Among Paul’s Greek audiences, the message of Christ’s resurrection was often opposed and ridiculed (see Acts 17:32; also 1 Corinthians 15:1–58). Here, however, Paul focuses on a commonplace reaction to the message of Christ’s death. To unbelievers, the word of the cross is folly.

Paul probably chose to focus on the message of Christ’s death because this message was considered folly by both Greeks and Jews. The Jews, with the exception of the Sadducees, believed in the resurrection of the body. But the message of a crucified Messiah would have been deeply offensive to them, since the cross was a sign of God’s curse. To the Greeks, the cross was also a shameful punishment, reserved only for the worst criminals who were not Roman citizens.

Yet, says Paul, to us who are being saved it [the word of the cross] is the power of God. About two years later, Paul will echo this statement in his letter to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

The reason why the gospel is the power of God is because in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed (Romans 1:17). Instead of relying on his own righteousness, the believer trusts in the righteousness that is given to him by God through faith in Christ.