Paul: the Pro-claimer_03 1 Corinthians 1:17-21this section of Corinthians is dealing with division within the church.The contrast between “words of wisdom” or the “wisdom of words” and the “cross of Christ”. The “wisdom of words” is plural, hinting at differences and division within the fellowship of the church. The “cross of Christ” is singular, suggesting unity of spirit. The cross alone is the answer to a divided church, not words of human wisdom. Human wisdom can never solve the divisions within the church, nor within the world, not by itself. Why? Because love—love among all persons—is the only remedy for division, and the greatest demonstration of love ever witnessed upon earth is the cross of Christ.The way for man and his world to be saved is not by the wisdom of men, but by the wisdom of God, which is the cross. If men would turn to the cross in its perfect demonstration of love and sacrifice, then men would love and sacrifice like they should to meet the needs of mankind.Love and sacrifice are God’s means of saving the world. Therefore, it is the person who believes the preaching of the cross that is saved. When a person believes that Jesus Christ died for him—when he gives all he is and has to Christ—God saves that person and uses him to reach the lost and destitute of the world.Just imagine what the world would be like if all men loved and sacrificed all they were and had to solve the problems of the world—loved and sacrificed just as Christ did.Paul stood up, spoke up and stirred up things when he proclaimed the gospel.