1 Corinthians 1:27
Verse
Context
Wisdom from God
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.28He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But God hath chosen the foolish things - God has chosen by means of men who are esteemed rude and illiterate to confound the greatest of the Greek philosophers, and overturn their systems; and, by means of men weak, without secular power or authority, to confound the scribes and Pharisees, and in spite of the exertions of the Jewish sanhedrin, to spread the doctrine of Christ crucified all over the land of Judea, and by such instruments as these to convert thousands of souls to the faith of the Gospel, who are ready to lay down their lives for the truth. The Jews have proverbs that express the same sense as these words of the apostle. In Shemoth Rabba, sec. 17, fol. 117, it is said: "There are certain matters which appear little to men, yet by them God points out important precepts. Thus hyssop in the sight of man is worth nothing, but in the sight of God its power is great; sometimes he equals it to the cedar, particularly in the ordinance concerning the lepers, and in the burning of the red heifer. Thus God commanded them in Egypt, Exo 12:22 : And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, etc. And concerning Solomon it is said, Kg1 4:33 : And he discoursed of trees, from the cedar on Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. Whence we may learn that great and small things are equal in the eyes of the Lord, and that even by small things He can work great miracles."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the foolish things--a general phrase for all persons and things foolish. Even things (and those, too, foolish things) are chosen by God to confound persons, (and those too persons who are wise). This seems to me the force of the change from neuter to masculine. to confound--The Greek is stronger, "that He might confound (or put to shame)." God confounds the wise by effecting through His instruments, without human wisdom, that the worldly wise, with it, cannot effect, namely, to bring men to salvation. chosen . . . chosen--The repetition indicates the gracious deliberateness of God's purpose (Jam 2:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world,.... So the Jews, in distinction from their wise Rabbins and doctors, call others, , "the fools of the world" (p); the persons whom God made choice of from all eternity, as appears by his calling them in time, are such who with respect to the wisdom of the world are foolish; have not those natural parts and abilities, that sagacity and penetration in things natural and civil, that knowledge and learning which many others have; and are therefore esteemed foolish by the men of the world, in comparison of whom; who are the wise and prudent, they are but babes: and God's end in his choice of them, and calling them, is to confound the wise; who sooner or later will be brought to shame and confusion, to see such idiots, as they took them to be, wiser than they in the business of salvation; having been directed and influenced by divine grace to choose that good part, which shall never be taken from them, when they will be stripped of their nobility, wealth, and wisdom; to see these men go into the kingdom of heaven, and they themselves shut out: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world; who cannot boast of their birth and pedigree, of their ancient and illustrious families; have no titles of honour to aggrandize them, nor estates, possessions, and worldly substance to support themselves with; and this he has done, to confound the things which are mighty; as Haman was by the advancement of Mordecai. It will be to the utter confusion of the rich and mighty, to see persons of the lowest class in life made kings and priests by Christ, set among princes, and upon the throne of glory; and they themselves fleeing, and calling to the mountains to fall upon them, and cover them from the sight of him that sits on the throne, and the Lamb, (p) Zohar in Numb. fol. 63. 3. & 65. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:27-29 God chose despised and humble people in order to demonstrate his judgment on human pride (cp. Rom 3:27; 4:2; 2 Cor 4:7-11; 12:8-10; Eph 2:9).
1 Corinthians 1:27
Wisdom from God
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.28He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"To the Jew first..."
By Art Katz14K42:50Gospel To The JewsMAT 7:21MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 1:161CO 1:27JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the Jewish people as central to the church's mission. He argues that neglecting the Jews not only harms them but also diminishes the power of the gospel worldwide. The speaker believes that the church has avoided prioritizing the Jews, leading to a diminished understanding of the gospel and a loss of its true character and impact. He challenges the notion of pluralism and asserts that there is a single truth in Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to recognize the supernatural events in the Bible and the significance of the birth of Isaac.
If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 1 (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.4K56:49Christ In YouMAT 6:33ROM 8:11CO 1:272CO 5:172CO 12:9GAL 2:20REV 2:18In this sermon, the preacher starts by discussing the story of Paul's shipwreck and how he cast four anchors into the sea when all hope seemed lost. He then shares a personal anecdote about a wealthy man who faced a terrifying experience during a storm on his yacht. The preacher emphasizes the importance of respecting the sea and relates it to the trials and challenges we face in life. He goes on to talk about the judgment day and how our works will be tested by fire, highlighting the significance of the quality rather than the quantity of our actions. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the Apostle Paul and his boldness in proclaiming the message of being a new creation in Christ.
"Embarrassment to a Holy God"
By Leonard Ravenhill8.4K00:34MAT 6:19ACT 17:61CO 1:27JAS 1:221JN 2:15This sermon challenges the modern Church to reflect on the early Christians who, despite lacking grand resources or platforms, were able to turn the world upside down with their faith and dedication. The speaker expresses disappointment in the current state of the Church, suggesting that it falls short of the standards set by the early believers. There is a call to reexamine priorities, moving away from superficial joy and entertainment towards a deeper, more impactful faith that truly honors God.
Dedicated to God Not Man
By Major Ian Thomas7.3K34:59DedicationEXO 3:1EXO 3:5ACT 7:20ACT 7:221CO 1:27PHP 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the wisdom of the Egyptians and mighty in words and deeds. The speaker highlights how Moses was miraculously preserved by God and chosen to deliver the Israelites from the Egyptians. He then addresses the audience, reminding them that God is not unconcerned or incompetent, but rather the Lord of the heart and all of history. The speaker encourages the audience to learn from the examples of Hudson Taylor, A.B. Simpson, and George Miller, who were ordinary individuals who qualified in the School of Failure and discovered that apart from God, they were nothing. The sermon concludes with a reference to Moses encountering the burning bush and God reminding him that even something remarkable like a burning bush would eventually burn out, but God is eternal and unchanging.
A Heart After God Is Better Than Skils by K P Yohannan
By K.P. Yohannan4.4K05:021SA 16:7PSA 51:17PRO 3:5MIC 6:8MAT 23:121CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 2:3JAS 4:10This sermon shares a powerful testimony from Tripura, India, where the love of Christ transformed warring tribes into brothers and sisters, uniting them in faith. It highlights the impact of a humble and transparent leader, Anil D. Verma, whose dependence on the Lord surpassed his administrative skills. The message emphasizes the importance of prioritizing inner life reality and knowing the Lord, as God uses those who are honest, sincere, humble, and broken for His work.
No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.7K40:56Prayer LifePSA 119:105ISA 55:11MRK 16:17ACT 2:171CO 1:272TI 3:16In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a man who was healed in the name of Jesus Christ. The pastor emphasizes the importance of having faith in God, regardless of one's background or education. He encourages the congregation to dedicate their time and resources to God, suggesting that if everyone did so, the Church would be in a better state. The pastor also highlights the significance of seeking spiritual renewal and staying connected to God through prayer and seeking His anointing.
Any Old Bush Will Do
By Major Ian Thomas3.0K22:56Christian LifeEXO 2:11EXO 3:41CO 1:271CO 9:262CO 12:9PHP 2:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses how Moses lost his way and the lessons we can learn from his story. The speaker highlights the moment when Moses, moved by compassion, defended his Hebrew brother against an Egyptian oppressor. However, this act of righteousness ultimately led to Moses' downfall and 40 years of exile in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding the attitude of resignation and spiritual non-entity. The sermon also emphasizes the need for restful availability and prompt obedience to God's leading, rather than being caught up in the pressure to do more and be more.
Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1
By Jack Hyles2.8K09:361SA 16:132SA 2:42SA 5:3PSA 92:10ISA 61:1JER 1:51CO 1:272CO 3:5EPH 5:18PHP 4:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a personal testimony of overcoming challenges and doubts to fulfill God's calling, highlighting the transformative power of God's call and qualification in one's life.
Bearing Fruit - Part 4
By Keith Daniel2.6K08:51PSA 51:17ISA 48:10ROM 8:281CO 1:272CO 12:9EPH 2:8PHP 2:13JAS 4:101PE 5:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God through trials and challenges, highlighting how God refines and purifies us like gold through the fires of life. It discusses the concept of brokenness and how God lifts us up by His grace alone, transforming us to bring glory only to Him. The speaker shares a personal testimony of experiencing God's perfect work in his life, leading to a deeper understanding of God's ways and the manifestation of Christ-likeness.
(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today
By Zac Poonen2.6K42:56PRO 16:18PRO 22:4MAT 6:24LUK 16:101CO 1:27GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 1:22JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns against the dangers of pride, material prosperity leading to spiritual decline, and the need to remain faithful, humble, and obedient to the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges listeners to prioritize seeking God, valuing godly examples, and living a life of simplicity and faithfulness.
No Two Saints Are Alike
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K1:16:34Christian WalkGEN 12:3EXO 20:18MAT 5:3MAT 5:51CO 1:272TI 3:16HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses various topics related to the Christian faith. He mentions spending time in the water for about 25 minutes out of a total of four hours. He also talks about looking at a girl and praying for victory. The preacher emphasizes the importance of fleeing from youthful lust and keeping oneself from idols, referencing passages from the Bible. He also highlights the need for purity rather than just seeking peace and power. Additionally, he mentions the hardships faced by believers and the importance of remaining faithful in difficult times.
(Revival) Religious Stumbling Blocks - Part 1
By Michael L. Brown2.2K30:51MAT 6:331CO 1:27HEB 12:28JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why God is often left out of human religious structures and not welcomed in prestigious places. He emphasizes that when people think they have it all figured out, they tend to prioritize their own systems and say "the show must go on." The speaker also highlights the pain and effort involved in birthing something new, using the analogy of childbirth. Additionally, the speaker mentions the importance of recognizing that God works through imperfect vessels, which can lead to imperfect manifestations. The sermon emphasizes the need to understand and overcome religious stumbling blocks.
Dvd 26 - Selling All Your Possessions
By Art Katz2.2K1:26:21LUK 14:331CO 1:27GAL 2:20PHP 3:7This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to sell all that they have, symbolically representing the surrender of personal abilities, achievements, and reliance on self to fully embrace and live by the life of God. It challenges individuals, especially ministers, to forsake their own strengths and charismatic styles to depend solely on the wisdom and power of God's life. The message calls for a radical transformation, a relinquishing of worldly success and a total reliance on God's life for true effectiveness and impact in ministry and life.
Revelation Tv Interview
By Joshua Daniel2.0K58:00MAT 19:61CO 1:271CO 6:92CO 10:4EPH 6:101TI 6:10HEB 13:5JAS 4:7JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, holiness, and reliance on God's power in ministry. It addresses issues like materialism, covetousness, divorce, and the need for preachers to adhere to biblical principles. The speaker highlights the significance of prayer, faith, and obedience to God's Word in combating societal challenges and maintaining integrity in ministry.
Jackie Pullinger Testimony
By Gareth Evans1.9K07:05ISA 6:8MAT 25:40ACT 1:8ROM 8:311CO 1:272CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:13JAS 2:141JN 4:18This sermon shares a powerful testimony of encountering Jackie Pullinger, a remarkable individual who fearlessly entered the dangerous Wall City in Hong Kong to bring hope and light to drug addicts, criminals, and prostitutes. Through her selfless actions and unwavering faith, Jackie demonstrated how God can use anyone for His glory, regardless of qualifications or background, showcasing the transformative power of God's anointing in unexpected ways.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 10
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K06:05PSA 34:4PRO 3:5ISA 41:10JER 29:11ROM 12:21CO 1:27EPH 3:20PHP 4:132TI 1:7JAS 4:7This sermon shares powerful testimonies of individuals who faced fears, doubts, and uncertainties but found courage and strength through surrendering to God. It emphasizes the transformative power of God's presence and how He can equip and empower anyone, regardless of their background or education, for His purposes.
Useful for the Master - Part 7
By Jackie Pullinger1.8K09:10ISA 61:1MAT 25:40LUK 15:7JHN 3:16ACT 1:8ROM 8:281CO 1:27EPH 2:41JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the power of God's love and redemption, showcasing a transformative story of reaching out to the marginalized and witnessing the impact of Jesus' sacrificial love. It highlights the unexpected ways God works in people's lives, the challenges faced in ministry, and the profound change that occurs when individuals encounter the unconditional love of Christ.
Useful for the Master - Part 5
By Jackie Pullinger1.8K08:391CO 1:27This sermon emphasizes God's choice of the weak and foolish to bring about His Kingdom, contrasting it with the world's standards of influence and nobility. It highlights the importance of relying on God's strength and wisdom for the great commission, reassuring those who feel inadequate that they are chosen by God for His work.
Testimony in 1976 at Age 75
By Vance Havner1.7K57:17TestimonyPSA 23:1MAT 4:19MAT 6:25MAT 6:33MAT 9:37MAT 16:23MAT 17:4MAT 19:27MAT 26:33MAT 26:35MAT 28:19MRK 5:30JHN 13:8JHN 21:15JHN 21:17ACT 2:38ACT 3:61CO 1:272CO 12:91PE 5:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of grace and its various forms. He references Isaiah 40:31 and emphasizes the limitless love, grace, and power of God. The preacher also shares his personal experience of loneliness and tears, but testifies to the compensation he has received from God. He urges ministers and Christian workers to seek a new touch from God and to preach as if Jesus died yesterday and rose again today. The sermon concludes with the reminder that although many things in the world may change, the importance of salvation and the need for a strong faith remain constant.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K44:09ChristGEN 22:2MAT 5:39ACT 4:13ROM 12:191CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transformation that occurred in the early members of the church when the power of God came down from heaven. The idea of weakness and being put to death was initially resented by these men, but when they witnessed the boldness of Peter and John after receiving the power of God, they were completely defeated in their attempts to explain and understand. The speaker emphasizes that this power came from heaven and completely changed the standard of values and ideas about power for these men. The sermon also highlights the importance of not attributing any glory to man, but rather giving all glory to God.
Moved by the Holy Ghost 1991
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K1:28:00PSA 144:5PRO 31:30MAT 6:19ACT 26:191CO 1:271PE 3:3This sermon reflects on encounters with remarkable women of faith throughout the speaker's life, from Catherine Booth to a modern-day anointed woman living in simplicity and devotion. It contrasts the pursuit of popularity by revivalists with the humility and prophetic calling of true prophets. The speaker shares insights on the challenges faced by believers in China and the impact of American evangelism overseas, emphasizing the need for genuine, sacrificial love and service.
The Mystery of Incarnation (2 of 9)
By Art Katz1.4K36:55IncarnationJHN 1:14ACT 17:28ROM 1:161CO 1:181CO 1:27PHP 1:211TH 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the current state of the world, highlighting how it is suffering from disease and the exploitation of natural resources. However, there is hope for restoration and redemption. The key to this restoration lies in the coming forth of the sons of God, who will be united with the deity of God through the resurrection of Christ and the impartation of His Spirit. This union does not dismiss or diminish their humanity, but rather amplifies and glorifies it. The speaker calls for believers to embrace their calling and destiny to continue the work that Jesus started, growing in stature and living out their faith through relationship, submission, and obedience to God.
Something on My Nose (Comedy)
By George Verwer1.3K01:14EXO 34:291SA 16:7PSA 23:4PRO 16:18MAT 6:191CO 1:27PHP 4:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a growth on his nose, which has humbled him in recent months. He mentions discussing it with his doctor and the frustration of having to comb his hair around it. The speaker also recalls a conversation with someone who pointed out the growth on his nose. He humorously reflects on the aging process, mentioning the growth of hairs in his ears as a sign of getting older. The sermon concludes with a lighthearted remark about never reaching the top of the hill in life.
02 the Holy Art of Training Children
By Denny Kenaston1.2K41:01PSA 144:12PRO 22:6ISA 59:19MAL 2:15MAL 4:51CO 1:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of training children in a godly way, highlighting the need for parents to step into their role with faith and dedication, trusting in God's ability to equip them for this task. It encourages parents to believe in God's provision and guidance in raising their children, emphasizing the significance of following biblical principles and disciplines in child training as a holy art. The speaker urges parents to focus on nurturing a godly seed, aligning with God's heart for families and seeking revival through dedicated parenting.
Power Through Being Broken
By Zac Poonen1.2K58:021CO 1:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of brokenness and humility in the Christian walk, contrasting the unbroken, carnal Corinthians with the brokenness of Paul and other biblical figures like Peter and David. It highlights the need to disappear so Christ can be exalted, the willingness to endure correction and persecution, and the ability to bless those who revile us. The message stresses the power of God manifesting through weakness and brokenness, leading to true victory over sin and a life surrendered to God's will.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But God hath chosen the foolish things - God has chosen by means of men who are esteemed rude and illiterate to confound the greatest of the Greek philosophers, and overturn their systems; and, by means of men weak, without secular power or authority, to confound the scribes and Pharisees, and in spite of the exertions of the Jewish sanhedrin, to spread the doctrine of Christ crucified all over the land of Judea, and by such instruments as these to convert thousands of souls to the faith of the Gospel, who are ready to lay down their lives for the truth. The Jews have proverbs that express the same sense as these words of the apostle. In Shemoth Rabba, sec. 17, fol. 117, it is said: "There are certain matters which appear little to men, yet by them God points out important precepts. Thus hyssop in the sight of man is worth nothing, but in the sight of God its power is great; sometimes he equals it to the cedar, particularly in the ordinance concerning the lepers, and in the burning of the red heifer. Thus God commanded them in Egypt, Exo 12:22 : And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, etc. And concerning Solomon it is said, Kg1 4:33 : And he discoursed of trees, from the cedar on Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. Whence we may learn that great and small things are equal in the eyes of the Lord, and that even by small things He can work great miracles."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the foolish things--a general phrase for all persons and things foolish. Even things (and those, too, foolish things) are chosen by God to confound persons, (and those too persons who are wise). This seems to me the force of the change from neuter to masculine. to confound--The Greek is stronger, "that He might confound (or put to shame)." God confounds the wise by effecting through His instruments, without human wisdom, that the worldly wise, with it, cannot effect, namely, to bring men to salvation. chosen . . . chosen--The repetition indicates the gracious deliberateness of God's purpose (Jam 2:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world,.... So the Jews, in distinction from their wise Rabbins and doctors, call others, , "the fools of the world" (p); the persons whom God made choice of from all eternity, as appears by his calling them in time, are such who with respect to the wisdom of the world are foolish; have not those natural parts and abilities, that sagacity and penetration in things natural and civil, that knowledge and learning which many others have; and are therefore esteemed foolish by the men of the world, in comparison of whom; who are the wise and prudent, they are but babes: and God's end in his choice of them, and calling them, is to confound the wise; who sooner or later will be brought to shame and confusion, to see such idiots, as they took them to be, wiser than they in the business of salvation; having been directed and influenced by divine grace to choose that good part, which shall never be taken from them, when they will be stripped of their nobility, wealth, and wisdom; to see these men go into the kingdom of heaven, and they themselves shut out: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world; who cannot boast of their birth and pedigree, of their ancient and illustrious families; have no titles of honour to aggrandize them, nor estates, possessions, and worldly substance to support themselves with; and this he has done, to confound the things which are mighty; as Haman was by the advancement of Mordecai. It will be to the utter confusion of the rich and mighty, to see persons of the lowest class in life made kings and priests by Christ, set among princes, and upon the throne of glory; and they themselves fleeing, and calling to the mountains to fall upon them, and cover them from the sight of him that sits on the throne, and the Lamb, (p) Zohar in Numb. fol. 63. 3. & 65. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:27-29 God chose despised and humble people in order to demonstrate his judgment on human pride (cp. Rom 3:27; 4:2; 2 Cor 4:7-11; 12:8-10; Eph 2:9).