1 Corinthians 4:20

Modern

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Traditional

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Literal

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

Latin

Non enim in sermone est regnum Dei, sed in virtute.

Greek

English

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Some might have thought Paul was afraid to visit because he sent Timothy. However, Paul was very busy with his work in Ephesus at that time (Acts 19:8–20; see study note on Acts 19:10). He planned to visit soon (see 1 Corinthians 16:5–9; Acts 19:21–22; 20:1–3; compare 2 Corinthians 1:15–2:4) and would face those who opposed him. He would show they were just talkers. His actions and words would prove God's power (see also 1 Corinthians 2:4).

Paul ends this part about divisions in the church with kind, fatherly advice and a warning (1 Corinthians 1:10–4:21).

Paul criticizes the Corinthian Christians for their arrogance (1 Corinthians 4:6–13) and then advises them like a father (4:14–21).

Theme notes and profiles

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,
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.
2 Corinthians 10:4–5
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
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.
1 Corinthians 1:24
…but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.