¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^(A) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks^(B) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁸ For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures^(A) that Jesus was the Messiah.^(B)

⁸ Paul entered the synagogue^(A) and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.^(B)

God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity

¹⁸ The wrath of God^(A) is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.^{(B) 20} For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,^(C) so that people are without excuse.^(D)

¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to baptize,^(A) but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom^(B) and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness^(C) to those who are perishing,^(D) but to us who are being saved^(E) it is the power of God.^{(F) 19} For it is written:

²⁰ Where is the wise person?^(H) Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?^(I) Has not God made foolish^(J) the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world^(K) through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save^(L) those who believe.^{(M) 22} Jews demand signs^(N) and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(O) a stumbling block^(P) to Jews and foolishness^(Q) to Gentiles,

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature,^(A) but not the wisdom of this age^(B) or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.^{(C) 7} No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery^(D) that has been hidden^(E) and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age^(F) understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.^{(G) 9} However, as it is written:

¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed^(I) to us by his Spirit.^(J)

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything,^(A) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^(B)

¹⁷ And whatever you do,^(A) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(B) to God the Father through him.