1 Corinthians 02:01-05

Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

1 Corinthians 2:1

Paul used what he was given in spreading the gospel. He reveals the testimony, or mystery, of God (Ephesians 3).

He has personal experience (Acts 9:1-20, 22:16) with Christ, as others do such as Peter and John (Acts 4:20).

Even if he does not have the gift of speaking (as Moses claimed in Exodus 3), he does what God called him to do.

1 Corinthians 2:2

The only thing that matters in this life is being obedient to the gospel.

Earlier Paul mentioned his preaching of the gospel to both Jews and Greeks (1 Corinthians 1:23), and both had to overcome obstacles.

Just as Paul was dead to the world and alive to God (Romans 6; Galatians 2:20), he glories in the cross alone (Galatians 6:14).

1 Corinthians 2:3

Paul shared with the Corinthians their weakness, fear, and trembling.

He had a thorn in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), and knew what it was like to suffer.  This reminds Paul that power is in God, and not man (2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13).

After all, Christians will suffer persecution for the cause of Christ (2 Peter 3:12).

1 Corinthians 2:4

Paul does not use persuasive words of wisdom to share the truth.

Many New Testament writers warn us that people will be led astray by this (Romans 16:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Jude 16).

Peter taught the truth, being an eyewitness of Christ (2 Peter 1:16), as was Paul (Romans 15:18-19).

1 Corinthians 2:5

Many preceding verses have referenced the Spirit, power, and the gospel. Here Paul reminds us that we should put our faith in the power of God, and not in man (Romans 10:17).

The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16).

Paul ties this together in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, saying that the gospel came in word, power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.

This reminds us what kind of man he was, and what kind of people we ought to be in the eyes of God.