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There are two sorts of vain religion. In the days of Paul the apostle they were represented by Jews and Greeks.

1) Jews represent all those who "request a sign." Such a sign is an outward exhibition (especially one that is supernatural or miraculous) judged to be a token of divine authority and power (as in Matthew 12:38; 16:1; Luke 11:16). Sign-requesters say, "Show us something spectacular, and we will believe."

2) Greeks represent all those who "seek after wisdom." Such wisdom (sophia in the Greek text) is the ability to understand spiritual and divine matters (as in Acts 17:16-21). Wisdom-seekers say, "Tell us something speculative, and we will believe."

To both sorts of vain religion, the ministry of God's ministers is to "preach Christ crucified." To "preach Christ" is to declare that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Anointed One of God who came to deliver His people from their sins, ministering as their Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15; John 4:19-26), Priest (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5-11), and King (Psalm 2; Acts 2:29-36).

To "preach Christ crucified" is to declare that this sinless Jesus had the sins of His people imputed to Himself and that He died on a cross in order to pay for those sins (Isaiah 53:4-9), and that His people will be saved through believing in Him (Acts 16:31). This is the "message of the cross" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

There are three responses to the message of God's ministers. 1) Those who "request a sign" consider the "message of the cross" to be a stumbling block (the Greek word is skandalon, whence our English word scandal). It is below their dignity to trust in someone who died like a common criminal, especially on a tree (see Deuteronomy 21:22f; Galatians 3:13).

2) Those who "seek after wisdom" consider the "message of the cross" to be foolishness. They consider it irrational that anyone may be saved by trusting in One who was despised by even Jews.

3) "But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God." There is a twofold call of the gospel: the external call by which preachers invite men to Christ, and which is refused by all mankind; and the inward call by which the Holy Spirit effectually draws God's elect to Christ (both are illustrated in the parable of Luke 14:16-24). "Those who are called" are those men and women who have responded to the latter call in faith and repentance.

These called ones are from "both Jews and Greeks [or Gentiles]" -- or both those who "request a sign" and those who "seek after wisdom." Each sort has found in Jesus Christ that for which he has required and sought.

Through the preaching of Christ crucified and the work of the Holy Spirit, those who "request a sign" behold the only sign Christ promised to them (see Matthew 12:39f). It is "the exceeding greatness of [God's] power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:19f).

And through the same preaching of Christ crucified and the work of the Holy Spirit, those who "seek after wisdom" learn the most glorious truth. It is that "in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3): that sinners may live through trusting in One who died, and be blessed through trusting in One who was accursed, and be justified by trusting in One who was condemned.

Therefore, "we preach Christ crucified." Have you believed?

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