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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 1:26 Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/46_1Co_01_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 1:26 - Wisdom from God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/1-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/1-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:25">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 1:26 <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New International Version</a> Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For consider your calling, brothers, that not many were wise according to the flesh, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For consider your calling, brothers, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Just look at your own calling, believers; not many [of you were considered] wise according to human standards, not many powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Brothers, consider your calling: Not many are wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> For behold your calling, brethren, how that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Brothers and sisters, consider what you were when God called you to be Christians. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view. You were not in powerful positions or in the upper social classes. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now remember what you were, my friends, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Brothers, think about your own calling. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Think about the circumstances of your call, brothers and sisters. Not many were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For consider your calling, brothers, that not many were wise from a human perspective, not many mighty, not many of noble birth. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For ye see your calling, brethren, that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called: <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For consider, brethren, God's call to you. Not many who are wise with merely human wisdom, not many of position and influence, not many of noble birth have been called. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for see your calling, brothers, that not many [are] wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For consider your calling, brothers, that not many were wise according to the flesh, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for see your calling, brethren, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For ye see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many powerful, not, many well born:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble: <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So take care of your vocation, brothers. For not many are wise according to the flesh, not many are powerful, not many are noble. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For consider also your own calling, my brethren, not many among you are wise in terms of worldly things, and not many among you are mighty, and not many among you belong to the nobility. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For you see also your calling my brethren, that not many among you are wise in the flesh, neither are many among you mighty, neither are many among you children of a great family line.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble call you; <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For you see your calling, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many influential, not many high-born: <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For ye see your calling, brethren, that not many fleshly wise, not many men in power, not many men of high birth, are called: <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for consider, brethren, that not many worldly wise, not many men of power, not many men of birth are among you that are called. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For consider, brethren, God's call to you. Not many who are wise with merely human wisdom, not many of position and influence, not many of noble birth have been called. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For ye behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are chosen; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For ye see by your calling, brethren, that not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called: <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=221" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Wisdom from God</a> 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 26<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">Brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: Blepete (V-PIA-2P) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">consider</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">the time of your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2821.htm" title="2821: klēsin (N-AFS) -- A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation.">calling:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">Not</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many of you</a> <a href="/greek/4680.htm" title="4680: sophoi (Adj-NMP) -- Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.">were wise</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">by human standards;</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarka (N-AFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. "></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many were</a> <a href="/greek/1415.htm" title="1415: dynatoi (Adj-NMP) -- (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.">powerful;</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many were</a> <a href="/greek/2104.htm" title="2104: eugeneis (Adj-NMP) -- (a) of noble birth, of high birth, (b) noble in nature. From eu and ginomai; well born, i.e. high in rank, or generous.">of noble birth.</a> 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a> Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a> At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. <a href="/james/2-1.htm">James 2:1-6</a> My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ... <a href="/john/7-48.htm">John 7:48</a> “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him? <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Luke 1:51-52</a> He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. / He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. <a href="/matthew/19-30.htm">Matthew 19:30</a> But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. <a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Romans 9:11-12</a> Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a> This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/zephaniah/3-12.htm">Zephaniah 3:12</a> But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a> “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. <a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a> Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. <a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13</a> When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9-10</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. <a href="/ephesians/1-18.htm">Ephesians 1:18</a> I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:that.<a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a> Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?<a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">1 Corinthians 2:3-6,13</a> And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling… <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">1 Corinthians 3:18-20</a> Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise… not many mighty.<a href="/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3</a> It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,<a href="/luke/18-24.htm">Luke 18:24,25</a> And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! … <a href="/john/4-46.htm">John 4:46-53</a> So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Design</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/16-2.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/19-12.htm">High-Born</a> <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Human</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/acts/25-5.htm">Influential</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Position</a> <a href="/romans/11-23.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/john/8-15.htm">Standards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-8.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-16.htm">Think</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Worldly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-18.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-9.htm">Design</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/19-12.htm">High-Born</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">Human</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/acts/25-5.htm">Influential</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">Standards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">Think</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Worldly</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a> 28. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Paul addresses the Corinthian believers as "brothers," emphasizing their shared faith and spiritual kinship. The "time of your calling" refers to the moment they were called to faith in Christ. This calling is a divine initiative, highlighting God's sovereignty in salvation. In the broader biblical context, calling often signifies God's invitation to individuals to enter into a relationship with Him (<a href="/romans/8-30.htm">Romans 8:30</a>). The emphasis on considering their calling serves as a reminder of God's grace and the transformative power of the gospel.Not many of you were wise by human standards: The Corinthian church was composed largely of individuals who were not considered wise according to worldly criteria. In the Greco-Roman world, wisdom was highly valued, often associated with philosophical knowledge and rhetorical skill. Paul contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, which is revealed through the message of the cross (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a>). This distinction underscores the theme that God's ways often defy human expectations and values.Not many were powerful: The term "powerful" refers to those with influence, authority, or social standing. In Corinth, a city known for its wealth and status, power was a significant marker of success. However, the early Christian community was largely composed of individuals without such societal power. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God often chooses the weak and marginalized to accomplish His purposes (<a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a>).Not many were of noble birth: Being of noble birth implied a high social status and lineage. In the ancient world, nobility was associated with privilege and honor. The fact that few in the Corinthian church came from such backgrounds highlights the inclusive nature of the gospel, which transcends social and cultural barriers. This aligns with the biblical narrative that God does not show favoritism (<a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34-35</a>) and often works through those whom society overlooks. Overall, this verse emphasizes the countercultural nature of God's calling and the church's composition, which reflects God's wisdom and power rather than human standards.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its diversity and moral challenges. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> A diverse group of believers in Corinth, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, many of whom were not from the upper echelons of society. 3. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, commerce, and moral issues, providing a backdrop for the challenges faced by the early church. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_calling.htm">The Calling</a> Refers to the divine invitation to salvation and service in Christ, emphasizing God's choice rather than human merit. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_wise,_powerful,_and_noble.htm">The Wise, Powerful, and Noble</a> Represents societal standards of wisdom, power, and nobility, which were not the primary criteria for God's calling.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_choice.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a> God often chooses those whom the world overlooks to accomplish His purposes, highlighting His sovereignty and grace. <a href="/topical/v/value_beyond_worldly_standards.htm">Value Beyond Worldly Standards</a> Believers should find their worth and identity in Christ rather than in societal status or achievements. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_calling.htm">Humility in Calling</a> Recognizing that our calling is not based on personal merit fosters humility and gratitude towards God. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The church is a diverse body where all members, regardless of social standing, are equally valued and called to serve. <a href="/topical/e/empowerment_by_the_spirit.htm">Empowerment by the Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill their calling, regardless of their natural abilities or social status.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_use_the_weak.htm">What does it mean God uses the world's weak?</a> <a href="/q/what_makes_saints_incorruptible.htm">What defines the incorruptibility of saints?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_budgeting_show_biblical_stewardship.htm">Are higher IQ individuals less likely to believe in God?</a> <a href="/q/am_i_being_called_to_be_a_missionary.htm">Am I being called to be a missionary?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) For ye see your calling.--Better, imperative (as in <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm" title="But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.">1Corinthians 8:9</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/10-18.htm" title="Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?">1Corinthians 10:18</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/16-10.htm" title="Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do.">1Corinthians 16:10</a>), For see your calling. The Apostle directs them to look at the facts regarding their own calling to Christianity, as an illustration of the truth of what he has just written, viz., that though there were, perhaps, a few of high birth and education who were called, and responded to that call, yet that these are "not many." It has been well remarked, "the ancient Christians were, for the greater part, slaves and persons of humble rank; the whole history of the progress of the Church is in fact a gradual triumph of the unlearned over the learned, of the lowly over the great, until the emperor himself cast his crown at the foot of Christ's cross" (Olshausen); or, as an English writer puts it, "Christianity with the irresistible might of its weakness shook the world."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 26-31. - The method of God in the spread of the gospel. Verse 26. - For behold; or, consider (imperative, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-15.htm">1 Corinthians 10:15</a>; <a href="/philippians/3-2.htm">Philippians 3:2</a>). Your calling; the nature and method of your heavenly calling; the "principle God has followed in calling you" (Beza); see <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a>; <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Hebrews 3:1</a>. Not many wise after the flesh. Those who hear the calling arc alone the truly wise; but they are net wise with a carnal wisdom, not wise as men count wisdom; they have but little of the wisdom of the serpent and the wisdom of "this age." The Sanhedrin looked down on the apostles as "unlearned and ignorant men" (<a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13</a>). "God," says St. Augustine, "caught orators by fishermen, not fishermen by orators." Not many mighty; i.e. not many persons of power and influence. Almost the first avowed Gentile Christian of the highest rank was the consul Flavius Clemens, uncle of the Emperor Domitian. This was the more marked because the Jews won many rich and noble proselytes, such as the Queen Helena and the royal family of Adiabene, Poppaea the wife of Nero, and others. The only illustrious converts mentioned in the New Testament are Joseph of Arimathaea, Nicodemus, Sergius Paulus, and Dionysius the Areopagitc. Not many noble. All this was a frequent taunt against Christians, but they made it their boast. Christianity came to redeem and elevate, not the few, but the many, and the many must ever be the weak and the humble. Hence Christ called fishermen as his apostles, and was known as "the Friend of publicans and sinners." None of the rulers believed on him (<a href="/john/7-48.htm">John 7:48</a>). It must, however, be borne in mind that these words apply mainly and primarily to the first age of Christianity. It was essential that its victory should be due to Divine weapons only, and that it should shake the world "by the irresistible might of weakness." After a time, the wisest and the noblest and the most powerful were called. Kings became the nursing fathers of the gospel, and queens its nursing mothers. Yet the ideal truth remains, and human power shows utter weakness, and human wisdom is capable of sinking into the depths of folly. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. consider Βλέπετε (Blepete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. [ the time of ] your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. calling: κλῆσιν (klēsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2821.htm">Strong's 2821: </a> A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation. Not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. many [of you] πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. [were] wise σοφοὶ (sophoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4680.htm">Strong's 4680: </a> Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise. by human standards; κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. many [were] πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. powerful; δυνατοί (dynatoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1415.htm">Strong's 1415: </a> (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible. not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. many [were] πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. of noble birth. εὐγενεῖς (eugeneis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2104.htm">Strong's 2104: </a> (a) of noble birth, of high birth, (b) noble in nature. From eu and ginomai; well born, i.e. high in rank, or generous. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:26 For you see your calling brothers that (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>