weak people

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 (NIV) — 1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. Paul is saying, “Do you want an example of God choosing foolish, weak people? Then look at me!” I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom …

In order to fully understand how radical this is, we need to understand the setting. Corinth was a Greek city. Greek culture revered philosophers like we revere movie stars, athletes and rock stars. Closely aligned with philosophy was public speaking – which they called rhetoric. Being able to think deeply and communicate well was the most desirable trait.

Paul said “I did not come with eloquence [rhetoric] or human wisdom [philosophy].” We know that Paul was capable in using both – we can see that in his letters. But he chose not to use those skills. I resolved to know nothing  … I came to you in weakness …

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. Why do you believe in Christ? How have you experienced the power of the Spirit at work in you? How have you seen the power of the Spirit at work in others?