Conversions not miracles
Paul goes on to say that his preaching had been, ‘not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power’.
Some think that the apostle is saying that he worked miracles. Of course, Paul as an apostle could work the signs of an apostle, but that is not what he is referring to here, because his subject is the way he spoke.
In this verse the ‘demonstration of the Spirit and of power’ refers to the effect of his preaching. He means that unadorned, faithful preaching resulted, by the power of the Spirit, in glorious conversions.
We do not mean to suggest that he was a tame preacher. An earnest preacher is bound to be somewhat larger than life, partly because he is speaking to a crowd, and partly because his subject matter is so significant and important.
But without histrionics, emotional manipulation or oratorical tricks, the presence and the power of the Spirit was demonstrated in the conviction, repentance and faith of many.
Corinthian people were changed, receiving a new nature, and a new heart, and going home as different people. This could never have been produced either by earthly wisdom or superior oratory.
To reinforce the point, Paul speaks of the necessity of faith being brought about by the work of the Spirit, and not by their being impressed by earthly wisdom.
It is essential, says Paul, ‘that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God’.
The conversion of the Corinthians did not rest on their being carried away by the power of oratory, but on conviction of sin, and seeing Calvary, and calling out to God in sincere repentance.
Sometimes faith rests on an inadequate foundation, such as a powerful apologetic address. Such a message has its place, but to be convinced by persuasive arguments that God exists is not the same as believing in the atoning death of Christ and repenting.
Paul’s next words are surprising and remarkable – ‘Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect.’ We might assume that the apostle means that while the unconverted need the Gospel, a much more sophisticated line of teaching is available for those who are converted. After conversion, the greater wisdom of the great doctrines of the faith are taught.
Paul says, in effect: ‘In saying that worldly wisdom cannot help, and that we must hold to the ungarnished Gospel, I may have given the impression that the Gospel is simple. The reality is, it is the wisest and most profound scheme in the universe. Gospel wisdom is far greater than worldly wisdom.’
‘Them that are perfect’ means they who have reached the goal or key place, namely, the point of illumination and regeneration.
They, by the Spirit, grasp Gospel wisdom and are saved. The plan of salvation – never imagined by man – is the deepest plan, flowing directly from eternal divine genius, and the only scheme that could possibly work to accomplish human redemption.
Paul goes on to say that his preaching had been, ‘not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power’.
Some think that the apostle is saying that he worked miracles. Of course, Paul as an apostle could work the signs of an apostle, but that is not what he is referring to here, because his subject is the way he spoke.
In this verse the ‘demonstration of the Spirit and of power’ refers to the effect of his preaching. He means that unadorned, faithful preaching resulted, by the power of the Spirit, in glorious conversions.
We do not mean to suggest that he was a tame preacher. An earnest preacher is bound to be somewhat larger than life, partly because he is speaking to a crowd, and partly because his subject matter is so significant and important.
But without histrionics, emotional manipulation or oratorical tricks, the presence and the power of the Spirit was demonstrated in the conviction, repentance and faith of many.
Corinthian people were changed, receiving a new nature, and a new heart, and going home as different people. This could never have been produced either by earthly wisdom or superior oratory.
To reinforce the point, Paul speaks of the necessity of faith being brought about by the work of the Spirit, and not by their being impressed by earthly wisdom.
It is essential, says Paul, ‘that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God’.
The conversion of the Corinthians did not rest on their being carried away by the power of oratory, but on conviction of sin, and seeing Calvary, and calling out to God in sincere repentance.
Sometimes faith rests on an inadequate foundation, such as a powerful apologetic address. Such a message has its place, but to be convinced by persuasive arguments that God exists is not the same as believing in the atoning death of Christ and repenting.
Paul’s next words are surprising and remarkable – ‘Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect.’ We might assume that the apostle means that while the unconverted need the Gospel, a much more sophisticated line of teaching is available for those who are converted. After conversion, the greater wisdom of the great doctrines of the faith are taught.
The Gospel is the wisest and most profound scheme in the universeWhile there is truth in this idea, it is not what Paul means here. His point is actually far grander, and it is music to our ears. The claim that we ‘speak wisdom among them that are perfect’ refers not to more advanced teaching for Christians, but to the Gospel.
Paul says, in effect: ‘In saying that worldly wisdom cannot help, and that we must hold to the ungarnished Gospel, I may have given the impression that the Gospel is simple. The reality is, it is the wisest and most profound scheme in the universe. Gospel wisdom is far greater than worldly wisdom.’
‘Them that are perfect’ means they who have reached the goal or key place, namely, the point of illumination and regeneration.
They, by the Spirit, grasp Gospel wisdom and are saved. The plan of salvation – never imagined by man – is the deepest plan, flowing directly from eternal divine genius, and the only scheme that could possibly work to accomplish human redemption.
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