1 Corinthians 2:3
Verse
Context
Paul’s Message by the Spirit’s Power
2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.4My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I was with you in weakness - It is very likely that St. Paul had not only something in his speech very unfavourable to a ready and powerful elocution, but also some infirmity of body that was still more disadvantageous to him. A fine appearance and a fine voice cover many weaknesses and defects, and strongly and forcibly recommend what is spoken, though not remarkable for depth of thought or solidity of reasoning. Many popular orators have little besides their persons and their voice to recommend them. Louis XIV. styled Peter du Bosc le plus beau parleur de son royaume, the finest speaker in his kingdom; and among his own people he was styled l'orateur parfait, the perfect orator. Look at the works of this French protestant divine, and you find it difficult to subscribe to the above sayings. The difficulty is solved by the information that the person of M. du Bosc was noble and princely, and his voice full, harmonious, and majestic. Paul had none of these advantages, and yet idolatry and superstition fell before him. Thus God was seen in the work, and the man was forgotten. In fear, and in much trembling - This was often the state of his mind; dreading lest he should at any time be unfaithful, and so grieve the Spirit of God; or that, after having preached to others, himself should be a castaway. See Co1 9:27. An eminent divine has said that it requires three things to make a good preacher; study, temptation, and prayer. The latter, no man that lives near to God can neglect; the former, no man who endeavors rightly to divide the word of truth will neglect; and with the second every man will be more or less exercised whose whole aim is to save souls. Those of a different cast the devil permits to pass quietly on in their own indolent and prayerless way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I--the preacher: as Co1 2:2 describes the subject, "Christ crucified," and Co1 2:4 the mode of preaching: "my speech . . . not with enticing words," "but in demonstration of the Spirit." weakness--personal and bodily (Co2 10:10; Co2 12:7, Co2 12:9; Gal 4:13). trembling--(compare Phi 2:12). Not personal fear, but a trembling anxiety to perform a duty; anxious conscientiousness, as proved by the contrast to "eye service" (Eph 6:5) [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I was with you in weakness,.... Meaning either the weakness of his bodily presence, the contemptibleness of his voice, and the mean figure he made as a preacher among them, both with respect to the matter and manner of his ministry in the eyes of many; or his lowly and humble deportment among them, not exerting the power and authority Christ had given him as an apostle; but choosing rather to work with his own hands, as he did at Corinth, to minister to his own necessities, and those of others; or the many persecutions which he endured there for the sake of preaching a crucified Christ; and which he sometimes calls "infirmities"; see Co2 12:9 wherefore it is added, and in fear, and in much trembling: not only on account of the greatness and awfulness of the work in which he was engaged, and lest the souls he ministered unto should be drawn aside from the truth, and into a sinful compliance; but because of the violence of men against him, threatening his life, and lying in wait for it: hence, the Lord, to encourage him, spake in a vision to him, and bid him not be afraid, but boldly preach his Gospel, and not be silent; assuring him of his presence, and that no man should set on him to hurt him, for he had many chosen vessels there to call by his grace through his ministry, Act 18:9 which no doubt greatly served to remove the fears and tremor that attended him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3-4 Human weakness is no barrier to God’s work (2 Cor 12:7-10). The real power is not in charismatic preaching, finesse of presentation, or logical persuasiveness (cp. 2 Cor 10:10), but in the message itself, centered on Christ and his death for our sins, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who convicts the human heart.
1 Corinthians 2:3
Paul’s Message by the Spirit’s Power
2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.3I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.4My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cranbrook 1993 May the Lamb Receive His Reward (10-5-93 Tape 1)
By George Warnock2.9K1:13:32Lamb Of GodGEN 3:15MAT 6:33JHN 19:341CO 1:171CO 2:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the stumbling and falling of people when it comes to recognizing the ultimate sign of God's power, which is the death of Jesus on the cross. The Greeks pursued wisdom and considered the crucifixion to be foolishness. The speaker also shares the story of two young men who sold themselves as slaves in order to become missionaries on a remote island. The sermon emphasizes the significance of the cross and the victory it brings, as well as the importance of Christ receiving the full reward of His sufferings.
A Reverential Fear of God
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:08:101CO 2:32CO 7:1EPH 5:21PHP 2:12HEB 4:11PE 1:171PE 2:11PE 2:171PE 2:211PE 3:11PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverent fear of God in our lives, highlighting the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to live in obedience and holiness, and to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. It addresses the danger of moving from legalism to a state of no covenant, where secret sins and worldliness can creep in, leading to a decline in godliness. The speaker urges a return to a healthy balance, seeking God earnestly, fasting, praying, and evaluating our lives regularly to ensure we are walking in the true grace of God.
Distress of Elijah
By W.F. Anderson77042:42GEN 24:14RUT 1:161KI 18:211KI 19:181CO 2:3GAL 6:2JAS 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaving biblical history as it is and not spiritualizing it. He encourages listeners to see the working of God in ordinary, everyday human life. The speaker also mentions the Mount of Transfiguration as a mountaintop experience that disciples had only once, but emphasizes the importance of obeying what was learned there. The sermon also references a story from the Bible about a servant looking for a wife and highlights the qualities he was seeking, including a hard-working and courteous woman.
There Remaineth Therefore a Rest to the People of God
By C.H. Spurgeon0MRK 16:8ACT 24:16ROM 7:181CO 2:3EPH 2:8PHP 2:12HEB 12:6JAS 1:171JN 3:31JN 4:18The preacher delves into the concept of trembling in the Bible, emphasizing the profound reverence and respect it signifies, as seen in passages like Mark 16:8 and 1 Corinthians 2:3. The sermon explores the idea of working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, not out of fear of losing salvation, but with humility, vigilance, and circumspection. Various theologians and commentators provide insights on the importance of trembling before God, highlighting the need for a serious and sober approach to the Christian life, striving for holiness and obedience.
The Wisdom of Men and the Power of God
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 29:8ISA 66:2JER 5:221CO 2:31TH 1:5J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the apostle Paul's experience and language, standing in weakness, fear, and trembling, and the common ministers of the gospel who rely on enticing words of man's wisdom. He challenges the prevalent reliance on human wisdom in preaching and the need for a demonstration of the Spirit and power in faith. Philpot emphasizes the importance of a faith that stands in the power of God, not in the wisdom of men, to ensure true conviction, endurance, and fruitfulness in the Christian walk.
Letter 195.
By James Bourne0PSA 85:9ISA 30:7LUK 19:101CO 2:31CO 2:9James Bourne preaches about the profound effects of godly fear, leading to heart searching, unceasing prayer, and a deep sense of contrition and repentance. He emphasizes the importance of drawing near to the Lord with humility and trembling, experiencing the abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness found in God's salvation. Bourne highlights the power of the Spirit's work in humbling the soul, preventing pride, and exalting the wisdom and power of God, ultimately revealing the hidden wisdom and heavenly blessings prepared for those who love Him.
Human Insufficiency
By Zac Poonen0LUK 11:51CO 2:31CO 7:402CO 10:12CO 12:10Zac Poonen emphasizes the essence of Spirit-filled service, highlighting the importance of being conscious of human insufficiency. He delves into the humility of the Apostle Paul, who despite his physical shortcomings and fears, was instrumental in establishing a church in Corinth through his preaching. Poonen cautions against those who claim to be God's mouthpiece with certainty, as true servants of God are often unaware when God speaks through them. He underscores the concept that Spirit-filled service is rooted in acknowledging weakness and continually seeking God's strength, echoing Paul's words that in weakness, true strength is found.
Discouragement, Continued
By Harmon A. Baldwin0PSA 126:5ROM 8:181CO 2:32CO 4:162CO 11:292CO 12:9GAL 6:9PHP 4:13HEB 12:1JAS 1:2Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the causes of discouragement within ourselves, emphasizing the weakness and personal struggles even holy men like Paul faced, highlighting the need to find strength in Christ despite our weaknesses. He also explores the dissatisfaction many feel in their spiritual journey, cautioning against comparing oneself to others and stressing the importance of continuous growth and advancement in faith. Furthermore, Baldwin addresses the causes of discouragement from external factors such as financial struggles, persecution, and the impact of associates, urging perseverance and trust in God's provision even in the face of challenges.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I was with you in weakness - It is very likely that St. Paul had not only something in his speech very unfavourable to a ready and powerful elocution, but also some infirmity of body that was still more disadvantageous to him. A fine appearance and a fine voice cover many weaknesses and defects, and strongly and forcibly recommend what is spoken, though not remarkable for depth of thought or solidity of reasoning. Many popular orators have little besides their persons and their voice to recommend them. Louis XIV. styled Peter du Bosc le plus beau parleur de son royaume, the finest speaker in his kingdom; and among his own people he was styled l'orateur parfait, the perfect orator. Look at the works of this French protestant divine, and you find it difficult to subscribe to the above sayings. The difficulty is solved by the information that the person of M. du Bosc was noble and princely, and his voice full, harmonious, and majestic. Paul had none of these advantages, and yet idolatry and superstition fell before him. Thus God was seen in the work, and the man was forgotten. In fear, and in much trembling - This was often the state of his mind; dreading lest he should at any time be unfaithful, and so grieve the Spirit of God; or that, after having preached to others, himself should be a castaway. See Co1 9:27. An eminent divine has said that it requires three things to make a good preacher; study, temptation, and prayer. The latter, no man that lives near to God can neglect; the former, no man who endeavors rightly to divide the word of truth will neglect; and with the second every man will be more or less exercised whose whole aim is to save souls. Those of a different cast the devil permits to pass quietly on in their own indolent and prayerless way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I--the preacher: as Co1 2:2 describes the subject, "Christ crucified," and Co1 2:4 the mode of preaching: "my speech . . . not with enticing words," "but in demonstration of the Spirit." weakness--personal and bodily (Co2 10:10; Co2 12:7, Co2 12:9; Gal 4:13). trembling--(compare Phi 2:12). Not personal fear, but a trembling anxiety to perform a duty; anxious conscientiousness, as proved by the contrast to "eye service" (Eph 6:5) [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I was with you in weakness,.... Meaning either the weakness of his bodily presence, the contemptibleness of his voice, and the mean figure he made as a preacher among them, both with respect to the matter and manner of his ministry in the eyes of many; or his lowly and humble deportment among them, not exerting the power and authority Christ had given him as an apostle; but choosing rather to work with his own hands, as he did at Corinth, to minister to his own necessities, and those of others; or the many persecutions which he endured there for the sake of preaching a crucified Christ; and which he sometimes calls "infirmities"; see Co2 12:9 wherefore it is added, and in fear, and in much trembling: not only on account of the greatness and awfulness of the work in which he was engaged, and lest the souls he ministered unto should be drawn aside from the truth, and into a sinful compliance; but because of the violence of men against him, threatening his life, and lying in wait for it: hence, the Lord, to encourage him, spake in a vision to him, and bid him not be afraid, but boldly preach his Gospel, and not be silent; assuring him of his presence, and that no man should set on him to hurt him, for he had many chosen vessels there to call by his grace through his ministry, Act 18:9 which no doubt greatly served to remove the fears and tremor that attended him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3-4 Human weakness is no barrier to God’s work (2 Cor 12:7-10). The real power is not in charismatic preaching, finesse of presentation, or logical persuasiveness (cp. 2 Cor 10:10), but in the message itself, centered on Christ and his death for our sins, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who convicts the human heart.