17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross(A) of Christ will not be emptied of its effect.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved.(B) 19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent.[a](C)

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Footnotes

  1. 1:19 Is 29:14

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize,(A) but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom(B) and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness(C) to those who are perishing,(D) but to us who are being saved(E) it is the power of God.(F) 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[a](G)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:19 Isaiah 29:14