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1Co 1:27. Τὰ) The article has this force: those things in particular and especially, which are foolish, etc.-ἐξελεξατο, hath chosen [viz., in great numbers]) Act 18:10-V. g.] (“I have much people in this city,” i.e., Corinth). This word is put thrice; election [choosing] and calling, 1Co 1:26, are joined in one; Eze 20:5. The latter is a proof of the former. Election is the judgment of Divine grace exempting in Christ from the common destruction of men, those who accept their calling by faith. Every one who is called, is elected from the first moment of his faith; and so long as he continues in his calling and faith, he continues to be elected; if at any time he loses calling and faith, he ceases to be elected; when he brings forth fruit in faith, he confirms that calling and election in his own case: if he returns to faith, and believing falls asleep, he returns to his state of election, and as one elected falls asleep. And these κατʼ ἐξοχὴν, pre-eminently, are the men who are elected and foreknown. Election relates either to peoples or individuals. The question here and in Eze 20:5 : also Act 18:10; 1Th 1:4 : is concerning the election of a people; and this species of election in a greater degree falls under the distinct perceptions of men that are believers, than the election of individuals; for some individuals of the people may fall away, and yet the breadth of calling and election [i.e. the calling viewed in its comprehension of the whole people as such] may be equally preserved. The election of some outside of the church is a Thing Reserved for God Himself, and must not be tried by the rule of the preaching of the Gospel.[14]-ΤΟῪς ΣΟΦΟῪς, the wise) In the masculine to express a very beautiful idea;[15] the rest are neuter, as all standing in opposition to τοὺς σοφοὺς, yea even foolish things.-καταισχύνῃ, might put to shame [confound]) This word is twice repeated; we have afterwards, might bring to nought [1Co 1:28]. By both of these words glorying [1Co 1:29; 1Co 1:31] is taken away, whether the subject of boasting be more or less voluntary.
[14] Which restricts salvation to them that believe.-ED.
[15] Viz., That even things (and, those too, foolish things) are chosen by God to confound persons (and, those too, persons who are wise).-ED.