1Cor 1:20 | JFB | STEP | 20. Where-- nowhere; for God "brings them to naught" ( ). the wise-- generally. the scribe-- Jewish [Alford]. the disputer-- Greek [Alford]. Compare the Jew and Greek of this world contrasted with the godly wise, , . Vitringa thinks the reference is to the Jewish discourses in the synagogue, daraschoth, from a Hebrew root "to dispute." Compare "questions," ; . If so, "wise" refers to Greek wisdom (compare ). Paul applies here in a higher sense; there the primary reference was to temporal deliverance, here to external; , which is in threefold opposition to there, sanctions this higher application; the Lord in the threefold character being the sole ground of glorying to His people. of this world ... of this world-- rather, "dispensation (or age) ... world"; the Greek words are distinct. The former is here this age or worldly order of things in a moral point of view, as opposed to the Christian dispensation or order of things. The latter is the world viewed externally and cosmically. made foolish-- shown the world's philosophy to be folly, because it lacks faith in Christ crucified [Chrysostom]. Has treated it as folly, and not used its help in converting and saving men ( , ) [Estius].

‏ 1 Corinthians 1:20

20. Where--nowhere; for God "brings them to naught" (1Co 1:19).

the wise--generally.

the scribe--Jewish [Alford].

the disputer--Greek [Alford]. Compare the Jew and Greek of this world contrasted with the godly wise, 1Co 1:22, 23. Vitringa thinks the reference is to the Jewish discourses in the synagogue, daraschoth, from a Hebrew root "to dispute." Compare "questions," Ac 26:3; Tit 3:9. If so, "wise" refers to Greek wisdom (compare 1Co 1:22). Paul applies Is 33:18 here in a higher sense; there the primary reference was to temporal deliverance, here to external; 1Co 1:22, which is in threefold opposition to 1Co 1:18 there, sanctions this higher application; the Lord in the threefold character being the sole ground of glorying to His people.

of this world ... of this world--rather, "dispensation (or age) ... world"; the Greek words are distinct. The former is here this age or worldly order of things in a moral point of view, as opposed to the Christian dispensation or order of things. The latter is the world viewed externally and cosmically.

made foolish--shown the world's philosophy to be folly, because it lacks faith in Christ crucified [Chrysostom]. Has treated it as folly, and not used its help in converting and saving men (1Co 1:26, 27) [Estius].