1 Corinthians 1:21

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

For since, according to God’s [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the “foolishness” of the message preached.

Cross References

Luke 10:21

At that very time Jesus rejoiced in [the power of] the Holy Spirit, and said [in prayer], “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you concealed these things [i.e., His divine revelations] from those [claiming to be] wise and intelligent and have revealed them to babies [i.e., to simple, sincere, common people]. Yes, Father, this was pleasing to you.

Matthew 11:25

About that time Jesus said [in prayer], “I thank you, O, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus’ words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like.

Ephesians 3:10

This was done so that now God’s many-sided wisdom could be made known through the church, to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the world around us, where these angelic beings (good or bad) view the unfolding of God’s wonderful plan],

1 Corinthians 1:24

But to those who are called [by God to be saved], both Jews and Gentiles, [the message of] Christ is the power of God [See Rom. 1:16] and the wisdom of God. [See 1:30].

Romans 1:28

And since these people refused to acknowledge God, He has allowed [or, abandoned] them to have degraded minds and to practice those things which they should not do.

Romans 11:33

O, how deep is the richness of God’s wisdom and knowledge! How difficult [it is for us] to explain His judgments and how impossible [for us] to accurately track how He operates!

Luke 12:32

“[And], do not be afraid, little flock [Note: Jesus refers to His small band of disciples as sheep following Him as their Shepherd], for your Father was pleased to give you the kingdom.

John 12:31

Judgment is now coming to this world; the prince of this world [i.e., Satan] will now be driven out.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of [Christ dying on] the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing [i.e., in a lost state], but it is God’s power to us who are being saved.

1 Corinthians 1:23

but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 1:25

For the “foolish things” of God are wiser than men’s [wisdom], and the “weakness” of God is stronger than men’s [strength].

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God chose what the world considers foolish [i.e., people with little apparent ability], in order to shame the “wise people.” And He chose what the world considers weak in order to shame what it considers strong.

1 Corinthians 2:14

Now the natural person [Note: Since this person is contrasted with the spiritual person of verse 15, it is taken here to mean the person without the Holy Spirit] does not receive the things [i.e., truths] revealed by the Holy Spirit of God, because they are [considered] foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them because they must be discerned by using spiritual judgment [i.e., judgment aided by the Holy Spirit].

1 Corinthians 4:10

We are “fools” for Christ’s sake, but you people [think you] are “wise” in [the fellowship of] Christ. We are weak, but you people [think you] are “strong.” You are honored, but we are despised.

1 Corinthians 6:2

Or, do you not know that God’s people will judge the world? [Note: Possibly this refers to Christians somehow assisting Christ on the judgment day]. And if the world is [to be] judged by you [at that time], are you not capable of judging small matters [now]?

1 Corinthians 11:32

But since we are being judged, we are [also] being disciplined by the Lord, so that we do not have to be condemned along with the world.

Galatians 1:15

But then it was the good pleasure of God, who set me apart [for this purpose] before I was born, to call me [to this ministry] through His unearned favor.

Galatians 4:8

At that time, when you did not know God [as your Father], you were in bondage to those who were, by nature, not really gods at all.

Ephesians 1:9

in doing what He intended through Christ, to make known to us His secret plan, according to what pleased Him.

Colossians 1:19

For God was very pleased to have all of [His] fullness dwell in Christ [See 2:9],

Hebrews 1:14

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve those people who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 2:3

how will we escape [punishment] if we neglect such a great salvation? [For it was] first announced [to people] by the Lord and then confirmed to us [i.e., the writer and other Christians] by those who heard Him [i.e., the original apostles].

Hebrews 7:25

So, He is also able to save completely those people who approach God through Him, since He lives forever to intercede [i.e., to plead to God] on their behalf.

James 4:4

You people who have become unfaithful to God, do you not know that being [intimate] friends with the world [of sin] means hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever determines to be an [intimate] friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

James 5:15

And if their prayer is [offered] by faith, [God] will heal the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up [from his sickbed]. And if he had sinned, he will be forgiven for them [Note: This may imply that the man’s sickness was the result of some sin. In any event, his forgiveness would follow his repentance].

James 5:20

that person should know that whoever brings a sinner back from the error of his way will save that soul from [spiritual] death and will cover over a large number of sins [i.e., the many sins of that person will become forgiven].