1Cor 1:17 | MHM | STEP | The Efficacy of the Gospel; The Character of the Gospel In this section, Paul explains how he preached the gospel in Corinth and what makes the gospel so powerful. Paul did not try to impress people with clever words or fancy speech. Instead, he simply told the truth about Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. Paul wants the believers to understand that God’s way is different from the world’s way. The message of the cross may seem weak or foolish to some, but it is truly the power and wisdom of God. v. 17 : Paul says he did not preach the gospel “with the wisdom of words” (1 Corinthians 1:17 ). He avoided using impressive speech or complicated language, because he did not want people to think the power was in his words. Instead, he wanted everyone to see the power of the cross. Paul preached about Jesus’ death and resurrection in plain language, trusting that God’s truth was stronger than any human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4 ). Paul says, Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17 ). This does not mean baptism is unimportant, but Paul’s special calling was to preach. He did not use fancy words or human wisdom, because he wanted people to trust in the message of the cross, not in clever speech. Paul preached Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:23 ). This is the heart of the gospel and the foundation of Christian faith. By Jesus’ death, we receive life, and that is what Paul wanted everyone to know and believe.

‏ 1 Corinthians 1:17

The Efficacy of the Gospel; The Character of the Gospel

In this section, Paul explains how he preached the gospel in Corinth and what makes the gospel so powerful. Paul did not try to impress people with clever words or fancy speech. Instead, he simply told the truth about Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. Paul wants the believers to understand that God’s way is different from the world’s way. The message of the cross may seem weak or foolish to some, but it is truly the power and wisdom of God.

v. 17: Paul says he did not preach the gospel “with the wisdom of words” (1 Corinthians 1:17 ^a). He avoided using impressive speech or complicated language, because he did not want people to think the power was in his words. Instead, he wanted everyone to see the power of the cross. Paul preached about Jesus’ death and resurrection in plain language, trusting that God’s truth was stronger than any human wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4 ^b).

Paul says, Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:17 ^c). This does not mean baptism is unimportant, but Paul’s special calling was to preach. He did not use fancy words or human wisdom, because he wanted people to trust in the message of the cross, not in clever speech. Paul preached Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:23 ^d). This is the heart of the gospel and the foundation of Christian faith. By Jesus’ death, we receive life, and that is what Paul wanted everyone to know and believe.