Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 2

In alluding to his visit to Corinth, Paul is thinking of the initial trip recorded in Ac 18:1–18, when the Corinthians first heard the message of salvation and believed. He did not depend on overpowering oratory or philosophical argument.

He rather came preaching the “mystery” (GK 3696 [see NIV note]; NIV text reads GK 3457, “testimony”) of God—the message not fully understood by them before, but now explained by him and illuminated by the Holy Spirit (2:10–14).

Paul came with the sole purpose of centering his attention on the truth concerning Jesus Christ—on the fact and meaning of his crucifixion. The “for” introducing this verse confirms the statement in v.1 about his simple proclamation of the cross. It was not sufficient for Paul to tell about Jesus and his life; he had also to tell about his death for sinners (cf. Acts 10:37–43). Christ died on a Roman cross at Jerusalem, and his death was effective then and is effective now to bring forgiveness to sinners (Galatians 2:16).

Paul adds, in effect, “I came preaching, simply as a frail insufficient human being; I came with fear and a great deal of trembling as I realized the importance of preaching the eternal gospel.” In writing somewhat later to the Christians at Philippi, he encouraged them to live their lives in a similar humble attitude, though with complete reliance on God .

So Paul’s message and preaching conform to his own personal attitude—he did not present his message in a way that depended on overpowering them with wise and persuasive arguments. Though he came in this unostentatious way, yet he came in a display of spiritual power because of the Holy Spirit. This is the first time in this letter that Paul mentions the Spirit’s ministry.

Paul intends that the Corinthians’ faith might not be a superficial, misdirected belief coming from human wisdom, but a real Christian faith generated by the power of God, who also worked in Paul as he preached (v.4). “The faith” (GK 4411) spoken of here is not just the act of believing but the substance of their belief based on the person and work of Christ. We must have the word of God as well as the power of God through the Spirit.