1 Corinthians 1:23 Commentary and Bible Study

The word translated ‘preach’ literally means, we cry out, lift up the voice, like a town crier, a proclaimer – the gospel proclaimed to a multiplicity of people. Personal witness will perform the same work. ‘For we preach’ words, not drama, not emotional manipulation, not fictional films to present the gospel; not dazzling apologetics overdone, not all the devices we think of, not famous people, but just preachers proclaiming Christ, the anointed one of God, the Son of God, God himself, crucified, suffering and dying. ‘Unto the Jews a stumbling block’, the Greek says, a scandal. What? Are you telling me that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah? When he died on a cross as a criminal? That is a scandal. Our Messiah would be somebody royal and noble and magnificent after the flesh. ‘To the Jews a stumbling block’, a scandal, ‘and unto the Greeks, foolishness’, because it did not come from them.