1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Corinthians 1:23 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes to the church in Corinth, where divisions had arisen and believers were aligning themselves with different leaders. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, he contrasts human wisdom with the wisdom of God. The immediate context, 1 Corinthians 1:22, explains that the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom. Paul’s declaration in verse 23 directly confronts both expectations, showing that the message of the cross does not conform to human demands.

Meaning

Paul states plainly, “But we preach Christ crucified.” The Greek word for “stumblingblock” is skandalon, the root of the English word “scandal.” To the Jews, a crucified Messiah was offensive and scandalous because they expected a powerful, conquering deliverer who would establish a political kingdom. The idea of a crucified Savior contradicted their hopes and appeared as a sign of weakness and divine curse. To the Greeks, the message was “foolishness” (Greek: moria), because it seemed absurd and unphilosophical. They valued intellectual wisdom and reason, and the notion of a crucified Savior appeared to them as nonsense, not a path to enlightenment or moral elevation.

The crucifixion is central because it represents the sacrificial death of Jesus, which brings redemption and salvation for humanity. Paul emphasizes that his preaching focuses on Christ crucified, the foundational message of the Gospel. The cross is not a message designed to please human expectations; it is the divinely appointed means of salvation.

Biblical connections

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that “unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” What appears as a stumbling block and foolishness to the world is, in reality, the very power and wisdom of God for those who are called. The resurrection vindicates this message, though the verse itself focuses on the crucifixion.

Application

This verse reminds believers to focus on the core message of the Gospel: Christ crucified. In a world filled with distractions and divisions, the cross remains central to faith. It encourages believers to embrace the paradox of the Gospel, recognizing that what may appear foolish or contradictory to worldly wisdom holds the power to transform lives and bring salvation. It also challenges believers to live with humility, acknowledging that God’s wisdom often surpasses human understanding.

• The message of Christ crucified confronts human expectations and cultural preferences, yet it remains the power and wisdom of God for all who believe.