Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 2:1
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, calling them "brothers," upon his arrival to deliver the divine testimony. He speaks at the beginning of his visit, framing the manner of his initial proclamation.
The words — The Greek phrase Κἀγὼ (Kagō) translates literally as "And I myself," while ἦλθον (ēlthon) means "came," stressing his direct personal presence. These terms anchor his unadorned approach to the community.
The thread — This rejection of rhetorical wisdom runs through 1 Corinthians 1:17, 2:4, and 2:13, where Paul consistently contrasts human eloquence with Spirit-taught words and the plain message of the crucified Christ.
Why it lands — The text states that the speaker deliberately avoided persuasive rhetoric to deliver God's testimony plainly. It requires readers to examine whether they prioritize the content of the message over the speaker's stylistic skill.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
- 1 Corinthians 2:13 And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
- Exodus 4:10 “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”
- Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
- Jeremiah 1:6 “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”
- 2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
- 1 John 5:11 And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
- 2 Corinthians 11:6 Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:10 on the day He comes to be glorified in His saints and regarded with wonder by all who have believed, including you who have believed our testimony.