Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 1:28
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And base things of the world, etc.] Who are reckoned the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things; men of mean birth, education, and business of life: and things that are despised; and set at nought, as poor persons generally are; yet God hath chosen them; even the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of a kingdom: yea, and things which are not; some think the Gentiles are here intended, who by the Jews are called “things that are not”: as in the apocryphal books: “O Lord, give not thy sceptre unto “them that be nothing”, and let them not laugh at our fall; but turn their device upon themselves, and make him an example, that hath begun this against us.” (Esther 14:11) “56 As for the other people, which also come of Adam, thou hast said that “they are nothing”, but be like unto spittle: and hast likened the abundance of them unto a drop that falleth from a vessel. 57 And now, O Lord, behold, these heathen, which have ever been “reputed as nothing”, have begun to be lords over us, and to devour us.” (2 Esdras 6) See Gill on “<450417>Romans 4:17” for note on non-entities, or such who are not in being, are meant; but who are not accounted of, or are reckoned as nothing; and these the Lord calls by his grace, as a fruit and evidence of electing love: to bring to nought things that are; who, on the account of their noble birth, large possessions, and high attainments in knowledge and learning, thought themselves something; all which will one day be abolished, and will stand them in no stead with regard to future happiness and glory. The Jews f16 have a saying quite contrary to all this, that “the Shekinah, or presence of God, does not dwell on any but upon a wise man, a mighty man, and a rich man.”
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