Chapter summary: Matthew Henry: The apostle proceeds with his argument in this chapter, and, I. Reminds the Corinthians of the plain manner wherein he delivered the gospel to them (1Co 2:1-5). But yet, II. Shows them that he had communicated to them a treasure of the truest and highest wisdom, such as exceeded all the attainments of learned men, such as could never have entered into the heart of man if it had not been revealed, nor can be received and improved to salvation but by the light and influence of that Spirit who revealed it (1Co 2:6 to the end).
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (WEL) Brethren, when I came to you, declaring to you the testimony of God, I didn’t come with outstanding eloquence or wisdom. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of human wisdom but in a demonstrating proof of the Spirit and power, 5 So that your faith wouldn’t be in human wisdom but in God’s power.
V1 Brethren, when I came to you, declaring to you the testimony of God, I didn’t come with outstanding eloquence or wisdom.
Despite all the problems in the Corinthian church, they are brethren, Christ-followers. We may not be great in oration or any type of speaking, but when we speak the truth, the Holy Spirit works in the hearts and minds of people. This is evident from these believers. Good speaking skills or not, the Holy Spirit, used Paul’s words to bring conviction, with the result that some humbled themselves and believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The testimony of Jesus is the Gospel, which is an account of His life and ministry. The Gospel is God’s testimony, so it is perfectly true.
V2 For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Paul was not in Corinth to lecture on government, society, or anything except the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is most important because when one believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A person’s eternity depends on it.
“The Bible diagnoses the cancer of all cancers and prescribes the cure of all cures.” ~ Ray Comfort
V3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
Paul refers to physical and emotional fear. He does not stop preaching though because of fear. He is able to speak boldly because of God’s help. Compare Acts 9:27-28.
V4 My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of human wisdom but in a demonstrating proof of the Spirit and power…
The greatest proof is the effect of the Gospel. Paul, being an Apostle, had been given gifts for healing. Compare Acts 14:8-11. The people misunderstood and believed that their false gods did the healing, but by doing so, more people heard the Gospel. Acts 14:15-17 says, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
V5 …So that your faith wouldn’t be in human wisdom but in God’s power.
God convicts, God demonstrates, God gives the understanding to believe. No one should use human manipulative tactics to produce results but leave the results to preaching the Gospel.
We learn:
- The Gospel preached, believed, and lived does more good for society than human wisdom and philosophy.
- God gives us strength and boldness.
Questions:
- Have you believed the Gospel?
- Are you relying on God’s strength?