“Brothers think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you wise by human standards nor many of you were influential, not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
1 Corinth 1:26-27
Wise by human standards usually portrayed as scientists, philosophers, Doctors and teachers those super intelligent of the world. The world would call clever, astute, smart, intellectually brilliant. Super impressive or above the rest of society. Paul says that most of those called are not in this category. It would be foolish to over look the fact that over the centuries many intellectuals have been called and used by God. It doesn’t say it doesn’t happen but its generally not the norm. In the NT they seem to be the exception. Not many in this category will respond to the Gospel and the call to follow Jesus. The early church was primarily made up of slaves, servants and poorer people. It was very much an army of common people in which the Roman Empire despised. remember Jesus Apostles were fisherman, tax collectors, common people not theologians.
Not many were wise, or influential. =power and ability. Often refers to people who have political power or political might in the world’s eyes. It doesn’t say none a called but not many. Sure, it would be dramatic and impacting if a famous politician came to Christ but that rarely happens if you notice.
Not many of noble birth. That means not many who have been born into powerful wealthy rich or famous families like royalty or lofty positions in society like aristocrats and people of influence.
Have you noticed God calls generally the lower crust the ordinary regular routine run of the mill typical kind of person. He specializes in calling ordinary people just like you and me. The foolish things according the worlds standards. The nobodies. The word foolish is where get the English word moron. Don’t be offended here but it means idiot, halfwit, blockhead, jerk. Why to confound the wise of this world. Gods’ ways are amazing. Wow Thank you Lord that was me. Thank you for saving me. God wants to use you and me to confound the world. Oh the wonders of his love and mercy.