1:261 Corinthians 1:26

God's calling rests not on worldly wisdom, power, birth or rank, and among those called relatively few are wise after the flesh, mighty or noble.STB 496.1–497.1+2 He has chosen what the world counts foolish to confound the wise, and the weak and base and despised to bring to nothing things that are, so that no flesh should glory in His presence but he that glories should glory in the Lord, in Christ who is made wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+4 Not many does not mean none, for men and women of learning, influence and high rank are accepted when they receive Christ's light in humble obedience, and God calls from high and low degree to enter His service.LC1 67.1–2+2 The truth of the call is not measured by numbers, learning, influence or power, so its bearers being few, poor or regarded as unlearned, and its rejection by great men and religious leaders, counts nothing against it.Lt 35, 1877, par. 14–18+3 God passes by the proud great and titled because boasted superiority keeps them from being molded to sympathize and co-labor with the humble, while He instructs humble, teachable, toiling people through whom His power is manifest and the glory goes to Him who works.STB 496.1–497.1+2

Among those called relatively few are wise after the flesh, mighty, or noble, and God's calling is not founded on worldly wisdom, power, might, birth, or social rank, nor does it chiefly go to those esteemed for such qualities.STB 496.1–497.1+4 The calling did not chiefly reach people distinguished by worldly wisdom, power, or noble birth, but few who are wise by worldly standards, powerful, or high-born are among those called.Ms 150, 1904, par. 13–14+4

Not many does not mean none, for people of learning, influence, and high rank may be accepted if they receive Christ's light and obey humbly.LC1 67.1–2+1 God does call men from high and low degree to do His bidding and enter His service, calling from all ranks, seldom calling the mighty and noble yet still calling some from the highest ranks upon whom heaven's light shines so they adorn truth by practice.RCOC 117.1–2+1 This is shown in Daniel and Isaiah of royal birth and noble heritage, alongside David called from the sheepfold to the throne, Amos the herdsman, Zechariah the captive from Babylon, and Elisha the plowman.RCOC 117.1–2+1 Many of the worldly-wise refuse because worldly attractions, interests, and pride blind them to Christ and to truth, and they will not recognize Him in humility.LC1 67.1–2+1

The following verses explain the verse: God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things to confound the mighty.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+4 He has also chosen base things and despised things, yea and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, so that no flesh should glory in His presence.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+4 In this choice He overturns the claims of the wise and powerful and leaves no one grounds for pride or boasting before Him.Ms 150, 1904, par. 13–14+4

The reason lies in the preaching of Christ crucified, which is foolishness to those who perish.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+3 To Jews who require a sign it is a stumbling-block, and to Greeks who seek wisdom it is foolishness, but to the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+1 The foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men, for the world by wisdom knew not God, and He made foolish the wisdom of this world and destroys the wisdom of the wise.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+2 Therefore faith must stand not in enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, in the hidden wisdom ordained before the world unto glory which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory, and no human being undertaking to become wisdom for another will come short.JIOKP 17.2–18.1 Those shaped by worldly pursuits and business wisdom often find the preaching of the cross foolish, and human wisdom and self-conceit do not make it understandable without humility and dependence.Lt 56, 1893, par. 22–25+2

Of God believers are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto them wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+4 In Christ God provides all that is needed, so that no flesh should glory in His presence and he that glories must glory in the Lord.JIOKP 17.2–18.1+4 Any boasting belongs to the Lord and to the cross of Christ, not to human wisdom, might, or riches.Ms 150, 1904, par. 13–14+4

God chooses what the world counts as foolish, weak, low, base, despised and insignificant, even things which are not, in order to confound the wise and mighty and bring to nothing things that are.STB 496.1–497.1+4 His calling therefore does not rest on worldly wisdom, power, might, birth or social rank, and has not chiefly gone to those esteemed for such qualities, so that human pride is silenced, worldly claims to wisdom and strength are overturned, and no flesh has grounds for boasting before Him.Ms 150, 1904, par. 13–14+4 Those called are in Christ Jesus, who is made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so he that glories must glory in the Lord.STB 496.1–497.1+4

The cross of Calvary gives the proper level to the human mind, for rightly seen it lays all desire for self-glorification in the dust.Lt 20, 1897, par. 8–11+1 Looking to Jesus and contemplating the cross and the wonderful provision it brought to every believer produces self-abasement, lowliness, humbleness of mind and true humility with no self-exaltation and no human exaltation or pride.Lt 20, 1897, par. 8–11+1 The Creator humbling Himself to human nature in meekness and lowliness, the Majesty of heaven clothing divinity with humanity and becoming poor to make believers rich, condemns all high-mindedness, self-trust, self-sufficiency and self-complacency.Lt 20, 1897, par. 8–11+1 Cherishing such a spirit dishonors the Maker and is sure to be humbled.Lt 20, 1897, par. 8–11+1

Many who are wise after the flesh, mighty, powerful and honored do not follow Christ in humble, unquestioning obedience because worldly attractions blind them to Christ and to the way their sins brought Him grief.LC1 67.1–2+4 With their own interests, ambitions, pride and self-righteousness at stake, they trust worldly wisdom, feel no need of a Redeemer, and would not join His humble mission or receive His teaching.1RED 67.1–2+4 Pride and ambition would have led them to reshape salvation into something attractive outwardly while leaving motives and actions unchanged.4RED 38.2+1 Christ's call offered no worldly honor, riches or glory, so those who followed did so without worldly inducements, while people of learning and influence may still be accepted if they receive Christ's light and obey humbly.LC1 67.1–2+3 This choice does not condemn education or sound knowledge, for the highest learning when guided by love and reverence for God is approved.4RED 38.2+1

For the special work connected with the last message in a time of unparalleled skepticism God did not call many wise men after the flesh, mighty or noble, but chose a feeble instrument so His power might be clearly manifested.LS 326.2–327.1 If the work had come through health, strength and finished education, unbelief would have given the credit to the woman and not to the Lord, and the glory of His work would have been given to the instrument.LS 326.2–327.1 He passes by the great men of earth, the titled and wealthy, both for planting the church and for reforming it, because they are so proud and self-confident in boasted superiority that they cannot be molded to sympathize with fellow men and become co-laborers with the humble Man of Nazareth.GC 171.1 Instead He calls the humble, teachable and toiling, like the unlearned fishermen of Galilee and the leading Reformers who were men from humble life, who were less influenced by false teaching, bigotry, priestcraft and pride of rank and could be instructed and trained for His service.GC 171.1 God employs such humble instruments to accomplish great results so the glory will not be given to men but to Him who works through them to will and to do of His own good pleasure.GC 171.1

The first believers called to the work were mostly from the poorer classes, few in number and beginning with little public recognition, resources, or material support.Lt 32, 1892, par. 3–5+3 This fulfilled the pattern that God chooses what the world counts weak, foolish, low, and insignificant to confound what it counts strong and wise, so that no flesh can boast before Him.Lt 32, 1892, par. 3–5+2 Those in Christ receive wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption made unto them of God, so that he who glories must glory in the Lord.Lt 32, 1892, par. 3–5+2 The Lord's people remain mainly the poor of this world and the common people to whom the gospel is preached, for the wealthy are in one sense invited but do not accept the invitation.Ms 17, 1898, par. 2–4 In wicked cities He still has many humble yet trustful lights shining in lowly, miserable places, patient, meek, gentle, suffering nakedness, hunger, and cold, visited by angels though unnoticed by ministers, churches, and the world in highways and hedges, showing He looks not to numbers or human greatness for success.Ms 17, 1898, par. 2–4

The gospel has achieved its greatest success among humble and oppressed people, including poor slaves who listened and found hope and peace in Christ amid hardship.AA 461.1–3+2 Its influence could nevertheless extend from them even into the emperor's household.AA 461.1–3 Jesus chose humble fishermen rather than the learned Jewish leaders or Roman authorities.LC1 64.3+4 This was not because education or sound knowledge is wrong, for the highest learning when guided by love and reverence for God is approved.LC1 64.3+2 The religious learning of the time had been mixed with human teachings, worldly ambition, and self-righteousness, so its possessors trusted worldly wisdom, felt no need of a Redeemer, and would not receive and follow Him in humble obedience.LC1 64.3+4 Pride and ambition would have led them to reshape salvation into something outwardly attractive while leaving motives and actions unchanged, since Christ offered no worldly honor, riches, or glory and called without worldly inducements.1RED 64.1 The fishermen's simple lives, experience of hardship, and freedom from love of riches and desire for status made them receptive to mercy, righteousness, justice, and holiness, willing to welcome His influence and become His co-workers.LC1 64.3+3 Lack of learning did not prevent their service, because Christ educated, refined, and equipped them, and their work would succeed not through human wisdom, eloquence, power, or status but through the power of the Holy Spirit.4RED 38.2+2

At Athens comparatively few received the gospel because pride of intellect and worldly wisdom counted it foolishness.Ms 67, 1894, par. 34–36 The grand truths that men in pride and self-exaltation refuse to examine and cast aside as worthless are clearly apprehended and enjoyed by babes in knowledge, for God hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes.Ms 67, 1894, par. 34–36 He made foolish the wisdom of this world and chose the foolish things to confound the wise, the weak to confound the mighty, and base and despised things and things which are not to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.Ms 67, 1894, par. 34–36 In every generation He gives His special truth and special work to few childlike, humble believers rather than to the wise after the flesh, the mighty, the noble, ecclesiastical authorities, or the worldly-wise.COL 78.2–79.2 Truth is hid from the worldly-wise and prudent and revealed to those not too learned or too wise to believe the word, so special truths for the time are found with humble men and women.COL 78.2–79.2 Their advocates begin few, with a call requiring self-sacrifice and battles to fight and victories to win, opposed and despised by the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, so that faith stands not in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.COL 78.2–79.2

This is seen in John the Baptist standing alone against Jewish pride and formalism, Paul and Silas as obscure tent-makers carrying the gospel into Europe, Paul in chains preaching in the stronghold of the Caesars, little communities of slaves and peasants set against imperial Rome, Luther standing on God's word against emperor and pope, Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness amid formalism and infidelity, and the burdened missionary to the heathen rejected by ecclesiasticism.COL 78.2–79.2 Men with little formal learning are called to declare truth because humility and obedience leave them willing to be taught by God.4SP 288.2–289.2+1 Through them simple reasoning from Scripture can overcome the arguments of learned opponents, for those of learning or high position are not often chosen to lead reform because they may rely on human creeds and theories and feel no need for God's teaching.4SP 288.2–289.2+1 Their greatness comes from learning in Christ's school, and the knowledge of truth entrusted to them outweighs earthly honor and status.4SP 288.2–289.2+1

The work of carrying the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus began in the same way, with few numbers drawn mostly from the poorer classes, with views almost unknown to the world, with no houses of worship, few publications, and very limited facilities.Ms 139, 1901, par. 14–15 It went to scattered sheep in highways and byways, cities, towns, and forests.Ms 139, 1901, par. 14–15 Yet God does call men from high and low degree to do His bidding and enter His service as truth goes forth as a lamp that burneth, though He seldom calls the mighty and noble.RCOC 117.1–2+1 He has chosen men from the highest ranks, shone the light of heaven upon them, and they adorned truth by practice, as in Daniel and Isaiah of royal birth and noble heritage.RCOC 117.1–2+1 He has likewise called from lowly places, as in David called from the sheepfold to the throne of Israel, Amos the herdsman, Zechariah the captive from Babylon, and Elisha the plowman.RCOC 117.1–2+1

That few, poor, or supposedly unlearned people carry the call, and that worldly great ones or religious leaders do not accept it, counts nothing against its truth, for numbers, learning, influence, and power do not decide which side has the truth.GC88 148.2+2 The appeal to the greater numbers, learning, influence, and power of an established church proves nothing, being no more conclusive against reformers than against those who teach God's Word in opposition to established errors.GC88 148.2+1 In general the calling has not rested on being wise, powerful, noble, numerous, or influential, and the fact that preachers of plain biblical teaching are few, poor, or despised as unlearned does not prove their message false.GC88 148.2+1 Many who are wise by worldly standards, powerful, or of high standing do not accept the truth, but their rejection is no test of truth.DA 459.4

Approval by influential or widely respected people does not confirm the call, for Christ presented convincing evidence for His teachings and yet the multitude did not believe, so it is unsafe to reject truth because prominent people reject it.Lt 35, 1877, par. 14–18 Great men, ministers, doctors, and the learned reject truths such as the Lord's Sabbath because receiving truth requires bearing the cross of self-denial, humiliation, and suffering, while popularity and worldly inducements are too great for them to give up and their minds are darkened by the god of this world.Lt 9, 1873, par. 9–10 Hence conscientious observers appear wild, erratic, odd, singular, stubborn, and foolish to unbelievers whose happiness lies in worldly pleasures and vanities.Lt 9, 1873, par. 9–10 God instead chooses the foolish things to shame the wise, the weak to shame the mighty, and base and despised things and things that are nothing to bring to nothing things that are, so that no flesh should glory in His presence and those in Christ Jesus receive Him as wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.Lt 9, 1873, par. 9–10+2

Christ did not seek the rich and socially great, who would not receive His teaching, but chose the poor who were willing to receive Him, though some wealthy people believed without openly acknowledging Him, and the same pattern holds now when those regarded as great reject the message because of the cross.Ms 41, 1886, par. 4 Special truths for the time are found among people humble enough to believe God's word rather than rely on learning or human authority.ST Feb 16, 1915+1 The truth is hidden from the worldly-wise and prudent and revealed to those who are not too learned or too wise to believe, so in every generation God gives His special truth and special work to few childlike, humble believers rather than to the wise after the flesh, the mighty, and the noble, and not to ecclesiastical authorities but to humble men and women.ST Feb 16, 1915+1 Its advocates begin few, with a call demanding self-sacrifice and with battles to fight and victories to win, and they are opposed and despised by the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, as with John the Baptist standing alone against Jewish pride and formalism, Paul and Silas as obscure tent-makers carrying the gospel into Europe, Paul in chains preaching in the stronghold of the Caesars, little communities of slaves and peasants set against imperial Rome, Luther standing on God's word against emperor and pope, Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness amid formalism and infidelity, and the burdened missionary to the heathen rejected by ecclesiasticism, so that faith stands not in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.COL 78.2–79.2

The Lord's people are mainly the poor of this world and the common people, for the poor have the gospel preached to them and God has chosen the poor of this world.Ms 31a, 1898, par. 30–31+1 The wealthy are in one sense called and invited, but they do not accept the invitation.Ms 17, 1898, par. 2–4 Even in wicked cities the Lord has many humble yet trustful lights shining in lowly, miserable places, unknown to ministers and churches, patient, meek, and gentle while suffering nakedness, hunger, and cold as His martyrs visited by angels, unnoticed by the world and hidden in highways and hedges yet seeking God, showing that He looks not to numbers or human greatness for the success of His work.Ms 17, 1898, par. 2–4 His saving work brings encouragement, comfort, and help where most needed, to the poor and lowly, while the rich and learned exalt themselves above humble people who come to Jesus to be saved, but God sets aside human wisdom and greatness.Ms 31a, 1898, par. 30–31 The preaching of the cross seems foolishness to those who perish yet is God's power to save those who believe, for God destroys the wisdom of the wise and makes foolish the wisdom of the world, choosing what the world counts foolish to shame the wise, what is weak to shame the mighty, and base and despised things that are nothing to bring to nothing things that are.Lt 9, 1873, par. 9–10+1

The highest of all education is the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He sent, which is eternal life itself, of more value than gold and silver and precious stones, more to be desired than worldly honor and the empty applause of mortals.FE 352.1+4 Book knowledge and high qualifications cannot replace that knowledge, dependence on Him, and a life shaped by truth, for true wisdom and worth come through Christ, who is made unto believers wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that he that glories must glory in the Lord rather than in learning or human achievement.FE 352.1+4 No method of education should crowd out the word of God, but the word must be the counselor, and education must give fitness for heaven and take in light in order to impart light by letting it shine forth in good works.FE 352.1+1 The first and second chapters of 1 Corinthians must be read with prayer for understanding in order to comprehend and practice these truths.FE 352.1

Man's ideas of education are not to be exalted as supreme, and the inclination of educators to exalt and extol learned men, especially men disloyal to God, is foolishness in God's sight.Lt 85, 1899, par. 9–13+1 Higher aims than human learning, and greater heights than the study of man, are to be kept before God's people, who are to hunger and thirst after righteousness and receive the Holy Spirit rather than exalt men.Lt 85, 1899, par. 9–13+1 Outward education can provide qualifications but cannot supply spiritual power, for God raises up people taught by His Spirit to do His work.RH Aug 30, 1906+1 Education and intellectual culture are not the most important qualifications for His work, since His call does not depend on worldly learning, position, or human importance.RH Aug 30, 1906+2

The instruction in 1 Corinthians 1-3 is of the greatest importance against envy and strife that make the church weak and carnal, condemning dividing into parties saying I am of Paul or I am of Apollos and withdrawing from some for imaginary reasons to bind up with others.Ms 67, 1900, par. 14–16 Paul and Apollos are only ministers by whom believers believed as the Lord gave to every man, one planting and another watering toward the same object, each to receive his own reward according to his own labor.Ms 67, 1900, par. 14–16 Neither planter nor waterer is anything because God alone gives the increase, so discord, prejudice, jealousy, and evil surmising separate brethren from each other and from God and hinder the manifestation of the Spirit until His people obey to be all of one mind.Ms 67, 1900, par. 14–16 Paul therefore made Christ crucified the center of his preaching rather than relying on human wisdom, because the cross overturns worldly standards and silences human boasting.AA 126.2–128.1+1

Laborers are directed to learn at the cross and to proclaim Christ plainly, keeping self out of sight and exalting Jesus rather than trying to please listeners with human eloquence or wisdom.AA 126.2–128.1+2 Advocates of truth may therefore appear inferior to those advancing error, while God gives each man work according to his ability and carries forward the saving of souls by humble means.Ms 6, 1892, par. 27–28 Such humble means can only be valued rightly with spiritual eyesight and the heavenly anointing, since the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who perish but the power of God to those who are saved.Ms 6, 1892, par. 27–28 As God's husbandry and building and temple and property, those called are to place themselves in right relation to God and build for time and eternity by obeying the laws of health and caring for His building.Lt 116, 1898, par. 8–11

God's people are mostly drawn from ordinary walks of life rather than from those prized for worldly wisdom, power, or status, and many have little formal knowledge of theology or worldly wisdom yet love Jesus, trust Him as personal Savior, and serve others as they are able.ST Aug 7, 1893+1 He calls youth and older people with little opportunity for education, as well as those who work the fields or labor in ordinary business, to proclaim present truth and bring glory to His name.RCOC 116.1–2+1 Christ sees in them qualities that can serve His purpose, and as they give themselves wholeheartedly to the work and remain willing to learn, He prepares them to labor for Him.RCOC 116.1–2 The poor and despised company of believers is nevertheless honored by God, and success in His work belongs not necessarily to the most eloquent or most trained in theology, but to those who serve Him diligently, humbly, and in consecration.5MR 203.4+1

The world by wisdom knew not God, so God made foolish the wisdom of this world and saves believers by the preaching of Christ crucified, choosing the foolish things to confound the wise, the weak to confound the mighty, and base and despised things and things which are not to bring to nought things that are, so that no flesh should glory in His presence.Lt 121, 1901, par. 9–10 Those who receive Christ are given power to become sons of God, having Christ Jesus made unto them wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that he who glories glories in the Lord.Lt 121, 1901, par. 9–10+1 They are to be perfect in their sphere as God is perfect in His, content with nothing less than the best and highest character formed after the divine similitude.Lt 121, 1901, par. 9–10 Their life, faith, and purity thus become an instructive example, for righteousness exalts a nation while sin is a reproach to any people.Lt 121, 1901, par. 9–10

In troublous times this requires keeping eyes fixed on Christ as Leader, denying self, taking up the cross and following Him, bearing much fruit as His disciples, walking as He gave example, and drawing minds darkened by error to Christ.Ms 46, 1905, par. 12–13 The verse calls workers back into right lines as God leads out a people preparing for translation, requiring those acting a part in this work to stand as sentinels for God, labor unitedly, be willing to be servants of all, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus the great Exemplar.Lt 109, 1901, par. 16

God's work does not depend on worldly learning, talent, or status, for not many who have these advantages are called.4T 541.1–2+1 Those who rely on their learning and feel no need of God may be set aside, while people of lesser talent and ability who depend on Him and remain good, truthful, and faithful can be used by His power.4T 541.1–2+1 True greatness comes from goodness and reliance on God rather than worldly wisdom, and becoming a fool in the world's eyes makes a person truly wise.4T 541.1–2 God can use someone poor and regarded as foolish to bring a learned and proud person to humility before Him, and He uses humble and obscure people, even those without learning, moving them by His Spirit to save souls so that success depends on His Spirit and not on human eloquence or strength.Ms 12, 1893, par. 19–21+2

The gospel does not depend on human greatness or chiefly appeal to the wise, powerful, and socially honored, and Christ's success among the poor shows that people of every level of learning can serve.Ms 31a, 1898, par. 38 Those who accept the gospel are called to follow Christ by helping people who are destitute, despised, forsaken, and afflicted.Ms 31a, 1898, par. 38 Christian influence does not come from rank, wealth, learning, or power, but from a willing mind and a heart devoted to Christ's cause.Lt 140, 1906, par. 5 Every person has a place in God's service, God gives grace for every duty, and He is honored when each is content to fill the assigned place, so even humble service can reveal Christian character.Lt 140, 1906, par. 5

The verse rebukes those who seek status and praise while avoiding humble duties, for pride and selfishness that favor refinement and social position contradict the lowly, humble people God calls, including the poor.2T 466.1 Worldly wisdom, power, and high standing do not determine entrance to God's kingdom, for many poor with little opportunity may live faithfully according to limited light and means while some with greater abilities, advantages, and knowledge may be left out.LSEGW 183.3–184.1 Without God's help human wisdom and strength amount to weakness and ignorance, and God's calling does not rest on worldly wisdom, might, or status.MYP 264.1

Christ chose poor fishermen as disciples and taught them for their future work, and the lessons He gave them remain in Scripture and continue to matter.Ms 41, 1886, par. 17 The lesson is also seen in the contrast between Judas, who did not let Christ's teaching change his heart, and John, who practiced what he learned and stood firm for truth.Ms 41, 1886, par. 17 Education and intellectual culture are not the most important qualifications for God's work, since pride and self-sufficiency can prevent sympathy with others and co-labor with Christ.Ms 14, 1896, par. 1 True wisdom and a Christlike character come from Christ, and those who distrust themselves and refuse pride can receive His character and serve as channels of His grace.Ms 14, 1896, par. 1