1 Corinthians 1:29

29. no flesh ... glory--For they who try to glory (boast) because of human greatness and wisdom, are "confounded" or put to shame (1Co 1:27). Flesh, like "the flower of the field," is beautiful, but frail (Is 40:6). in his presence--We are to glory not before Him, but in Him [Bengel].

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Verse 29. That no flesh. That no men; no class of men. The word flesh is often thus used to denote men, Mt 24:22, Lk 3:6, Jn 17:2 Acts 2:17, 1Pet 1:24, etc.

Should glory. Should boast, Rom 3:27.

In his presence. Before him. That man should really have nothing of which to boast; but that the whole scheme should be adapted to humble and subdue him. On these verses we may observe,

(1.) that it is to be expected that the great mass of Christian converts will be found among those who am of humble life; and it may be observed also, that true virtue and excellence, honesty, sincerity, and amiableness, are usually found there also.

(2.) That while the mass of Christians are found there, there are also those of noble birth, and rank, and wealth, who become Christians. The aggregate of those who, from elevated ranks and distinguished talents, have become Christians, has not been small. It is sufficient to refer to such names as Pascal, and Bacon, and Boyle, and Newton, and Locke, and Hale, and Wilberforce, to show that religion can command the homage of the most illustrious genius and rank.

(3.) The reasons why those of rank and wealth do not become Christians, are many and obvious.

(a) They are beset with peculiar temptations.

(b) They are usually satisfied with rank and wealth, and do not feel their need of a hope of heaven.

(c) They are surrounded with objects which flatter their vanity, which minister to their pride, and which throw them into the circle of alluring and tempting pleasures.

(d) They are drawn away from the means of grace and the places of prayer, by fashion, by business, by temptation.

(e) There is something about the pride of learning and philosophy which usually makes those who possess it unwilling to sit at the feet of Christ; to acknowledge their dependence on any power; and to confess that they are poor, and needy, and blind, and naked before God.

(4.) The gospel is designed to produce humility, and to place all men on a level in regard to salvation. There is no royal way to the favour of God. No monarch is saved because he is a monarch; no philosopher because he is a philosopher; no rich man because he is rich; no poor man because he is poor. All are placed on a level. All are to be saved in the same way. All are to become willing to give the entire glory to God. All are to acknowledge him as providing the plan, and as furnishing the grace that is needful for salvation. God's design is to bring down the pride of man, and to produce everywhere a willingness to acknowledge him as the Fountain of blessings, and the God of all.

(c) "no flesh" Rom 3:27

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Verse 29 That no flesh should glory - God does his mighty works in such a way as proves that though he may condescend to employ men as instruments, yet they have no part either in the contrivance or energy by which such works are performed.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain