The Greek philosophers are baffled

In years past, the Greeks were known for their philosophical discourse and writings. They had a great affinity for knowledge and wisdom. They were open to every worldview. Very likely they were the first pluralist society. Even for them the receiving of the Christian message was going to be difficult. It could not make sense. How could the gods come down and die for man? It did not fit their paradigm of human belief. Paul implies this in his letter to the Corinthian Church.

1 Corinthians 1:18-19

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

The gospel message is a stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks. Sound familiar with current day pluralistic societies? Man cannot fathom how the almighty God was ready to personally redeem His creation because of His love for them. Our paradigm of God or a higher being is that He is a distant God or being. The church in Corinth struggled with this greatly and instead idolized humans incorrectly and treated them as demi gods.

What is your paradigm? What is the central message of the gospel, the good news?

1 Corinthians 1:30-31
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

We glorify God alone. The paradigm of the gospel is truly out of this world!

Father, let me recognize well the power of God in the message of the kingdom.

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