Summary
Paul begins by identifying himself as an apostle chosen by God and addresses the Corinthian church, expressing gratitude for their sanctification in Christ and encouraging them to remain united. He recounts how he has baptized only a few individuals and emphasizes his role as a preacher of the gospel rather than a baptizer, highlighting the power of the cross as the true wisdom for believers. Paul critiques the divisions within the church, noting that some align with him, others with Apollos, Cephas, or Christ, and stresses that Christ is not divided. He contrasts worldly wisdom with divine foolishness, arguing that God uses the foolish and weak to undermine the mighty and that this paradoxical wisdom saves believers. The chapter concludes with a call to glory in the Lord rather than in flesh, reinforcing the unity and purpose of the believers in Christ.