1 corinthians 1:23 - but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
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What does "1 corinthians 1:23" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 1:23 is a crucial statement of Paul's core message and how it was received by different groups in his time. Let's break it down:
"But we preach Christ crucified...": This is the central point. Paul and his fellow apostles were dedicated to proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ, specifically his death on the cross. The crucifixion was not just a historical event; it was the foundation of their entire theology of salvation.
"...a stumbling block to Jews...": To understand this, we need to understand the Jewish expectations of the Messiah.
Messianic Expectations: Many Jews expected the Messiah to be a powerful, victorious king who would deliver Israel from Roman oppression and establish a glorious, earthly kingdom.
The Problem of Crucifixion: The idea of a crucified Messiah was deeply problematic. Crucifixion was a humiliating and shameful form of execution reserved for criminals and rebels. The Law (Deuteronomy 21:23) stated that anyone hung on a tree was cursed by God. Therefore, the idea that the Messiah, the promised deliverer, would suffer such a fate was scandalous and offensive. It contradicted their expectations of power and glory.
Stumbling Block (Greek: skandalon): The word "stumbling block" implies something that causes someone to trip up, to be offended, or to reject something outright. For many Jews, the crucified Christ was an insurmountable obstacle to belief.
"...and foolishness to Greeks...": The Greek worldview was heavily influenced by philosophy and reason.
Greek Philosophy: Greek philosophy emphasized logic, reason, wisdom, and the pursuit of knowledge. They valued abstract concepts and intellectual pursuits.
The Problem of Crucifixion: To the Greeks, the idea of a divine being suffering and dying on a cross seemed absurd and irrational. They struggled with the concept of a God who would humble himself to such an extent. They saw it as weak, ignoble, and lacking in the kind of wisdom they sought. The message of salvation through the sacrifice of one man seemed simplistic and unsophisticated compared to their philosophical systems.
Foolishness (Greek: mōria): The word "foolishness" implies something utterly ridiculous, absurd, and nonsensical. To the Greek mind, the idea of salvation through a crucified savior was simply foolish.
In summary:
Paul's message was centered on the crucified Christ.
This message directly challenged the expectations and worldviews of both Jews and Greeks.
Jews found it a "stumbling block" because it contradicted their Messianic expectations.
Greeks found it "foolishness" because it seemed irrational and lacked philosophical sophistication.
Significance:
This verse highlights several important points:
The Offensiveness of the Gospel: The Gospel is inherently offensive to those who do not understand God's ways. It challenges human pride, expectations, and worldly wisdom.
The Power of the Cross: Despite being a stumbling block and foolishness, the cross is the source of salvation and the power of God.
The Importance of Faith: Accepting the message of the cross requires faith, a willingness to set aside one's own understanding and trust in God's plan.
The verse serves as a reminder that the message of Christ is not always easily accepted, and that true faith often requires embracing something that seems paradoxical or even absurd to the world.
1 corinthians 1:23 - but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
What does "1 corinthians 1:23" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 1:23 is a crucial statement of Paul's core message and how it was received by different groups in his time. Let's break it down:
"But we preach Christ crucified...": This is the central point. Paul and his fellow apostles were dedicated to proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ, specifically his death on the cross. The crucifixion was not just a historical event; it was the foundation of their entire theology of salvation.
"...a stumbling block to Jews...": To understand this, we need to understand the Jewish expectations of the Messiah.
Messianic Expectations: Many Jews expected the Messiah to be a powerful, victorious king who would deliver Israel from Roman oppression and establish a glorious, earthly kingdom.
The Problem of Crucifixion: The idea of a crucified Messiah was deeply problematic. Crucifixion was a humiliating and shameful form of execution reserved for criminals and rebels. The Law (Deuteronomy 21:23) stated that anyone hung on a tree was cursed by God. Therefore, the idea that the Messiah, the promised deliverer, would suffer such a fate was scandalous and offensive. It contradicted their expectations of power and glory.
Stumbling Block (Greek: skandalon): The word "stumbling block" implies something that causes someone to trip up, to be offended, or to reject something outright. For many Jews, the crucified Christ was an insurmountable obstacle to belief.
"...and foolishness to Greeks...": The Greek worldview was heavily influenced by philosophy and reason.
Greek Philosophy: Greek philosophy emphasized logic, reason, wisdom, and the pursuit of knowledge. They valued abstract concepts and intellectual pursuits.
The Problem of Crucifixion: To the Greeks, the idea of a divine being suffering and dying on a cross seemed absurd and irrational. They struggled with the concept of a God who would humble himself to such an extent. They saw it as weak, ignoble, and lacking in the kind of wisdom they sought. The message of salvation through the sacrifice of one man seemed simplistic and unsophisticated compared to their philosophical systems.
Foolishness (Greek: mōria): The word "foolishness" implies something utterly ridiculous, absurd, and nonsensical. To the Greek mind, the idea of salvation through a crucified savior was simply foolish.
In summary:
Paul's message was centered on the crucified Christ.
This message directly challenged the expectations and worldviews of both Jews and Greeks.
Jews found it a "stumbling block" because it contradicted their Messianic expectations.
Greeks found it "foolishness" because it seemed irrational and lacked philosophical sophistication.
Significance:
This verse highlights several important points:
The Offensiveness of the Gospel: The Gospel is inherently offensive to those who do not understand God's ways. It challenges human pride, expectations, and worldly wisdom.
The Power of the Cross: Despite being a stumbling block and foolishness, the cross is the source of salvation and the power of God.
The Importance of Faith: Accepting the message of the cross requires faith, a willingness to set aside one's own understanding and trust in God's plan.
The verse serves as a reminder that the message of Christ is not always easily accepted, and that true faith often requires embracing something that seems paradoxical or even absurd to the world.