Understanding 1 Corinthians 1:28
Verse: "And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:" (1 Corinthians 1:28 KJV)
Overview
This verse highlights God's selection of the weak and lowly to demonstrate His power and wisdom. The apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, reminding them of their humble origins and how God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
Key Themes
- Divine Selection: God intentionally chooses the lowly and despised.
- Contrasting Values: God's values differ from worldly values.
- God's Wisdom: God's wisdom is beyond human understanding.
Commentary Insights
Insights from various public domain commentaries, including Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, offer a deeper understanding of this verse.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Henry emphasizes that this passage underscores God’s method of choosing individuals who appear weak or insignificant in the eyes of the world. This serves to highlight God’s glory and grace. Such choices suggest that divine purpose and strength often lie in what humanity perceives as unworthy.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Barnes elaborates that the "base" and "despised" refer to those who are low in societal status. He notes that God’s purpose in choosing these individuals is to counteract human pride and to display His sovereignty. This selection process challenges the prevailing societal views of importance and power.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke suggests that this verse reflects God’s counter-cultural approach to choosing His people. He argues that by choosing those despised, God reveals the true nature of human achievement and demonstrates that true value is found in obedience to divine will rather than worldly accolades.
Bible Cross References
To gain a comprehensive understanding of 1 Corinthians 1:28, it is beneficial to explore related scriptures that echo its themes:
- James 4:6: "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
- 1 Samuel 16:7: "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
- Psalm 113:7-8: "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people."
- 2 Corinthians 12:9: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
- Isaiah 53:2: "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."
- Matthew 11:25: "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
- Luke 1:52: "He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree."
- 1 Peter 5:5: "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
Conclusion
The exploration of 1 Corinthians 1:28 reveals profound truths about God's way of working through history and His people. Understanding the context and the intended message enriches one’s faith and recognition of God's purpose in choosing the weak and foolish to confound the wise. This fundamental biblical principle underscores an inter-Biblical dialogue, connecting and linking Bible scriptures in a meaningful way.
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
Utilizing tools for Bible cross-referencing can enhance your study. Here are some resources:
- Bible Concordance: A helpful guide for finding verses and their connections.
- Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A tool to navigate related verses effectively.
- Cross-Reference Bible Study: Techniques and methods to approach scripture study.
- Bible Reference Resources: Compilations that showcase thematic and contextual links between verses.
- Comprehensive Bible Cross-Reference Materials: Available resources that provide in-depth scripture analysis.
User Intent: Finding Related Verses
When studying 1 Corinthians 1:28, seekers may ask:
- What verses are related to 1 Corinthians 1:28?
- Find cross-references for 1 Corinthians 1:28.
- How do 1 Corinthians 1:28 and James 4:6 connect?
- Similarities between 1 Corinthians 1:28 and Psalm 113:7-8.
- Bible verses that support the message of 1 Corinthians 1:28.
