1 Corinthians 1:23 –
So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
Paul starts this chapter talking to a church some 2000 years ago and it’s written as if he were talking to us today. The Jews of today are looking to great signs from heaven, as are many Christians and Muslims. The rest of the world is seeking answers elsewhere in themselves or other metaphysical means. Science has corrupted our belief in God to the point where we use it to dismiss God instead of proving His existence. Paul is dealing with similar issues with the early church.
Honestly, someone looking in from the “outside” would have a difficult time with the concept of God. Those who have accepted God would have a difficult time accepting something outside the status quo in Jesus. So it’s really not much different that as it is today. Our faith has to transcend logic to the point of getting people to accept what we know as truth. Paul is pointing out that this becomes more of a heart issue and less of a logic one.
We tend to look at our faith through the lens of someone who has already accepted Jesus for whom He said He is. Where there are so many other views, which oppose ours that we must be able to discuss in persuasive terms. Also we must learn to be strong in our faith so not to be sucked away from our belief from an opposing view. This because a complex set of conditions that Paul tries to “unwind” in this chapter. This is one that needs to be reviewed from time to time so we can cope with issues as they present themselves during our journey.