1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Dear Holy Spirit I ask for wisdom in these disturbing days that the world is in! Bless and protect my family from the false doctrine of man. Let Your approval be the only one that I seek! 

Christ alone the cornerstone. I love you, Me.

Due to the influence of Greek culture, the Corinthians valued knowledge and rhetoric. Here, Paul uses hyperbole to explain why he made Christ’s actions on behalf of humanity the primary focus of his teaching instead of delivering a speech in the style of secular rhetoric and knowledge. For Paul, Jesus’ death is central to the gospel message; He bore the sins of humanity through His death. Because the Corinthians seemed to have considered crucifixion to be foolishness, Paul emphasizes the humility of Jesus’ death on the cross. This sets up Paul to describe the humble nature of his ministry. The apostle was a skillful speaker, but his delivery may have been unimpressive by Corinthian standards. Paul declares his manner to be another example of the paradoxical nature of God’s strength in weakness. Paul explains why he uses an approach that differs from typical speakers. He wants to direct the Corinthians toward reliance on God, not human understandings or abilities. Faithlfe Bible.

The focal point of Paul’s preaching was Jesus Christ.

Whereas the Corinthians gloried in their strength, their wealth, and their gifts, Christ was glorified in His humility and death. Paul wanted to model Christ’s humility by presenting his “weaknesses.” Then the “strength” of the gospel message could be clearly seen.  

Rather than using the rhetoric of the day to win converts, he gave a straightforward message. NKJ Bible.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 (NKJV)

2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. ² For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. ³ I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. ⁴ And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵ that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Acts 18:6 (NKJV)

⁶ But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Acts 18:12 (NKJV)

¹² When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat,

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.