For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
After that - rather, whereas.
In the wisdom of God.
(1) 'In the sphere of God's wisdom' the world's wisdom has no place; for by it the world was not enabled to know God. This interpretation suits well the previous "Where?"
(2) 'The world by its wisdom knew not God in God's wisdom' (i:e., in the Gospel) (1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 2:6-7).
(3) 'The pagan world knew not God in the wisdom of God,' which they might have gleaned from His works (Romans 1:20-21).
The general principle comprises both God's wisdom in nature and in grace, and leaves no scope for glorying in man, which there would be if the world by its wisdom could know God (1 Corinthians 1:29).
World by wisdom - rather, 'by its х tees (G3588)] wisdom,' or its philosophy (John 1:10; Romans 1:28).
Knew not God - whatever other knowledge it attained (Acts 17:23; Acts 17:27). The deistic theory, that man can by the light of nature discover his duty to God, is disproved by the fact that man has never discovered it without revelation. All the stars and moon cannot make day; that is the prerogative of the sun. Nor can nature's highest gifts make the moral day arise; that is the office of Christ.
It pleased God - referring to Jesus' words (Luke 10:21).
By the foolishness of preaching - by that preaching (the preached Gospel) which the world (unbelieving Jews and Gentiles alike) deem foolishness.