1 corinthians 1:28 - and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:
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What does "1 corinthians 1:28" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 1:28, is part of Paul's broader argument about God's wisdom versus human wisdom. He's essentially saying that God deliberately chooses those whom the world considers insignificant, weak, and foolish to accomplish His purposes. Let's break it down:
"God chose the lowly things of the world..." This refers to people of humble social standing, lacking in worldly power, influence, or prestige. They are not the rich, famous, or influential.
"...and the things that are despised..." These are individuals or groups looked down upon, considered unworthy, or held in contempt by society. They might be marginalized, oppressed, or seen as outcasts.
"...and the things that are not..." This is the most difficult phrase to interpret. It could mean:
Those who are considered to have no standing: People who are so insignificant in the world's eyes that they are virtually invisible. They have no power, no voice, and no influence.
Things that don't exist (yet): It could also mean things or people with no apparent potential or value that God can bring into being and use for his purposes. They may not possess any obvious strengths or talents, but God can work through them.
"...that he might bring to nothing the things that are:" This is the purpose of God's choice. He uses the "lowly," "despised," and "non-existent" to invalidate or nullify the power, wisdom, and accomplishments of those who are considered important and wise in the world's eyes. This isn't about destruction in a purely negative sense. It's about showing that God's power and wisdom are vastly superior to human strength and intellect. He overturns worldly expectations and values.
In essence, the verse is saying:
God deliberately selects the seemingly weak, insignificant, and despised members of society to demonstrate His power and wisdom. He does this so that no one can boast before Him (as Paul emphasizes earlier in the chapter) and so that the world's standards of success and value are shown to be ultimately meaningless in light of God's plan.
Key takeaways:
Humility: God values humility and reliance on Him, rather than worldly pride and self-sufficiency.
Unexpected Power: God often works through the unexpected and unlikely. He uses those whom the world overlooks.
God's Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes regardless of human limitations.
Challenge to worldly values: It challenges us to re-evaluate what we consider to be important and valuable, recognizing that God's perspective is often radically different from the world's.
Hope for the marginalized: It provides hope and encouragement to those who feel marginalized or insignificant, reminding them that they are valuable in God's eyes and can be used for His purposes.
1 corinthians 1:28 - and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:
What does "1 corinthians 1:28" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 1:28, is part of Paul's broader argument about God's wisdom versus human wisdom. He's essentially saying that God deliberately chooses those whom the world considers insignificant, weak, and foolish to accomplish His purposes. Let's break it down:
"God chose the lowly things of the world..." This refers to people of humble social standing, lacking in worldly power, influence, or prestige. They are not the rich, famous, or influential.
"...and the things that are despised..." These are individuals or groups looked down upon, considered unworthy, or held in contempt by society. They might be marginalized, oppressed, or seen as outcasts.
"...and the things that are not..." This is the most difficult phrase to interpret. It could mean:
Those who are considered to have no standing: People who are so insignificant in the world's eyes that they are virtually invisible. They have no power, no voice, and no influence.
Things that don't exist (yet): It could also mean things or people with no apparent potential or value that God can bring into being and use for his purposes. They may not possess any obvious strengths or talents, but God can work through them.
"...that he might bring to nothing the things that are:" This is the purpose of God's choice. He uses the "lowly," "despised," and "non-existent" to invalidate or nullify the power, wisdom, and accomplishments of those who are considered important and wise in the world's eyes. This isn't about destruction in a purely negative sense. It's about showing that God's power and wisdom are vastly superior to human strength and intellect. He overturns worldly expectations and values.
In essence, the verse is saying:
God deliberately selects the seemingly weak, insignificant, and despised members of society to demonstrate His power and wisdom. He does this so that no one can boast before Him (as Paul emphasizes earlier in the chapter) and so that the world's standards of success and value are shown to be ultimately meaningless in light of God's plan.
Key takeaways:
Humility: God values humility and reliance on Him, rather than worldly pride and self-sufficiency.
Unexpected Power: God often works through the unexpected and unlikely. He uses those whom the world overlooks.
God's Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes regardless of human limitations.
Challenge to worldly values: It challenges us to re-evaluate what we consider to be important and valuable, recognizing that God's perspective is often radically different from the world's.
Hope for the marginalized: It provides hope and encouragement to those who feel marginalized or insignificant, reminding them that they are valuable in God's eyes and can be used for His purposes.