1 Corinthians 2:1-5

PAUL PREACHES WISDOM

1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Life Application New Testament Commentary

The Corinthians were confusing the gospel by creating artificial standards of faith. They were using wisdom as the gauge. The more wisdom someone claimed, the more spiritual that person became. Standards were determined by teachers. They were arguing and dividing over which teacher had the deepest spirituality. For Paul, the gospel—God’s wisdom—was a pool of clear water. Believers were urged to go deeper, but they would find living water no matter how deep they dove.

Proclaiming Christ Crucified

1Co 2:1  When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan.

The words, when I first came to you, refer to Paul’s first visit to Corinth during his second missionary journey (A.D. 51), when he founded the church (Act_18:1-18)

I borrow that from the Life Application New Testament Commentary. Paul was indicating that he used plain words to pass on the gospel. Pal did not use lofty words on purpose. It had to be understood by all and he was not the target for their affection. Others were seeking fame through words and that is contrary to the gospels message.

1Co 2:2  For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the One who was crucified. 1Co 2:3  I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.

Paul again is putting Jesus first. You will read in the following verses that  Paul is depending on the  Holy Spirit to guide him.

1Co 2:4  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. 1Co 2:5  I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

Paul is emphasizing that it is not about Paul but God. When our family was looking for a church we did not look at the building or the orating ability of the preacher

We would look instead at what the church stood for. Were they biblical and true to God’s word. Isn’t that how we should approach the teaching of the word of God by others?