Madness or wisdom ?

Monday April 26, 2021

Madness or wisdom ?

Now we preach a crucified Messiah, scandal for the Jews and madness for non-Jews, but power of God and wisdom of God for those who are called, whether they are Jews or not. 1 Corinthians 1:23,24

The apostle Paul, a connoisseur of Jewish and non-Jewish cultures, adapts the message he received to his audience.

Educated by the Pharisees, accustomed to Jewish commentaries, Paul in his time fought with violence those who follow Jesus Christ dead on a cross. For a long time, the gospel appeared to him mysterious and even shocking, and contrary to the teachings he had received. It was during a punitive expedition against Christians that the Lord arrested and enlightened him. He is thus well placed to understand the step of faith that must be taken to pass from the wisdom of the world to the folly of God, who is wiser than men.

The Jews are upset by this Messiah who allows himself to be crucified, as they await one capable of freeing the people from Roman occupation and restoring the supremacy of Israel. For them, what would make Jesus credible as Messiah would be a show of power, for the Jews ask for miracles (1 Corinthians 1:22).

As for the non-Jewish culture, dominant at the time, it wants to explain everything. Our modern civilization is built on the same thought that everything must be able to be explained by reason. How to register this disturbing death in a logical human reasoning ? For non-Jews who seek wisdom, it is impossible to understand the death of Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:22).

Both forget fundamental facts : what God is, creator, sovereign, holy, wise ; what man is, a sinful creature far from God. Also, the first problem is the salvation of man, his reconciliation with the God of holiness. This implies the cross of Christ which alone allows a new relationship between God and man. But it takes the action of the Spirit to take that step of faith and accept the gospel message. After believing, the believer discerns, in the preaching of the cross, the power of God ensuring his eternal salvation, whereas men describe it as folly. Today as yesterday, the gospel is the power of God to save anyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)