Chapter summary

1 Corinthians 1 — The Foolishness of God

Paul greets a divided church and announces a counter-cultural gospel: the message of the cross looks foolish to the world, yet is the wisdom and power of God.

Paul greets the Corinthian church — sanctified in Christ Jesus, called as saints — and gives thanks for the grace they have received.

He pleads against the factions tearing them apart: "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?"

The chapter centers on the paradox of the cross — foolishness to those who are perishing, the power of God to those who are being saved.

God deliberately chose what the world considers low and despised so that no flesh would boast before him; he made Christ Jesus our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:27 “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:30 “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.”

Original BibleDawn summary. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.