How does Paul respond to the Jews wanting signs and the Greeks wanting wisdom?
Paul does not accommodate either demand. Though Jews require signs and Greeks seek wisdom, he sets both aside and preaches Christ and the cross. That preaching of the gospel appears foolish, yet it is God's means of transforming those who believe, by faith plus nothing.
Les explains that in this passage Paul acknowledges the two major categories of the human race: Jews, who require a sign, and Greeks, who seek after wisdom. But the "but" is the flip side. Though the Jews want signs and the Gentiles want highly educated philosophers, Paul says, "We don't pay attention to either one of those. We preach Christ." This preaching is not about the Jesus of Nazareth walking the highways of Palestine, walking on water, feeding the 5,000, or raising Lazarus. Earlier, Les points out that through the foolishness of preaching—the preaching of the cross, the preaching of the gospel—God transforms those who believe. Nothing else. Faith plus nothing. The one who died 2,000 years ago is the answer to the sin problem and the one who imparts eternal life.
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
More Questions
What did Paul do instead of looking for signs or new wisdom?
Paul and his companions deliberately refused to seek signs or chase after a new philosophy; instead they preached Christ crucified.
What did Paul preach instead of signs and human philosophy?
Paul refused to adhere to either approach: he would not come showing signs and wonders and miracles, nor would he philosophize, but instead he preached Christ crucified.
How did Paul respond to the Jewish demand for signs and the Greek search for wisdom?
Paul said that even though the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek wisdom, we are not going to look for signs or a new philosophy.