Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 2:4

"And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:" — 1 Corinthians 2:4 (ASV)

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.