Wisdom Wednesday: Paul’s View of His Wisdom Ministry
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” 1 Cor. 1:17-19 NASB95
To the church at Corinth, Paul reminded the believers that when he presented the Gospel and taught from the Old Testament books, he spoke with power from God, not from clever augments. He quoted Isaiah (29:14) where the prophet was delivering woes of judgment from the Lord to Jerusalem, “Because this people draw near with their words, And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote.” (Isa 29:13)
The Wisdom of the Gospel Message
Paul contrasted his message of the plain, genuine truth of the Gospel message with the wisdom of men who were making clever religious arguments, teaching religious doctrines, and living lives that were untruthful and disingenuous. (Later in chapter 2 he illuminates what he means by clever arguments, by using the terms “superior speech” and “persuasive words” – impressive sounding intellectual and spiritual messages.)
Following verse 19, Paul makes these points:
- God has made the wisdom of the world look foolish – because this kind of wisdom led to the rejection of God! (vv. 20-21a).
- But through the plain Gospel message of belief in Christ, many were saved (v. 21b).
- There are three alternatives (vv. 22-25):
- Jews sought signs or miracles (proof),
- Gentiles sought wisdom (rational arguments),
- But many believed in the Gospel that Jesus was God’s Son, crucified [and resurrected again to redeem us from our sin]
- Jesus Christ is the Power of God and the Wisdom of His redemptive plan to save those who believe in Him (vv. 24-25).
- The calling to share the Gospel is an honor, though we are weak and appear foolish, we proclaim the wisdom of God.
In the second chapter, Paul provides the contrast the wisdom of men and the wisdom of God in the context of how he shared the Gospel when he came to Corinth, even admitting that he was weak and fearful. The following chart summarizes Paul’s contrast in Chapter 2.
The Mystery of the Message
Paul explained, “…but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Co 2:7–8). The word mystery refers to knowledge revealed and explained by God that could not be fully understood by natural reasoning alone. Even the prophets wondered about the suffering and the glorious aspects of God’s promised Messiah (1 Peter 1:10–12).
In chapter 4, Paul further explained that ministers of this wisdom are stewards of the mystery of God (4;1) and faithfulness is required of good stewards. We are to be concerned about God’s judgment, not the assessment that other have about us.
Let us follow Paul’s example and explain the Gospel in plain and honest terms – because the message alone is God’s power and wisdom. It is God’s redemptive plan.