of opposites “God’s power” is the term that correctly matches “foolishness.” That which is “foolishness” is always powerless and cannot save those who are perishing; and what we deem to be “foolishness,” even though it be most wonderful power, we throw aside and thus prevent it from saving us. Yet the direct contrast which Paul draws in regard to the word of the cross is only a preliminary explanation which shows that the judgment in regard to this word depends on two directly opposite kinds of people.