1 Corinthians 2:1-2, Not With Excellency of Speech

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

The Apostle Paul preaches the gospel of the crucified Christ. This is the power of God unto salvation. This is the only message that he proclaims. He did not embark on the evangelistic mission that Jesus has called him to do by declaring his own wisdom or his eloquence of speech.

In other words, the Apostle Paul relied upon God, abiding in Christ, through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit to take the Word of God preached to convert souls.

John 15:4-5 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.“

When souls are saved, he can safely give all glory to God. He did not try to outdo God but simply yielded himself as a surrendered mouthpiece for his Lord.

The word “testimony” means “witness” or “proof”, the declaration which confirms or makes something known. The Apostle Paul declares as a witness to the living and true God. This is who we are as God’s children. A witness to the mercy of God in our lives. May God use you to be a faithful witness! Amen.