, "by its wisdom," or "its philosophy" (Joh 1:10; Rom 1:28). knew not God--whatever other knowledge it attained (Act 17:23, Act 17:27). The deistic theory that man can by the light of nature discover his duty to God, is disproved by the fact that man has never discovered it without revelation. All the stars and moon cannot make it day; that is the prerogative of the sun. Nor can nature's highest gifts make the moral day arise; that is the office of Christ. Even the Jew missed this knowledge, in so far as he followed after mere carnal world wisdom. it pleased God--Paul refers to Jesus' words (Luk 10:21). by the foolishness of preaching--by that preaching which the world (unbelieving Jews and Gentiles alike) deem foolishness. save them that believe-- (Rom 1:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For after that in the wisdom of God,.... These words contain a reason proving the infatuation of men, with respect to "the wisdom of God"; by which may be meant either Christ, who is the wisdom of God, was in the world, and yet the world of the Jews, and their chief Rabbins among them, with all their wisdom, neither knew him, nor God his Father; or the Gospel, which is also so called, and though this was come, both into the Jewish and Gentile world, yet neither of them, by their natural wisdom, knew the God of grace, so manifestly revealed in it; or rather the works of creation, in which there is such a visible display of the wisdom of God: yet "the world by wisdom knew not God"; the author of them: the Gentiles knew him not in any spiritual and saving manner, as in Christ, or the God of all grace; yea, they knew him not as the God of nature to be the one, only, true God; they knew him not so as to glorify him as God, or to worship him in a right way and manner: wherefore, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe; it was his purpose and decree within himself; it was his sovereign good will and pleasure; it was what he, without any motion from, or merit in the creature, resolved of himself from all eternity that he would "save", not the wise man, the Scribe, the disputer of this world, the rationalist, the talker, nor the worker, but "them that believe" in his Son; that look unto him, venture on him, and commit the care and keeping of their souls to him, however weak, mean, and despicable they may otherwise be; or whether they believe with a weak, or a strong faith, so be it, it is but true: the Ethiopic version reads, "that believe in this foolish doctrine"; and this he determined to do, and did, "by the foolishness of preaching"; or by that sort of preaching, which both for the matter of it, Christ, that itself, and the manner of it, the world reckons foolishness; and which are the things of the Father's grace in election, of the Son's grace in redemption, and the Spirit's in regeneration: so the wise men of the world, with all their wisdom, are left ignorant of God, and perish in their sins, whilst the Gospel they despise is the power of God unto salvation to all that believe in Christ; this, through efficacious grace, becomes the means of regenerating and quickening men, showing them their need of salvation, and where it is, and of working faith in them to look to Christ for it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21 Human wisdom alone does not bring people to the true knowledge of God; that comes only through the message of the cross, which the world considers foolish, but which saves those who believe (cp. Matt 11:25).