Why did the Jews require a sign but the Gentiles did not?
Signs meant everything to the Jew but didn't mean that much to Gentiles; Greek philosophers sought wisdom instead. Paul preached Christ crucified rather than relying on signs to convince Jews or philosophy to convince Greeks, and he taught that preaching the Word, not miracles, is what people need.
Les explains that Paul, writing to a Gentile congregation, says, “the Jews require a sign.” Signs didn't mean that much to Gentiles, but they meant everything to the Jew. The Greek philosophers of Paul's day sought wisdom. Paul said he was not outperforming signs to convince the Jew, nor being philosophical to convince the Greek; instead, “we preach Christ and Him crucified.” Les returns to chapter 14, where tongues—the ability to speak all these languages—were for a sign, not to them that believe but to them that believe not. Prophesying, meaning proclaiming or preaching the Word before the New Testament, was for believers. Signs wouldn't accomplish much, but preaching the Word would. People today need to hear the Gospel and the plan of salvation; they don't have to see a miracle. Les does not deny miraculous manifestations or healing, but he stresses preaching the Word.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
More Questions
What does it mean that the Jews require a sign in 1 Corinthians 1:22?
First Corinthians 1:22 teaches that the Jews require a sign, meaning they said unless they see a sign they will not believe.
Why did the Jews demand a sign before they would believe?
The Jews require a sign — like Missourians, the 'show me' people — so they said they would not believe unless they saw a sign.