The previous blog discussed the election of Christ; He is God’s chosen one above all others. But whoever knows the mystery that Paul reveals in his letters knows that the ecclesia (congregation) shares in the position of Christ and all the promises made to Him (Eph. 3:6). In Ephesians 1:4, which we will discuss in a subsequent blog, Paul therefore says that we are “chosen in Him.”
Superior?
We share in His election. But why are we chosen? Election is exclusive, and that could evoke a sense of superiority in those who are chosen. After all, we are chosen above others. Is that because we are more, better, or smarter? No, Paul explains why and even asserts the opposite. God does not choose the exalted, but rather those who are of no importance in the world. He exalts them and gives them a special position. In the section where Paul explains this, he also says why God does this in this way.
These verses conclude Paul’s argument regarding the contrast between human wisdom and God’s wisdom (1 Cor. 1:18-25). The Corinthians were susceptible to status, knowledge, influence, and human greatness. Paul shows that God’s actions go in exactly the opposite direction.
1 Corinthians 1
26 For look at your calling, brothers: not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble.
Paul points out to the Corinthians their own background. When God called them, the congregation did not consist primarily of intellectuals, rulers, or people of good lineage. He does not say that there were no wise or mighty people, but “not many.” The ecclesia consisted mainly of ordinary people without prestige. Paul uses their own situation as proof of his thesis: God’s work is not dependent on human qualities.
27 But God chooses the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chooses the weak of the world to shame the strong.
“The foolish” and “the weak” are people who are considered by the world to be unimportant, incapable, or meaningless.
choosing three times
It is striking that Paul uses the verb “choose” three times (verses 27-28). God’s choice is central. He chooses them, not because they are better than others, but so that His power becomes visible.
It brings to mind many examples from Scripture in which God acts through the weak, the younger, or in a manner strange by human standards. David was chosen over his older brothers, Gideon’s great army was reduced to only 300 men, Israel conquered Jericho without a fight, and God brought life to barren women. In each case, God acts differently than man would expect. God does not choose what seems logical, strong, great, or impressive to people, but rather the exact opposite. This makes it clear that the outcome is due to Him and not to human strength.
28 and God chooses out the bases of the world, and the despised, and those who are nothing, so that He might bring to nothing those who are something.
29 so that no flesh shall boast before God.
who are nothing and those who are something
The bases are people without lineage or status. The despised are people who are looked down upon. “Those who are nothing” are people who have no significance in the eyes of the world. Opposite to this stand “those who are something”: people who consider themselves important or are considered important by others. These are the ones who are highly regarded in the world.
The word “bring to nothing” here does not mean destroy, but render inoperative, render powerless. Paul uses the same word frequently for something that loses its effect. God shows that human glory has no value.
God’s Purpose
Here Paul mentions God’s plan of choosing the weak, the foolish, and the ignoble. No human being will ever be able to say: I am saved because of my wisdom, or: I am called because of my qualities. Everything originates from God.
30 But it is of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom for us from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
The words “of Him” are crucial. The Corinthians are in Christ because God has brought that about. Their position is not their own achievement, but His work. Next, Paul describes Christ as God’s answer to everything that man lacks.
31 so that it may be, as it is written: Whoever boasts, let him boast in the Lord!
Conclusion
This verse forms the conclusion of Paul’s entire argument. God does not choose the wise, the mighty, and the noble of this world, but rather the foolish, the weak, and the insignificant. Our position in Christ, too, and everything we possess in Him—wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption—does not originate from ourselves, but is entirely God’s work. Therefore, all human boasting is excluded. Therefore, Paul quotes Jeremiah: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (Jer. 9:23-24). The only right reason to boast is not who we are, what we have achieved, or what position we hold, but who God is and what He has done. God’s action is aimed at ensuring that all honor ultimately goes to Him and that no human being will boast in themselves.
God’s electing action
This passage from 1 Corinthians 1 shows what the goal of God’s electing action is. It is not man who is central, but God. He chooses those who seem insignificant to the world, so that all honor ultimately goes to Him. As Paul concludes: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”