1 Corinthians 1:26
Verse
Context
Wisdom from God
25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.26Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye see your calling - Την κλησιν. The state of grace and blessedness to which ye are invited. I think, βλεπετε την κλησιν, etc., should be read in the imperative: Take heed to, or consider your calling, brethren; that (ὁτι) not many of you are wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble: men is not in the original, and Paul seems to allude to the Corinthian believers in particular. This seems to have been said in opposition to the high and worldly notions of the Jews, who assert that the Divine Spirit never rests upon any man, unless he be wise, powerful, and rich. Now this Divine Spirit did rest upon the Christians at Corinth, and yet these were, in the sense of the world, neither wise, rich, nor noble. We spoil, if not corrupt the apostle's meaning, by adding are called, as if God did not send his Gospel to the wise, the powerful, and the noble, or did not will their salvation. The truth is, the Gospel has an equal call to all classes of men; but the wise, the mighty, and the noble, are too busy, or too sensual, to pay any attention to an invitation so spiritual and so Divine; and therefore there are few of these in the Church of Christ in general.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ye see--rather, from the prominence of the verb in the Greek, "see" or "consider" (imperative) [ALFORD from Vulgate and IRENÆUS]. your calling . . . are called--Instead of the words in italics, supplied by English Version, supply, "were your callers." What Paul is dwelling on (compare Co1 1:27-28) is the weakness of the instrumentality which the Lord employed to convert the world [HINDS and WHATELY; so ANSELM]. However, English Version accords well with Co1 1:24. "The whole history of the expansion of the Church is a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, until the emperor himself laid down his crown before the cross of Christ" [OLSHAUSEN]. wise . . . after the flesh--the wisdom of this world acquired by human study without the Spirit. (Contrast Mat 16:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For ye see your calling, brethren,.... That is, those that were called by the grace of God among them; for as circumcision and uncircumcision stand for circumcised and uncircumcised persons, and election for elect persons, and righteousness for righteous persons, Rom 3:30 so here "calling" designs men called by grace; the manner of whose calling, and what sort of persons they were, the apostle signifies, they did or might, or ought, to see, observe, and consider; for respect is here had, not, as some have thought, to the first preachers of the Gospel, who were mechanics, fishermen, illiterate persons, very mean and despicable; but to the members of the church at Corinth, whether public preachers, or private members. The city of Corinth had in it many noble families, of high birth and quality, abounded with learned philosophers and rich merchants; and yet it was easy to be seen, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. The apostle does not say that there were none of the wise, the mighty, and noble called; for there were Crispus, and Sosthenes, rulers of the synagogue, and Gains a rich hospitable man, and Erastus the chamberlain of the city, and it may be some others of a like or better figure in life; but there were not many of them; instances of this kind are but few recorded in the Scripture; as Joseph of Arimathea a rich counsellor, Paulus Sergius a Roman deputy, Dionysius the Areopagite, and some in Caesar's palace; which show that nobility, riches, and learning, as they do not at all contribute towards a man's salvation, so neither can they hinder it where grace takes place; but, generally speaking, God has thought fit, for wise reasons, to choose and call persons of different characters.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:26 Socially and culturally, most Corinthian Christians were ordinary people; few were among the elite (cp. Matt 11:25). Only a few Christians, such as Erastus, the city treasurer in Corinth (see Rom 16:23), were wealthy (or high born; cp. Jas 2:5).
1 Corinthians 1:26
Wisdom from God
25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.26Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Stick and a One Line Sermon
By Carter Conlon6.3K40:58FailureEXO 3:11CO 1:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching the lost for the sake of Christ and giving one's life as a living sacrifice for God's causes. The preacher refers to a song that talks about the beauty of those who bring good news on the mountains. The sermon also touches on the feeling of regret and failure when one's vision for serving God seems to be in vain. The preacher encourages the congregation to look away from their own weaknesses and focus on the power of God, reminding them that the spiritual future and destiny of many people are in their hands. The sermon concludes with an altar call for those who feel called by God to embrace His plan, even if it may seem foolish to the world.
Holding on to Your Confidence
By David Wilkerson3.7K1:00:16ConfidenceMAT 6:33ROM 8:281CO 1:26PHP 4:19COL 2:91TH 5:17HEB 10:35In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing confidence in God. He reads from Hebrews 10:35, which encourages believers to have patience and trust in God's promises. The speaker shares a personal story of facing a financial debt and feeling disappointed that an angel did not come to help. However, he recounts how God showed compassion through a banker who offered a payment plan. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus is the ultimate supplier of all our needs and that God chooses the weak and despised to confound the mighty.
The Ultimate Statistic
By Ray Comfort2.6K36:04EvangelismEXO 20:13EXO 20:17MAT 5:21MRK 16:15ACT 17:281CO 1:261CO 3:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about running a club for kids and distributing candy. He notices the greed and unfairness in the line and decides to give the candy to the meek and sickly ones instead. The speaker then uses the analogy of a man trying to fly and suffering the consequences of transgressing the law of gravity to explain that God's law is the law of sin and death. He emphasizes that the soul that sins shall die because we have all transgressed God's law. The speaker also compares God's law to a mirror that reflects our true selves and asks the audience if they have ever lied or sinned. He encourages them to open their hearts to the Gospel and highlights that they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The Unpredictable Pathway of the Spirit
By Carter Conlon2.4K38:16Holy Spirit1CO 1:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being born again and receiving the life of the Spirit. He uses the analogy of the wind, explaining that just as we cannot see where the wind comes from or where it goes, we cannot fully understand the work of the Spirit in our lives. The speaker then highlights the transformation that occurred in the lives of the disciples, who were uneducated and ignorant men, but became bold and knowledgeable through their relationship with Jesus. He also mentions the transformation that takes place in believers today, as they are changed by the power of Christ within them, leading others to marvel at their wisdom and virtue.
Peachtree Baptist Church - Part 1
By Paul Washer2.4K44:531CO 1:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that his goal is not to manipulate or create temporary excitement, but to lay down foundational truths of Scripture that will lead believers towards godliness for years to come. He shares his dislike for psychological manipulation and encourages genuine transformation in the lives of believers. The preacher also reflects on the importance of recognizing ongoing sin in one's life, rather than just acknowledging it as a past event. He references a film called "What Dreams May Come" to highlight the cultural perception of heaven and the existence of God. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for genuine spiritual growth and the constant work of God in believers' lives.
Humbling of the World
By Brian Brodersen1.5K39:081CO 1:26This sermon emphasizes God's unconventional ways of choosing and using ordinary, humble individuals for His purposes, contrasting with the world's standards of wisdom and power. It highlights the importance of humility, availability, and reliance on God's enabling rather than personal abilities. The message encourages listeners to trust in God's calling and to be open to being used by Him, regardless of their perceived inadequacies.
Why Is God's Strength Made Perfect in Weakness?
By Carter Conlon1.5K53:59Weakness1CO 1:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message that through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, believers are set free from the power of sin. The preacher encourages the congregation to respond to God's call for evangelists, reminding them that they are equipped by God's mercy and grace. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our own weaknesses and shortcomings in order to fully rely on God's strength. The preacher references the story of Isaiah and Paul to illustrate how God's grace sustains and empowers believers in their weaknesses.
They Had Been With Jesus
By Curtis Barbery7241:16:39Jesus ChristMAT 10:32MAT 16:24ACT 4:13ROM 12:21CO 1:26EPH 5:181TH 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spreading revival and the love and power of God. He references the miracle of healing performed by Peter and John on a cripple man and the resulting revival that spread throughout Jerusalem. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize the spark of God's love and power within them and to let it burn brightly, spreading to others. He emphasizes the need to talk about Jesus and commune with Him, drawing from the example of Mary sitting at His feet.
The Preacher; the Scriptures Alone
By Keith Daniel3111:00:151CO 1:26This sermon emphasizes the calling and challenges of preaching the Word of God, highlighting the need for humility, endurance in the face of adversity, and unwavering commitment to faithfully proclaim the Gospel. It underscores the importance of relying on God's strength, seeking His guidance, and continuing to fulfill the ministry entrusted by Him, even in old age.
Sarah A. Cooke
By David Smithers0ACT 1:141CO 1:26EPH 6:181TH 5:17JAS 4:2David Smithers preaches about the hidden yet powerful ministry of prayer through the life of Sarah Cooke, a humble intercessor who impacted influential figures like D. L. Moody, G. Campbell Morgan, and others. Auntie Cooke's fervent prayer life led to remarkable outpourings of the Holy Spirit, transforming lives and sparking revivals. Through her faithful intercession, D. L. Moody experienced a profound spiritual awakening and a significant increase in conversions in his ministry.
Electing Love
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0Divine ElectionGod's MercyMAL 1:2MAT 11:25LUK 7:47JHN 15:16ROM 8:30ROM 9:151CO 1:26EPH 1:42TH 2:13JAS 2:5Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the humbling yet comforting truth that it is God who chooses us, not the other way around. He explains that our natural inclination is to reject Christ due to our hardened hearts and blindness, but it is through God's grace that we are awakened to choose Him. M'Cheyne highlights that Christ's choice of us is rooted in His love and mercy, which existed before the foundation of the world, and that this divine selection is not based on our merit but solely on His will. He encourages believers to recognize their election as a call to holiness and fruitfulness in their lives, reminding them that true discipleship involves a response to God's choosing. Ultimately, M'Cheyne reassures that God's mercy is available to all, regardless of their past, and urges listeners to embrace this profound truth.
Day 84, 1 Corinthians 2
By David Servant0PRO 11:2LUK 22:3ACT 17:161CO 1:261CO 2:11CO 2:71CO 2:13EPH 3:10COL 1:16David Servant delves into Paul's ministry in Corinth, emphasizing the contrast between human wisdom and the divine revelation of the gospel. Paul's focus on preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified, rather than relying on persuasive words of wisdom, highlights the power of God over the wisdom of men. Believers are portrayed as possessing a hidden wisdom from God, predestined for their glory, which includes forgiveness, spiritual rebirth, and a heavenly home. The importance of humility in receiving God's wisdom is underscored, as pride hinders true wisdom and aligns with worldly wisdom. Paul's reference to the rulers of this age possibly alludes to demonic spiritual rulers who unwittingly played a role in Christ's redemptive sacrifice, outwitted by God's divine plan.
Luke 9:43-46. Christ Foretells His Sufferings.
By Favell Lee Mortimer01CO 1:26Favell Lee Mortimer emphasizes how the Lord Jesus prepared his disciples for his impending death to strengthen their faith, just as God mercifully prepares believers for trials of faith. Despite encountering challenges like the disdain of the wise, hypocritical believers, and various temptations, God equips His people to stand firm. Mortimer highlights the importance of allowing God's teachings to deeply penetrate our hearts, even when they are difficult to accept, as spiritual dullness often stems from lingering sinful desires.
The Greatest Business in All the World
By Hyman Appelman0ISA 6:8MAT 4:18MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 11:13ROM 8:371CO 1:261CO 1:292CO 12:9Hyman Appelman preaches about the importance of soul-winning, emphasizing that it is a divine task entrusted by God, directed by Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He highlights that soul-winning requires great energy, heroism, sacrifices, and promises mighty rewards. Appelman explains that Jesus calls common people to this common task, using ordinary individuals to bring about extraordinary results. He stresses the need for every Christian to prioritize the mission of bringing the lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, subordinating all other ambitions to this task.
Exposition on Psalm 66
By St. Augustine0MAT 6:1MAT 12:39MAT 25:42LUK 16:9JHN 14:6ROM 10:4ROM 11:251CO 1:261CO 15:54PHP 2:12COL 1:18St. Augustine preaches about the importance of recognizing Christ as the Resurrection and the hope of Christians, contrasting the Jewish hope of resurrection with the universal hope offered to Gentiles through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need for believers to surrender their pride and boast in God's grace, offering themselves as whole sacrifices to God. St. Augustine encourages believers to pass through trials of fire and water, symbolizing tribulations and prosperity, with faith and perseverance, offering prayers and sacrifices to God with sincerity and humility.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
By Anton Bosch0ISA 57:15ISA 66:2MAT 5:3JHN 16:241CO 1:262CO 12:10EPH 2:8JAS 4:2REV 3:17Anton Bosch preaches on the concept of being 'poor in spirit' as a state of recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy and desperate need for God's help and blessings. He emphasizes that true blessedness comes from choosing eternal treasures over worldly pleasures and acknowledging our need for God's grace and strength. The sermon highlights the importance of humbly seeking God's help, as only the spiritually poor are willing to approach the throne of grace for blessings. Those who recognize their spiritual poverty are blessed with the Kingdom of Heaven and the privilege of dwelling with God in His high and holy place.
God's Building.
By Gareth Evans0MAT 16:18ACT 10:411CO 1:261CO 3:101CO 10:4EPH 2:201PE 2:4Gareth Evans delves into the concept of the church as a building, a bride, and a body, emphasizing the importance of structure, dwelling place, and God's presence within His people. He explores the story of David wanting to build a dwelling place for God, highlighting God's promise to build a house through David's 'greater son,' Jesus. Evans discusses the blueprint of the church, with Jesus as the chief cornerstone and the foundation built on the apostles and prophets, emphasizing that the church is 'the called-out ones' chosen by God for His purpose.
Commentary Notes - Judges
By Walter Beuttler0NUM 21:4JDG 2:20JDG 16:22JDG 21:25ZEC 4:6LUK 9:271CO 1:26HEB 11:32Walter Beuttler preaches on 'The Hook of Judges,' highlighting the repeated cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance in the book. The key phrase 'every man did that which was right in his own eyes' reflects the chaos and anarchy that ensued in Israel due to their disobedience and apostasy. The message of the book reveals the deterioration of a nation, the providence of God in national affairs, and the consequences of religious apostasy on a national scale.
Service
By Sadhu Sundar Singh0ISA 58:10MAT 5:16LUK 21:2JHN 15:131CO 1:262CO 12:92TI 4:7Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the true meaning of service, emphasizing that service is the natural offering prompted by love and the activity of the spiritual life. He explains that in serving God and others, believers receive help from God as they use the faculties and powers He has endowed them with. Through various parables and examples, he highlights the importance of sacrificial service, readiness to give up one's life for others, and the need to use God-given gifts and talents to bring light and blessings to those in darkness and despair.
What Is the Church? (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Nature of the ChurchDivine Strength in Weakness1CO 1:26T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Church is not a physical building or organization, but rather the living union of believers with Christ. He explains that God intentionally chooses the weak and foolish to demonstrate His power, transcending human limitations and abilities. This union with the risen Christ allows believers to access divine resources and capabilities that surpass worldly standards. Sparks warns against complacency in weakness, urging believers to actively engage in God's work through their union with Christ. Ultimately, the Church is a manifestation of Christ's power in and through His people.
In the Lord's Army
By Keith Keyser01SA 22:1PSA 20:7PRO 3:51CO 1:262CO 5:172CO 10:3EPH 6:17PHP 4:13HEB 4:12Keith Keyser preaches on the parallels between the valiant warriors of Special Operations forces in modern armies and David's Mighty Men in Biblical times. He highlights how David recruited unlikely heroes under extreme conditions, similar to how Jesus calls individuals from all walks of life to serve Him. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength, being faithful in little tasks, and the spiritual warfare Christians face, drawing lessons from the Mighty Men's dedication and bravery.
On the Burning Bush
By Thomas Reade0EXO 3:2PSA 2:6ISA 43:2ROM 11:51CO 1:26REV 12:11REV 22:5Thomas Reade preaches on the valuable lessons from Moses' vision of the burning bush, symbolizing the church of God as weak yet preserved by Jesus' grace and power amidst trials and afflictions. The vision teaches humility, emphasizing salvation by grace and the need to acknowledge God's sovereignty. It also highlights the perpetuity of the church, sustained by Christ, and the wisdom of God in using persecution to refine His people and expand His kingdom. Reade encourages confidence in Jesus' faithfulness and power, pointing to the church's glorious future in the millennial reign and eternal kingdom.
Your Life's Work
By Arthur Vess0ISA 6:8JER 1:5MAT 4:19ACT 9:151CO 1:26Arthur Vess preaches about the importance of recognizing and obeying God's call for your life's work, emphasizing the need to be in a right relationship with God and willing to go or stay according to His will. He highlights the honor and fulfillment that comes from following God's call, even in the face of opposition and challenges. Vess uses examples from biblical figures like Moses, Abraham, Elijah, and the Apostle Paul to illustrate how God calls and equips individuals for specific missions or service, often through unique and miraculous circumstances.
The Duty of Helping Others to Seek the Saints' Rest
By Richard Baxter0GEN 18:19DEU 6:6JOS 24:152KI 7:9PRO 22:6LUK 12:48JHN 12:43ACT 10:34ACT 20:20ROM 10:141CO 1:262CO 5:17GAL 1:10EPH 6:41TH 5:132TI 2:15Richard Baxter preaches about the urgency and importance of helping others find the saints' everlasting rest, emphasizing the duty of Christians to actively work towards the salvation of souls. He highlights the need for compassion, instruction, and a genuine desire for the eternal happiness of others. Baxter stresses the significance of witnessing with sincerity, faithfulness, and a sense of urgency, backed by the authority of God's word. He also addresses the various hindrances that may prevent believers from fulfilling this duty, such as sin, lack of faith, lack of compassion, desire for popularity, and sinful bashfulness.
Love of the World
By Charles Finney0GEN 2:7ISA 30:14ISA 42:81CO 1:262CO 4:72CO 4:101TI 6:202TI 2:20The preacher delves into the metaphorical use of 'ostrakinos' in the Bible, describing it as fragile or lowly, emphasizing the contrast between the valuable treasure within and the commonness of the vessel. This metaphor signifies that human weakness does not hinder the divine intention when supported by God's power. The sermon highlights the concept of believers being like earthen vessels, emphasizing the need for humility and readiness for honorable service. Various biblical figures and authors are referenced to illustrate the significance of being 'jars of clay' in God's hands.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye see your calling - Την κλησιν. The state of grace and blessedness to which ye are invited. I think, βλεπετε την κλησιν, etc., should be read in the imperative: Take heed to, or consider your calling, brethren; that (ὁτι) not many of you are wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble: men is not in the original, and Paul seems to allude to the Corinthian believers in particular. This seems to have been said in opposition to the high and worldly notions of the Jews, who assert that the Divine Spirit never rests upon any man, unless he be wise, powerful, and rich. Now this Divine Spirit did rest upon the Christians at Corinth, and yet these were, in the sense of the world, neither wise, rich, nor noble. We spoil, if not corrupt the apostle's meaning, by adding are called, as if God did not send his Gospel to the wise, the powerful, and the noble, or did not will their salvation. The truth is, the Gospel has an equal call to all classes of men; but the wise, the mighty, and the noble, are too busy, or too sensual, to pay any attention to an invitation so spiritual and so Divine; and therefore there are few of these in the Church of Christ in general.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ye see--rather, from the prominence of the verb in the Greek, "see" or "consider" (imperative) [ALFORD from Vulgate and IRENÆUS]. your calling . . . are called--Instead of the words in italics, supplied by English Version, supply, "were your callers." What Paul is dwelling on (compare Co1 1:27-28) is the weakness of the instrumentality which the Lord employed to convert the world [HINDS and WHATELY; so ANSELM]. However, English Version accords well with Co1 1:24. "The whole history of the expansion of the Church is a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, until the emperor himself laid down his crown before the cross of Christ" [OLSHAUSEN]. wise . . . after the flesh--the wisdom of this world acquired by human study without the Spirit. (Contrast Mat 16:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For ye see your calling, brethren,.... That is, those that were called by the grace of God among them; for as circumcision and uncircumcision stand for circumcised and uncircumcised persons, and election for elect persons, and righteousness for righteous persons, Rom 3:30 so here "calling" designs men called by grace; the manner of whose calling, and what sort of persons they were, the apostle signifies, they did or might, or ought, to see, observe, and consider; for respect is here had, not, as some have thought, to the first preachers of the Gospel, who were mechanics, fishermen, illiterate persons, very mean and despicable; but to the members of the church at Corinth, whether public preachers, or private members. The city of Corinth had in it many noble families, of high birth and quality, abounded with learned philosophers and rich merchants; and yet it was easy to be seen, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. The apostle does not say that there were none of the wise, the mighty, and noble called; for there were Crispus, and Sosthenes, rulers of the synagogue, and Gains a rich hospitable man, and Erastus the chamberlain of the city, and it may be some others of a like or better figure in life; but there were not many of them; instances of this kind are but few recorded in the Scripture; as Joseph of Arimathea a rich counsellor, Paulus Sergius a Roman deputy, Dionysius the Areopagite, and some in Caesar's palace; which show that nobility, riches, and learning, as they do not at all contribute towards a man's salvation, so neither can they hinder it where grace takes place; but, generally speaking, God has thought fit, for wise reasons, to choose and call persons of different characters.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:26 Socially and culturally, most Corinthian Christians were ordinary people; few were among the elite (cp. Matt 11:25). Only a few Christians, such as Erastus, the city treasurer in Corinth (see Rom 16:23), were wealthy (or high born; cp. Jas 2:5).