What does 1 Corinthians 1:28 mean?

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

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 1:28 focuses on the theme of God’s choice of what the world considers lowly and despised to achieve His purposes. This verse asserts that God selects what is seemingly weak or insignificant in the eyes of the world to confound the things that are mighty, showing that His wisdom and power are superior to human understanding. It suggests that divine selection often contradicts human expectations and societal norms, and it emphasizes the reversal of values in God’s plan of salvation.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 53-54 to the Christian community in Corinth. Corinth was an important and affluent city in ancient Greece, having a diverse population and many different philosophies and religions. The society was stratified, and there was a strong emphasis on wisdom, power, and social status. The Corinthians were enamored with eloquence and the wisdom of the age, and some factions within the church were beginning to boast in their wisdom and status. Paul’s message in this letter is a response to the divisions and arrogance he saw, emphasizing that the gospel turns worldly wisdom on its head.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse conveys the idea of God’s sovereignty and the concept of ‘divine choice,’ illustrating that salvation is not earned by human merit or status but is a gift from God. It also touches on the doctrine of the ‘upside-down kingdom,’ where the last shall be first, and the first last, as mentioned by Jesus in the Gospels. This idea is often discussed in the context of God’s grace being sufficient for all, including those whom society might overlook or scorn.

Practical Applications

This verse has practical applications in encouraging believers to not seek validation or accomplishment by the world’s standards. For individuals, it is a call to humility, to recognize that their worth comes from God, not societal achievements. For communities, it promotes inclusion and care for the marginalized and powerless. It also challenges the church to value every member’s contribution, regardless of worldly status or qualifications.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 1:27: “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”
• James 2:5: “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”
• Matthew 19:30: “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

Language Study

The original Greek words are important to understand the nuances of the verse:

• “Base things” (ἀγενῆ): Meaning things without family, ignoble, or of low birth.
• “Despised” (ἐξουθενωμένα): Things that are contemptible or considered worthless.
• “Chosen” (ἐξελέξατο): Refers to God’s act of selecting or electing.
• “To bring to nought” (καταργήσῃ): To render void, to make of no effect or invalidate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, gods were often associated with the elite and powerful, but the biblical narrative frequently highlights the dignity of the lowly and the marginalized. This perspective can be contrasted with Greco-Roman myths where gods were typically aligned with heroic deeds and nobility. Jewish culture also had a concept of Yahweh as the defender of the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, underlying this theme of divine concern for the lowly.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the ideas in this verse are more metaphysical and do not directly intersect with empirical science. However, they could be discussed in the framework of psychological and sociological research on status and power dynamics, group identity, and the human tendency to create in-groups and out-groups based on various traits and characteristics.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have various perspectives on this text. Some highlight its emphasis on God’s grace, others on the inclusivity of the Gospel. Many point out Paul’s intention to combat the pride and divisions within the Corinthian church. Commentaries often note the paradoxical aspect of God using the “base” things to achieve divine purposes, underscoring the subversive nature of the Gospel in challenging human systems of honor and shame.