1 Corinthians 2:3

Translations

Modern

I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.

Traditional

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

Literal

And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.

Latin

Et ego in infirmitate, et timore, et tremore multo fui apud vos:

Original

Greek

English

I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.

Notes

1 Corinthians 2:3–4

Human weakness does not stop God's work (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). The true power is not in charismatic preaching, presentation skills, or logical arguments (compare 2 Corinthians 10:10). It is in the message itself, focused on Christ and his death for our sins. It is also in the power of the Holy Spirit, who touches the human heart.

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 Wisdom

Related verses

2 Corinthians 13:4
For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.
1 Corinthians 4:10–13
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
2 Corinthians 13:9
In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
2 Corinthians 12:5–10
I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 10:10
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”
2 Corinthians 4:7–12
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
Galatians 4:13–14
You know that it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.
2 Corinthians 6:4
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Acts 17:6–12
But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here,
2 Corinthians 11:29–30
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?

Glossary

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

Being Nervous Bravery Christian Minister: Trials and Persecutions of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning 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 2:3

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