1 Corinthians 1:28

28 God chose the things of this world that are common and looked down on. He chose what is not considered to be important to do away with what is considered to be important.

1 Corinthians 1:28 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 1:28

And base things of the world
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 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 ^F17 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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FOOTNOTES:

F17 T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 92. 1.

1 Corinthians 1:28 In-Context

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when God chose you. Not many of you were considered wise by human standards. Not many of you were powerful. Not many of you belonged to important families.

27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

28 God chose the things of this world that are common and looked down on. He chose what is not considered to be important to do away with what is considered to be important.

29 So no one can brag to God.

30 Because of what God has done, you belong to Christ Jesus. He has become God's wisdom for us. He makes us right with God. He makes us holy and sets us free.