Is That Aorist Tense or Present Tense?

            I happened to recently look at my Bible program on my computer and one of the references from A. T. Roberson said this... “...accusative of articular aorist middle infinitive of...” I thought to myself, “What on earth does all of that mean?” Many have said that that the Greek language was the ideal language for the New Testament due to its many shades of meaning and words that are used to express the ideas that God wants to transmit to us through His Word. I realize this and my limited knowledge of Greek sometimes leaves me wondering what a certain passage might mean. I know some of the words that were used in the above explanatory phrase, but certainly not all of them together. I am more inclined to jump up and notice the more simpler phrases such as the following. First Corinthians 1:17-19 says, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

         Paul's use of the “wisdom of words” sometimes reminds me of those who like to show off their understanding of the Greek language to the point that their message is lost to most of the people. Certain commentators will do just that in their explanation of things that should be quite simple. Paul goes on in the Corinthian passage to explain what is the difference between foolishness and the simple message of the Gospel. Many have said that before they were saved, or born again, they had a hard time understanding the Bible but once they were saved, many things became a lot clearer. Before a person comes to salvation, they may regard the Gospel message as foolishness. A recent “smart” man in politics recently said that the supporters of the current president even believed in the story of Noah's Ark. His indication was meant to say that is how dumb they are. Well, I do believe in the story of Noah's Ark and the flood and Adam and Eve and the parting of the Red Sea and Elijah going up into heaven in a whirlwind like a chariot of fire and the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. I guess I am really dumb according to the “smart” people of this world. The smart people look the Biblical record as being nothing more than foolishness. In my estimation, the smart people should get their money back on their education, as they are not so smart after all. Paul went on to say that the preaching of the cross is the power of God to those who are saved. I may not understand all that is meant by the accusative of articular aorist middle infinitive, but I do know that the preaching of the cross is the power of God. When Paul preached, he preached the gospel which, according to First Corinthians 15:3-4 is the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the children's song says, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” I will cling to that message for today and everyday even though I don't fully understand the aorist tense of the Greek language. Praise God today that the message of salvation is simple enough for all to believe.