1 Corinthians 2:2

Memory Verse

For I judged not to know of something among you, except Jesus Christ and this one’s crucifixion, 1 Corinthians 2:2.

After the failure on Mars’ hill—the hill of the god Ares—Paul came to Corinth with an attitude to only teach of Christ’s crucifixion, not using the wisdom of men. In Athens, Paul encountered the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Although they considered him to be a seed picker—one who picks up knowledge from place to place but does not have a full understanding—they invited him to speak about this God they had never heard of before at Areopagus (Acts 17:18–19). They accepted what he said, until it came to the resurrection, of this they had no interest (Acts 17:33).

Paul did not use persuasive words of human wisdom, but in his weakness, the Holy Spirit’s inherent ability was demonstrated (1 Corinthians 2:3–4). Paul came to them in this way so that their faith would rest in God’s inherent ability, not in the wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 2:5).

We are to beware of men and women that seek to deceive us through the philosophy of men and wandering without purpose (Colossians 2:8). They use the traditions of men that are according to the basic principles of the world system—touch not, taste not, handle not, observation of days, abstaining from food, and forbidding marriage—which have no value in overcoming the flesh (Colossians 2:20; Galatians 4:9).

The message of the cross is simple: Christ died on behalf of our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

Salvation is by faith through grace; therefore, it is taking God at His Word and does not consider merit. This includes asking for forgiveness of sins, being baptized in water, feeling remorse, making Jesus the Lord of your life, accepting Jesus into your heart, and any message that brings a different gospel. All of these are contrary to the message of Christ’s crucifixion and based on the philosophy and wisdom of men.