1 Corinthians 1:18

Foolishness] Christ's self-sacrificing death produces no response in some hearts: cp. 2 Corinthians 2:15. Perish.. are saved] RV 'are perishing.. are being saved.' Salvation is here spoken of as present and progressive. The Apostle is thinking of the work of Christ in sanctifying those who believe. The power of God] Because the lives of those who receive it are transformed by the influence of Christ dwelling in them by His Spirit and moulding them to His will.

19, 20. Paraphrase. 'For God still works in the same way as when overruling the course of history He confounded those who in their boasted wisdom doubted His protection, and sought alliance with Egypt against Assyria. (20) Has He not confounded the wise, both learned Jew and keen-witted Greek, by revealing how little their learning and eloquence have done to save men from sin?'