26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 KJV)
Glory Only in the Lord
Paul reminds the believers that not many of them were wise, powerful, or noble by worldly standards when they were called (1 Corinthians 1:26). God didn’t choose the elite to carry out his mission but chose what the world considers foolish, weak, and lowly to shame the wise and strong. He used ordinary people to spread the gospel and establish the church, showing that his wisdom surpasses human judgment. His choices were intentional—to remove any grounds for boasting in human ability (1 Corinthians 1:29).
The gospel humbles human pride and magnifies God’s glory. Though the messengers were humble and the converts often of low status, the power of God worked through them. All spiritual blessings flow from God through Christ. He is made for us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). We are spiritually blind, but he gives us understanding. We are guilty, but he becomes our righteousness. We are corrupted, but he sanctifies us through his Spirit.
We are bound by sin and death, but he redeems us. Where Christ is our righteousness, he is also our sanctification; he not only forgives sin but breaks its power. Ultimately, he brings full redemption, freeing us even from death. All this is designed so that no one may boast in themselves, but that all glory may be given to the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). God’s plan humbles mankind and exalts Christ, ensuring that salvation belongs entirely to him.