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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/46_1Co_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Message by the Spirit's Power" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/2-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/2-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm" title="1 Corinthians 2:3">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 2:4 <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm" title="1 Corinthians 2:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/2.htm">New International Version</a> My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit&#8217s power, <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and my word and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom [using clever rhetoric], but [they were delivered] in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit [operating through me] and of [His] power [stirring the minds of the listeners and persuading them], <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When I talked with you or preached, I didn't try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God's Spirit show his power. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I didn't speak my message with persuasive intellectual arguments. I spoke my message with a show of spiritual power <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> and my teaching and message were not delivered with skillful words of human wisdom, but with convincing proof of the power of God's Spirit. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> My message and my preaching were not accompanied by clever, wise words, but by a display of the Spirit's power, <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit?s power, <a href="/net/1_corinthians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power: <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And my language and the Message that I proclaimed were not adorned with persuasive words of earthly wisdom, but depended upon truths which the Spirit taught and mightily carried home; <a href="/web/1_corinthians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and my word and my preaching was not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power— <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and my word and my preaching was not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power -- <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And my word and my proclaiming not in persuasible words of man's wisdom, but in manifestation of the Spirit and of power.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And my speech and my preaching was not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in shewing of the Spirit and power; <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And my words and preaching were not the persuasive words of human wisdom, but were a manifestation of the Spirit and of virtue, <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive [words of] wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And my message and my preaching were not in the persuasiveness of the words of philosophy, but in the demonstration of The Spirit and power,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And my speech and my preaching were not in the persuasive words of wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and the power: <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And my conversation and my preaching was not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but with demonstration of the Spirit, and of power: <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> my discourse, and my preaching did not consist in the persuasive reasonings of human wisdom, but in demonstrating the spiritual meaning of the scriptures: <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And my language and the Message that I proclaimed were not adorned with persuasive words of earthly wisdom, but depended upon truths which the Spirit taught and mightily carried home; <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And my discourse, and my preaching was not with the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power; <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=295" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/2.htm">Paul's Message by the Spirit's Power</a> …3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">My</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">message</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2782.htm" title="2782: kērygma (N-NNS) -- A proclamation, preaching. From kerusso; a proclamation.">preaching</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">were not</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3981.htm" title="3981: peithois (Adj-DMP) -- Persuasive, enticing, skilful. From peitho; persuasive.">persuasive</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logois (N-DMP) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">words</a> <a href="/greek/4678.htm" title="4678: sophias (N-GFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">of wisdom,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/585.htm" title="585: apodeixei (N-DFS) -- Demonstration, proof; a showing off. From apodeiknumi; manifestation.">a demonstration</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumatos (N-GNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">of the Spirit’s</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1411.htm" title="1411: dynameōs (N-GFS) -- From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.">power,</a> 5so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a> But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Romans 15:18-19</a> I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / 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. <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:5</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7</a> Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a> The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm">1 Corinthians 4:20</a> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. <a href="/2_timothy/1-7.htm">2 Timothy 1:7</a> For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19-20</a> Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, / for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should. <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28-29</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. / To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a> But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a> For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. <a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a> However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10-12</a> “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.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:my speech.<a href="/acts/20-27.htm">Acts 20:27</a> For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.not.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1,13</a> And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God… <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.<a href="/judges/14-15.htm">Judges 14:15</a> And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they said unto Samson's wife, Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us to take that we have? is it not so?enticing.<a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28</a> Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.<a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a> For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.but.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm">1 Corinthians 4:20</a> For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.<a href="/john/16-8.htm">John 16:8-15</a> And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: … <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Romans 15:19</a> Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/21-5.htm">Adorned</a> <a href="/romans/11-15.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/3-26.htm">Demonstration</a> <a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Depended</a> <a href="/romans/12-5.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/hosea/2-14.htm">Enticing</a> <a href="/romans/7-20.htm">Home</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">Human</a> <a href="/romans/9-9.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Message</a> <a href="/acts/19-20.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Persuasive</a> <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Plausible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Spirit's</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-5.htm">Adorned</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Demonstration</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-8.htm">Depended</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-29.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-40.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Enticing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">Home</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-11.htm">Human</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Message</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Mightily</a> <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Persuasive</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Plausible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Preaching</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">Spirit's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 2</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Paul declares that his preaching, </a> 4. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">though it bring not excellence of speech, or of human wisdom, </a> 5. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">yet consists in the power of God;</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">and so far excels the wisdom of this world, that the natural man cannot understand it.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>My message and my preaching Paul's message and preaching refer to the core of the Gospel he delivered to the Corinthians. In the context of 1 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes the simplicity and purity of the Gospel message, contrasting it with the complex rhetoric and philosophy valued by Greek culture. This reflects Paul's commitment to focusing on Christ crucified (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23</a>) rather than human wisdom.were not with persuasive words of wisdom Paul deliberately avoided using the sophisticated rhetoric and eloquence that were highly esteemed in Corinthian society. The Greeks valued oratory skills and philosophical arguments, but Paul chose not to rely on these to convey the Gospel. This approach aligns with his earlier statement in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a>, where he emphasizes that the cross of Christ should not be emptied of its power by human wisdom.but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power The demonstration of the Spirit's power refers to the tangible evidence of the Holy Spirit's work among the Corinthians, which could include miracles, spiritual gifts, and transformed lives. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true faith and conversion are the result of the Holy Spirit's work, not human persuasion (<a href="/john/16-8.htm">John 16:8-11</a>). The power of the Spirit is a fulfillment of Jesus' promise in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>, where He assures His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit over human wisdom. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth and diversity, but also for its moral and spiritual challenges. The church in Corinth faced many issues, including divisions and a reliance on human wisdom. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> The third person of the Trinity, whose power Paul emphasizes as the true source of effective preaching and transformation. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of division, immorality, and reliance on human wisdom. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_missionary_journeys.htm">Paul's Missionary Journeys</a> Contextual backdrop for Paul's writing, as he traveled extensively to spread the Gospel and establish churches, including the one in Corinth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_the_spirit.htm">Reliance on the Spirit</a> As believers, we should prioritize the power of the Holy Spirit over human wisdom in our lives and ministries. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_ministry.htm">Humility in Ministry</a> Recognize that effective ministry is not about eloquence or human persuasion but about allowing the Spirit to work through us. <a href="/topical/p/power_of_the_gospel.htm">Power of the Gospel</a> The true power of the Gospel lies in its ability to transform lives through the Spirit, not through human arguments. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> Seek the Spirit's guidance in understanding and applying God's Word, rather than relying solely on human intellect. <a href="/topical/w/witnessing_with_power.htm">Witnessing with Power</a> When sharing the Gospel, trust in the Spirit to convict and transform hearts, rather than relying on personal charisma or persuasive techniques.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 2</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_false_apostles.htm">What does the Bible say about false apostles?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_peter's_gospel.htm">What is Peter's gospel?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_test_god's_kingdom_power_today.htm">In 1 Corinthians 4:20, how can one test the “power of the Kingdom of God” scientifically or empirically in a modern context?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_testing_boost_faith_biblically.htm">How can we effectively preach the gospel today?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) And my speech.--The result which necessarily followed from this weakness and trembling was that neither his "speech" (i.e., the style of his teaching), nor his "preaching" (i.e., the subject-matter of his teaching) were of such a kind as to appeal to the natural tastes of the Corinthians.Demonstration of the Spirit.--The Apostle's demonstration of the truth of the gospel was the result of no human art or skill, but came from the Spirit and power of God, and therefore the Corinthians could glory in no human teacher, but only in the power of God, which was the true source of the success of the gospel amongst them.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - My speech and my preaching; the form and matter of my discourse. He would not attempt to use the keen sword of philosophical dialectics or human eloquence, but would only use the weapon of the cross. Was not with enticing words of man's wisdom; rather, with persuasive words of wisdom (the word anthropines is a gloss). This simplicity was the more remarkable because "Corinthian words" was a proverb for choice, elaborate, and glittering phrases (Wetstein). It is not improbable that the almost total and deeply discouraging want of success of St. Paul in preaching at Athens had impressed him mere strongly with the uselessness of attempting to fight Greek philosophers with their own blunt and imperfect weapons. In demonstration of the Spirit and of power. So he says to the Thessalonians," Our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." The plain facts, so repellent to the natural intellect, were driven home with matchless force by spiritual conviction. The only heathen critic who has mentioned St. Paul's method is Longinus, the author of the treatise on 'The Sublime and Beautiful,' who calls him "a master of unproved dogma," meaning apparently that his force lay in the irresistible statement of the facts which he came to preach. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. message λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. preaching κήρυγμά (kērygma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2782.htm">Strong's 2782: </a> A proclamation, preaching. From kerusso; a proclamation. [were] not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. with ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. persuasive πειθοῖς (peithois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3981.htm">Strong's 3981: </a> Persuasive, enticing, skilful. From peitho; persuasive. words λόγοις (logois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. of wisdom, σοφίας (sophias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. with ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. a demonstration ἀποδείξει (apodeixei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_585.htm">Strong's 585: </a> Demonstration, proof; a showing off. From apodeiknumi; manifestation. of [the] Spirit’s Πνεύματος (Pneumatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. power, δυνάμεως (dynameōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1411.htm">Strong's 1411: </a> From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:4 My speech and my preaching were not (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 2:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>