1 Corinthians 2:1

Translations

Modern

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

Traditional

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

Literal

And I, having come to you, brothers, did not come according to excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

Latin

Et ego, cum venissem ad vos, fratres, veni non in sublimitate sermonis, aut sapientiæ, annuntians vobis testimonium Christi.

Original

Greek

English

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

Notes

1 Corinthians 2:1

When I came to you: see Acts 18:1–17.
with eloquence or wisdom: Human wisdom and philosophy do not bring people to Christ (see 1 Corinthians 1:17, 21; 2:2). The message of the cross has its own power to change the human heart (see 1:17; Romans 1:16; Galatians 6:14).
the testimony about God: See study note on 1 Corinthians 2:7.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5

God's control made Paul's preaching successful. Paul did not depend on his intelligence or personality for evangelism. Instead, he relied on the Holy Spirit's power (see also study note on 1 Corinthians 1:18–31).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Fear of the Lord The Mystery of the Good News Wisdom

Related verses

1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians 2:13
And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
1 Corinthians 2:4
My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
Romans 16:18
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Exodus 4:10
“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”
Jeremiah 1:6–7
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”
1 John 5:11–13
And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
2 Timothy 1:8
So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
2 Thessalonians 1:10
…on the day He comes to be glorified in His saints and regarded with wonder by all who have believed, including you who have believed our testimony.
2 Corinthians 11:6
Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.
1 John 4:14
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.
1 Corinthians 1:6
…because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion First Letter to the Corinthians Gnosticism Gospel Letter to the Ephesians Paul the Apostle Peter, Second Letter of Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Christian Minister: Trials and Persecutions of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Ministers: should Preach: Not with Enticing Words of Man's Wisdom Philosophy: Employment of, Was not Paul's Method of Preaching the Gospel Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Wisdom: Worldly

1 Corinthians 2:1

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