Bible Reading and Commentary:

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul reminds the Corinthians that during his visit with them, his preaching ministry had depended on neither eloquence nor human wisdom, but had focused on Jesus Christ and his cross. Many Reformation commentators throughout history have found important lessons in Paul’s words for gospel preaching in their own day. Preachers must proclaim the central and basic truth of Christianity, namely that Christ’s death and resurrection defeated the power of Satan and achieved salvation, reconciliation, and liberation for sinners. Condemnation is directed toward anyone who might confuse this gospel message by commending human works, flaunting human philosophy or showing off their rhetorical skills. Paul’s somewhat surprising admission that his ministry was characterized by weakness and fear also invites discussion as to the role of hardship and suffering in Christian ministry. Zwingli observed that the minister who preaches the cross will also suffer the cross.

Paul is teaching us with his admission of weakness and fear that we are not to engage in ministry for our own praise but for the salvation of the church. Whether it is in a sermon or in our day to day dealings with nonbelievers, we must try and hide our human wisdom so the wisdom of God can shine. We are to not only give God all the glory but we must not have others put their trust in our speaking skills. Another warning Paul is giving is that our speech should be plain and simple. We need not use words that show off our amazing oratory skills. Humbleness and truth go hand in hand.

William Perkins from The Art of Prophesying: The demonstration of the Spirit is when the minister of the Word as he preaches behaves in such a way that all, even ignorant persons and unbelievers, may judge that it is not so much he that is speaking, as the Spirit of God in him and by him (1 Cor.2:4; 1424-25; 4:19-20; Mic.3:8) This makes the ministry to be lively and powerful.

Matthew Henry from his commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - In this passage the apostle pursues his design, and reminds the Corinthians how he acted when he first preached the gospel among them. As to the matter or subject he tells us (v. 2), He determined to know nothing among them but Jesus Christ and him crucified--to make a show of no other knowledge than this, to preach nothing, to discover the knowledge of nothing, but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Note, Christ, in his person and offices, is the sum and substance of the gospel, and ought to be the great subject of a gospel minister's preaching. His business is to display the banner of the cross, and invite people under it. Anyone that heard Paul preach found him to harp so continually on this string that he would say he knew nothing but Christ and him crucified. Whatever other knowledge he had, this was the only knowledge he discovered, and showed himself concerned to propagate among his hearers.

After reading these quotes above, it must be understood that this is not just for preachers but for all Christians. When it comes to telling others of the salvation found only in Christ, it is imperative that we convey the gospel message in a clear way. There is nothing inherently wrong with trying to improve our communication skills, but there is no power in it. The power comes from the very Word of God. Our faith and hope must not be in mere men who preach the Word, but in the power of the Word itself. Our faith and hope rests in the Author of that Word, the Lord God Almighty (2:5)

Also, to reiterate, the gospel is not just about Christ. Jesus Christ is the gospel. If Jesus walked into your home right now, you could look at him and rightly say “He is our salvation.” He is not just a means to an end. Charles Hodge notes that in 2:2, “Jesus Christ” refers to His person, and “Him crucified” to His work. It is the person and work of Christ that saves us. Praise be to God!