This seems to be a confusing statement in light of the common understanding of evangelism wherein we are supposed to tell lost people about Jesus Christ, which includes the horror of the cross. However, Paul here states that those who are lost view the cross as folly or better yet, foolishness. It is important to see the distinction that Paul makes between those who are perishing and those who are being saved. It is the power of God.

Without God's supernatural intervention there is no hope for those who are perishing. However, when we follow the command to share the Gospel (cf. Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14) we must rely on the power of God instead of trusting in our own abilities (or lack thereof). Without the power of God, the message of the cross is not untrue, but cannot waken a spiritually dead person (see Eph. 2:1-3 & 8-9).

More on this passage to come.

1 Corinthians 1:18