1 Corinthians 2:4

Translations

Modern

My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,

Traditional

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Literal

And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Latin

…et sermo meus, et prædicatio mea non in persuasibilibus humanæ sapientiæ verbis, sed in ostensione spiritus et virtutis:

Original

Greek

English

My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,

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

1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1 Thessalonians 1:5
…because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.
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 2:1
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
Romans 15:19
…by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
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.
Colossians 2:4
I say this so that no one will deceive you by smooth rhetoric.
1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
2 Peter 2:18
With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
John 16:8–15
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

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 Wisdom

Topics

Being Nervous Christian Minister: Trials and Persecutions of Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Holy Spirit: 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 Power of the Holy Spirit: Making the Gospel Effective Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Reasoning: The Gospel Cannot be Explained By Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul The Power of the Holy Spirit: Exhibited in Making the Gospel Efficacious Wisdom: Worldly Witness of the Holy Spirit: The Faithful Preaching of the Apostles Accompanied By

1 Corinthians 2:4

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