Exegetically Speaking He Became Wisdom, with Jon Laansma: 1 Corinthians 1:30
May 26, 2025
Jon Laansma, a distinguished professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College, dives deep into 1 Corinthians 1:30. He unpacks the rich nuances of Greek language and its impact on understanding wisdom, righteousness, and redemption. The conversation reveals intricate theological interpretations of being 'of God' and 'in Christ,' exploring how identity and salvation are expressed. Laansma also emphasizes the importance of humility in church leadership, linking scriptural themes with contemporary insights.
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Complexity in Translating 1 Corinthians 1:30
- 1 Corinthians 1:30 uses Greek utility words alongside profound nouns like wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption that require deep exegesis to fully grasp.
- Different translations and interpretations highlight diverse theological nuances regarding the relationship between God, Christ, and these concepts.
Varied Theological Emphases in Translation
- Interpretations differ on whether the emphasis is on being 'of God', 'in Christ', or simply existence because of God in 1 Corinthians 1:30.
- Translation variances show theological emphasis differences, such as Christ as wisdom from God versus wisdom made by God's agency.
Rhetorical Flourish of Divine Wisdom
- Paul likely uses 1 Corinthians 1:30 as a rhetorical flourish extolling God's gift of Christ as wisdom encompassing righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
- These nouns metaphorically represent courtroom justice, temple sanctification, and marketplace redemption coming together in Christ.