Useful Bible Studies > 1 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 2
Many public speakers try to impress people with powerful speeches. Paul insists that he did not do that. In fact, he felt very weak as he spoke God’s message in Corinth. Paul knew that, like all Christian leaders, he himself was unable to save anyone. Only God can save people (Psalm 62:1-2). Paul had to depend completely on God.
So the success of the church at Corinth was not the result of Paul’s skill. It was entirely the result of the powerful work of God’s Holy Spirit. Paul was just God’s servant whom God sent to Corinth to declare his (God’s) message (3:5-7). The honour for that success belonged to God alone.
Paul had no desire to become popular when he went to Corinth, or anywhere else. In fact, he was very unpopular in many of the places that he visited (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Paul went to these places because of his desire to know Christ. Of course, Paul already knew Christ as his Lord (his God and master) who had saved him (Philippians 3:8). But Paul understood that his knowledge of Christ was not yet perfect (1 Corinthians 13:9-12; Philippians 3:12). Paul was ready to give up everything so that he could know Christ better. So when God sent Paul to Corinth, or anywhere else, Paul went.
Paul desired that every Christian would allow God’s Holy Spirit to guide him in a similar manner. He wanted people to trust in God’s power, not in human wisdom. That was why Paul chose not to use impressive words or clever arguments. Instead, Paul explained simply about the death of Christ. And God’s Holy Spirit worked powerfully as Paul spoke.
Next part: What true greatness really is (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)
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© 2014, Keith Simons.