1 Corinthians 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγοις
speech
G3056
λόγοις
speech
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
3 of 20
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κήρυγμά
preaching
G2782
κήρυγμά
preaching
Strong's:
G2782
Word #:
7 of 20
a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself)
λόγοις
speech
G3056
λόγοις
speech
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
14 of 20
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
18 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.1 Thessalonians 1:5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.1 Corinthians 1:17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.1 Corinthians 2:1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.Romans 15:19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.2 Peter 1:16For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.1 Corinthians 2:13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.Colossians 2:4And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Historical Context
Greek rhetoric schools (especially Second Sophistic movement) trained students in peithō (persuasion) through elaborate speech techniques. Corinthian culture highly valued such oratorical skill. Mystery religions also promised "wisdom" to initiates through secret teachings. Paul deliberately eschews both approaches, instead pointing to the Spirit's objective work as validation. His letters reveal sophisticated argumentation, but his oral preaching apparently prioritized simplicity that allowed divine power to be unmistakable.
Questions for Reflection
- How can contemporary preaching ensure dependence on Spirit-power rather than communication technique, without excusing poor preparation?
- What constitutes "demonstration of the Spirit and power" in contexts where miraculous signs may be less frequent?
- Where might your faith rest more on a teacher's persuasiveness than on the Spirit's conviction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Paul contrasts peithois sophias logois (πειθοῖς σοφίας λόγοις, "persuasive words of wisdom")—the studied rhetorical techniques of Sophists—with apodeixei pneumatos kai dynameōs (ἀποδείξει πνεύματος καὶ δυνάμεως, "demonstration of Spirit and power"). The term apodeixis (ἀπόδειξις) means "proof" or "showing forth," suggesting observable evidence rather than logical argumentation.
This "demonstration" likely included both miracle signs (Acts 18:8, 19:11-12; 2 Corinthians 12:12) and transformed lives—the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). Paul employs a legal metaphor: while human advocates use rhetoric to sway juries, the Spirit provides irrefutable evidence that convinces hearts. Romans 15:18-19 confirms Paul's ministry pattern: "what Christ has accomplished... by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit."