1. PLURALITY
"We".
Notice that Paul didn’t say "I preach Christ crucified" but "We preach Christ crucified". He wasn’t the only one who preached the gospel. There were other faithful men like Silas, Luke, Timothy, Barnabas and Mark. Thank God for the many who are still preaching the true gospel today. We are not alone. Many different men from many different denominations are lifting up the Saviour.
2. SIMPLICITY
"preach".
The original Greek word is ’kerusso’, which refers to town criers sent out by a monarch to make a public announcement. They rang bells, proclaimed their message, then attached it to the door post of a local inn.
Some people in Paul’s day did not like preaching:
a) The Jews wanted MAGIC
Signs and wonders. Preaching wasn’t enough for them. Many of today’s churches have the same attitude. There must be entertainment. Sadly, the Church today caters to the whims and fancies of the masses.
b) The Greeks wanted LOGIC
They were very intellectual. They worshipped their own intelligence.
3. DIVINITY
"Christ".
This is not Jesus’ surname. This is His Divine title. It is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word ’Messiah’, meaning ’the Anointed One’. Today, it is just used as a swear word by many. But ’Christ’ is the centre of our message. We preach a Man not a message, a person not a philosophy, a character not a creed.
4. VULGARITY
"crucified".
a) SCANDALOUS to the Jews
"a stumblingblock" - literally ‘scandalous’ from the Greek word ’skandalon’. Calvary was vulgar and outrageous to many of the Jews, it couldn’t be talked about in polite society. Christ died under the curse of the Mosaic law - Deuteronomy 21:23 "he that is hanged is accursed of God".
b) SENSELESS to the Greeks
They were proud. They had a big ego. Snobby is the word. As far as they were concerned, Jesus was just a poor commoner who died a criminal. So people didn’t want to hear the message - but Paul still preached it! To us who believe, Christ crucified is neither scandalous nor senseless. It is the sweetest phrase in the English language.
’Tis the promise of God, full salvation to give
Unto him who on Jesus, His Son, will believe.
Hallelujah, ’tis done! I believe on the Son;
I am saved by the blood of the crucified One;
Hallelujah, ’tis done! I believe on the Son;
I am saved by the blood of the crucified One.
