1 Corinthians 1:18

For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

In Context

17For Christ sent me, not to give baptism, but to be a preacher of the good news: not with wise words, for fear that the cross of Christ might be made of no value.

19As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.

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Cross References

Acts 2:47Giving praise to God, and having the approval of all the people; and every day the number of those who had salvation was increased by the Lord.

Acts 17:18And some of those who were supporters of the theories of the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. And some said, What is this talker of foolish words saying? And others, He seems to be a preacher of strange gods: because he was preaching of Jesus and his coming back from the dead.

Romans 1:16For I have no feeling of shame about the good news, because it is the power of God giving salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first, and then to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 1:23But we give the good news of Christ on the cross, a hard thing to the Jews, and a foolish thing to the Gentiles;

1 Corinthians 2:14For the natural man is not able to take in the things of the Spirit of God: for they seem foolish to him, and he is not able to have knowledge of them, because such knowledge comes only through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 15:2By which you have salvation; that is to say, the form in which it was given to you, if it is fixed in your minds, and if your faith in it is not without effect.

Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The Efficacy of the Gospel; The Character of the Gospel. ( a. d. 57.) 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the… Read the whole commentary →

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