I Corinthians 1:21-23

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“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness.”

What does the end of I Cor 1:21 mean (in italics)?

God enjoys (is “pleased”) in showing the “wise” of the world that He chose fools (I Cor 1:27) to preach both His gospel (it is foolish to some!) and His Plan, which “saves them that believe.”

Also, what is the meaning of “sign” and “wisdom” in I Cor 1:22? The Jews often sought miracles (signs) for evidence of where God was working (just as the Pharisees sought from Jesus), while the Greeks were more concerned with this or that interesting philosophy (wisdom) as evidence of God or His presence.

What about I Cor 1:23? Why are both parts of this verse true? Jews tend to stumble because they want(ed) a conquering Messiah, not a weak Savior. The Greeks, however, thought that Christianity was foolish, because its founder claimed to be the Light and Savior of the world, but could not even save himself! The Greeks as a people generally were interested in some kind of profound “wisdom” or impressive theory to espouse.

No suggested reading.