1 Corinthians 1:24

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:24 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But unto them which are called, etc.] Effectually, by the grace of God, not merely externally, but internally; these have other sentiments of Christ, and the doctrine of salvation by him; for being called out of darkness, and savingly illuminated by the Spirit of God, they see wisdom, beauty, glory, excellency, and suitableness in Christ, and in his Gospel; and having felt the power of it upon their souls, with them, both Jews and Greeks, of whatsoever nation they be, and whatsoever their prejudices have been, Christ, to them is, the power of God, and the wisdom of God: he is “the power of God”; this is opposed to the Jews who stumbled at his weakness, his sufferings and death, even the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“called--(compare Co1 1:26). The same class as the "us which are (being) saved" (Co1 1:18); the elect, who have obeyed the call; called effectually (Rom 8:28, Rom 8:30). Christ--"Crucified" is not here added, because when the offense of the cross is overcome, "Christ" is received in all His relations, not only in His cross, but in His life and His future kingdom. power--so meeting all the reasonable requirements of the Jews who sought "a sign." The cross (the death of a slave), which to the Jews (looking for a temporal Messiah) was a "stumbling-block," is really "the power of God" to the salvation of all who believe. wisdom of God--so really exhibiting, and in the highest degree (if they…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But unto them which are called - To all true Christians. See the note at 1 Corinthians 1:9. Both Jews and Greeks - Whether originally of Jewish or Gentile extraction, they have here a common, similar view of the crucified Saviour. Christ the power of God - Christ appears to them as the power of God; or it is through him that the power of salvation is communicated to them. See the note at 1 Corinthians 1:18. And the wisdom of God - The way in which God evinces his wisdom in the salvation of people. They see the plan to be wise. They see that it is adapted to the end. They see it to be suited to procure pardon, and sanctification, and eternal life. It is God’s wise plan for the salvation of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But to them that are called - And obey the heavenly calling. Christ - With his cross, his death, his life, his kingdom. And they experience, first, that he is the power, then, that he is the wisdom, of God. 1 Corinthians 1:25”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“called: Co1 1:2, Co1 1:9; Luk 7:35; Rom 8:28-30, Rom 9:24 the power: Co1 1:18; Rom 1:4, Rom 1:16 the wisdom: Co1 1:30; Pro 8:1, Pro 8:22-30; Col 2:3 1 Corinthians 1:25”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification