1 Corinthians 2:5
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That your faith should not stand - That the illumination of your souls and your conversion to God might appear to have nothing human in it: your belief, therefore, of the truths which have been proposed to you is founded, not in human wisdom, but in Divine power: human wisdom was not employed; and human power, if it had been employed, could not have produced the change.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
stand in . . . wisdom of men--rest on it, owe its origin and continuance to it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That your faith should not stand,.... "Or be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God". The Spirit of God directed him, and he under his influence chose, and by his assistance pursued this way of preaching, with this view, and for this reason, that faith in Christ, and in the doctrines of his Gospel, which comes by hearing, might not be attributed to the force of human eloquence and oratory; or stand upon so sandy a foundation, as that which might, if that was the case, be puffed away by a superior flow and force of words; but that it might be ascribed, as it ought to be, to almighty power, stand in it, be supported by it, and at last be finished and fulfilled with it. That your faith should not stand,.... "Or be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God". The Spirit of God directed him, and he under his influence chose, and by his assistance pursued this way of preaching, with this view, and for this reason, that faith in Christ, and in the doctrines of his Gospel, which comes by hearing, might not be attributed to the force of human eloquence and oratory; or stand upon so sandy a foundation, as that which might, if that was the case, be puffed away by a superior flow and force of words; but that it might be ascribed, as it ought to be, to almighty power, stand in it, be supported by it, and at last be finished and fulfilled with it. 1 Corinthians 2:6 co1 2:6 co1 2:6 co1 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom,.... Though the wise philosophers among the Gentiles accounted the Gospel foolishness; and though the apostle, by an ironical concession, had called the ministry of it the foolishness of preaching, and the foolishness of God, and had thought best, for wise reasons, to deliver it in a plain and simple manner, without the embellishments of human wisdom; yet he vindicates it from the charge of folly: it was not folly, but wisdom, which he and his fellow ministers preached, and that of the highest kind, as appears from what follows. Though it was not esteemed so by all men, yet among, or with them that are perfect; adult, at age, opposed to babes and children; such who have their understandings enlightened by the spirit of wisdom and revelation; who have their senses exercised to discern between divine and human wisdom; and who are perfect in a comparative sense, having more spiritual knowledge and understanding than others; for none, in the present state of things, are absolutely perfect in knowledge; they that know most, know but in part: now to such the Gospel and the doctrines of it appear to be the highest wisdom; for the apostle's sense is not that he and other Gospel ministers preached the more sublime doctrines of it to a select set of persons that had more judgment and a better understanding of things than others: if this could be thought to be the apostle's meaning, he might be supposed to allude to a custom among the Jews, not to deliver the sublime things of the law, but to persons so and so qualified. "Says R. Ame (r), they do not deliver the secrets of the law, but to him who has the five things or characters in Isa 3:3'' So they did not suffer the first chapter of Genesis and the visions of Ezekiel to be read until thirty years of age (s); and from them the Pythagoreans took their notion of not declaring their mysteries but to "perfect ones", the word here used (t); but the apostle's sense is, that to such that were perfect, and even to everyone that had the least degree of spiritual knowledge, the Gospel was wisdom. Some refer this clause not to persons, but things; and so the Arabic version reads it, "we speak wisdom concerning things that are perfect"; as the things of the Gospel are, such as a plenteous redemption, perfect righteousness, full pardon, plenary satisfaction, and complete salvation and happiness: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: meaning not the idolatry, superstition, curious and magic arts introduced by demons, which principalities and powers, with all their works, are spoiled and destroyed by Christ; but either the political wisdom and crafty schemes of the civil governors of the world, against Christ and his Gospel, who were by this time most, if not all of them, dead; or the vain philosophy of the wise and learned among the Gentiles, who every day were less and less in vogue, through the quick and powerful spread of the Gospel; or rather the highest pitch of wisdom and knowledge in divine things, which the doctors and Rabbins among the Jews attained to in the age before the Messiah's coming; called "this world" in distinction from the times of the Messiah, which in Jewish language was, "the world to come", as Dr. Lightfoot observes; who with all their wisdom were confounded and brought to nought by the superior wisdom of the Gospel. (r) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 13. 1. (s) Hieron. prefat. in Ezekiel & ad Paulin. Tom. III. fol. 3. 2. (t) Hierocles in Pythag. Carmin. p. 302.
1 Corinthians 2:5
Paul’s Message by the Spirit’s Power
4My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,5so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Look Who's Here
By Vance Havner2.2K09:421KI 18:362KI 6:15PSA 121:7PRO 3:5DAN 3:25ACT 3:61CO 2:5EPH 6:12HEB 11:1JAS 1:5This sermon draws inspiration from various biblical stories like the three Hebrew children who stood firm in their faith, Elijah on Mount Carmel demonstrating the need for divine intervention, and Elisha's unwavering trust in God's protection. It emphasizes the importance of complete reliance on God, even in the face of challenges, and the necessity of seeking His intervention rather than relying on human efforts.
Battle for the Bible
By Tim LaHaye1.7K59:57Bible1CO 1:181CO 1:221CO 1:241CO 1:301CO 2:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of humanism in society and how it has taken control of various aspects of our lives. He highlights the dominance of humanistic philosophy in education, media, and the home, with a lack of representation for conservative and Christian perspectives. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing for eternity and encourages the audience to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He also mentions the transformational power of God and how it can change lives, citing examples of individuals who were once deceived but are now actively fighting for the truth.
The Need to Die - Part 3
By Carter Conlon1.6K04:27EXO 17:8EXO 17:111CO 2:52CO 12:9GAL 5:16EPH 6:10PHP 4:13This sermon delves into the significance of the first battle faced by the Israelites in Exodus 17, highlighting the struggle against one's own nature, symbolized by Amalek, the grandson of Esau who represents the natural man. The ongoing battle with Amalek signifies the perpetual struggle between the flesh and the spirit. The victory over Amalek is achieved through dependence on God, symbolized by Moses raising his hands, with the support of Aaron and her representing the natural man becoming a servant to faith. The message emphasizes the importance of allowing natural talents and abilities to serve faith in God for victory in the Christian journey.
Calling on God - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.2K08:542KI 2:2MAT 17:201CO 2:5HEB 11:6JAS 2:26This sermon reflects on the impossibility of atheism in light of the faith of great men like Sir Isaac Newton and other scientists who followed the Lord Jesus. It emphasizes the need to grow in faith and not rely on superstitious devotion to earthly leaders, contrasting it with the deep devotion of Elisha to Elijah. The speaker acknowledges his own shortcomings in faith and the importance of supplying faith to those around us.
Hebron Silver Jubilee - Part 3
By Bakht Singh61557:22HebronMRK 16:15ACT 1:8ACT 2:411CO 2:5EPH 2:20EPH 3:10HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker shares about their experience of God's faithfulness over the past 25 years. They mention engaging double-decker buses from both sides, which seems to be a metaphor for facing challenges and obstacles. The speaker expresses gratitude for God's abundant grace and unchanging love. They emphasize the importance of worship, prayer, and thanksgiving as a way to honor and serve God.
Schau Auf Jesus (7) (German)
By George Verwer8943:55GermanEXO 13:21MAT 6:33MRK 16:18LUK 4:18ACT 2:41CO 2:5HEB 11:1In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was jogging and suddenly found himself being chased by a tiger. The man tries to evade the tiger by running from side to side, but the tiger continues to pursue him. Eventually, the man turns to face the tiger and says, "Have faith in God." The preacher then relates this story to the biblical account of the Israelites facing seemingly impossible obstacles in the Promised Land. Only two men had the faith to believe that God would give them victory, while the rest doubted. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith, the power of prayer, and obedience to God's word in fulfilling God's plan for our lives and for the world.
Objections Considered
By Randolph S. Foster0ROM 6:141CO 2:5GAL 5:16EPH 2:8PHP 4:132TI 3:16HEB 12:14JAS 4:61JN 1:8Randolph Sinks Foster addresses objections to the doctrine of holiness, emphasizing the importance of addressing and answering these objections to arrive at the truth. He discusses objections related to the acceptance of the doctrine by Christians, the experience of the Church, the alignment with the word of God, the accusation of promoting pride, and the belief in the possibility of living without sin. Foster highlights the need to rely on the word of God as the ultimate authority in determining the validity of the doctrine of holiness.
Epistle 300
By George Fox0GEN 26:15ROM 12:16ROM 14:171CO 2:51CO 4:202CO 6:21TH 5:19HEB 13:151PE 1:5REV 21:27George Fox preaches about the importance of standing in the power of God, which is the keeper unto the day of salvation, emphasizing that the kingdom stands in power and not in words. He encourages believers to keep their faith in the power of God, which leads to peace, joy, righteousness, holiness, and unity in the Holy Spirit. Fox reminds the congregation that Christ brings a sword and war, not peace, to break the false peace of earthly ways, religions, worships, and traditions, leading them to the true peace found in Christ alone.
Hindrances to Faith
By G.D. Watson0PSA 37:3PRO 3:5MAT 14:31MRK 9:24JHN 5:44JHN 7:48ROM 12:21CO 2:5HEB 12:1G.D. Watson preaches on the importance of faith and the hindrances that can prevent us from fully trusting in God. He delves into the story of Peter walking on water and how his doubt stemmed from looking at his surroundings instead of focusing on Jesus' promises. Watson also highlights how seeking honor from men and the unbelief of those in positions of authority can hinder our faith. Additionally, he emphasizes the necessity of personal consecration to God as a key factor in strengthening our faith.
Withered Branches
By Andrew Murray0Abiding in ChristSpiritual VitalityPSA 1:3JER 17:7MAT 13:22JHN 15:4JHN 15:6ROM 11:221CO 2:5GAL 5:22HEB 6:42PE 1:10Andrew Murray emphasizes the critical importance of truly abiding in Christ, warning that one can appear connected to Him yet still be cast forth like a withered branch. He identifies various reasons for this state, including a lack of understanding of the Christian calling, worldly distractions, and reliance on human wisdom rather than divine power. Murray calls for self-examination within the church to identify those who may be withering in their faith and urges believers to embrace the necessity of abiding in Christ for spiritual vitality. He encourages a vigilant and prayerful attitude towards maintaining a fresh and fruitful relationship with the Lord, reminding us that true safety lies in our union with Him.
Stephen's Fullness (Acts Vi. 5)
By Seth Rees0MAT 5:44MRK 9:23ACT 6:5ROM 10:171CO 2:51CO 2:131TH 5:15JAS 1:61PE 3:9Seth Rees preaches about the life and blessings of Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Stephen's Christian experience is highlighted as the most important aspect in the eyes of heaven, emphasizing the importance of being filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. Rees encourages believers to cultivate faith, believe for larger things, and trust in God's power for all aspects of life, including salvation, sanctification, and divine healing. He stresses the significance of being right in faith intellectually, experimentally, and practically, and the need for courage, wisdom, and love in the Christian walk.
Epistle 216
By George Fox0Faithfulness in TrialsPower Of GodPSA 121:5JHN 1:12JHN 15:1ROM 1:161CO 2:5EPH 2:16PHP 1:5COL 1:202TI 1:10HEB 7:27George Fox emphasizes the power of God and the importance of standing firm in faith amidst persecution and trials. He encourages believers to remain united in the gospel, which brings life and immortality to light, and to spread the truth of Christ to those lost in darkness. Fox highlights the necessity of living in the power of God, which enables believers to overcome sin and maintain fellowship with one another. He calls for a commitment to the cross of Christ, urging the faithful to be valiant in their witness and to cultivate a pure conscience. Ultimately, he reassures that despite earthly oppression, believers possess the eternal power of God, which secures their inheritance in Christ.
The Question Will Be Asked: How Is It, if God…
By Andrew Murray0Divine PowerHuman WeaknessISA 40:29JHN 15:5ACT 1:8ROM 8:261CO 2:52CO 12:9GAL 5:22EPH 3:20PHP 4:13JAS 1:5Andrew Murray addresses the pressing question of why the church has failed to embody God's love as Christ did, emphasizing the need for complete devotion to God's Word. He acknowledges human weakness but argues that it is often underestimated, leading to a lack of reliance on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. Murray asserts that the church's low state stems from a misunderstanding of God's commands and promises, which are often interpreted in a limited human sense rather than their intended divine power. He calls for a deeper pursuit of God's Spirit to realize the grace and devotion that God desires from His children.
The Spirit Illuminates
By A.W. Tozer0The Role of the Holy SpiritDivine IlluminationJHN 3:31CO 2:5EPH 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of divine illumination for true conversion, arguing against the rationalistic approach to faith that relies solely on textual understanding. He highlights that mere intellectual assent to the Bible is insufficient for salvation; instead, a transformative work of the Holy Spirit is essential for genuine renewal and inward deliverance. Tozer points out that the Apostle Paul's teachings remind us that our faith should rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God, underscoring the miraculous nature of spiritual rebirth.
"… Made Void by Man’s wisdom."
By Andrew Murray0RevivalPower of the Holy Spirit2CH 7:14JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 12:21CO 1:171CO 2:5GAL 5:25EPH 3:201TH 5:19JAS 4:10Andrew Murray emphasizes that the preaching of the cross and the work of missions can be rendered ineffective by human wisdom, which undermines the power of God. He calls for a deep understanding of the true state of the church, urging intercessors to recognize and confess the sins that hinder revival. Murray stresses the importance of honoring the Holy Spirit in teaching, as neglecting this leads to the commands of God being powerless. He challenges believers to prepare their hearts and remove obstacles to invite God's Spirit for true revival. The sermon highlights the necessity of aligning faith with divine power rather than human intellect.
A Divine Religion
By J.C. Philpot0JHN 6:551CO 2:5COL 2:8COL 3:2JAS 4:7J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of a faith that relies on the power of God rather than human wisdom. He contrasts the emptiness of a religion based on rituals and outward appearances with the beauty and richness of a relationship with Christ and His divine kingdom in the heart. Philpot urges his listeners to experience the sweetness and transformative power of a divine religion, which illuminates the truth, stirs the soul to seek God's kingdom, directs affections towards heavenly things, and convicts the conscience to turn away from evil.
Zechariah 4:6
By Chuck Smith0FaithDivine EmpowermentISA 40:29HAG 1:4ZEC 4:6JHN 15:5ACT 1:8ROM 8:311CO 2:52CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of relying on God's Spirit rather than human strength when facing daunting tasks, such as rebuilding the temple. He discusses the challenges of outside and inside opposition, highlighting the discouragement that can arise when the task seems impossible. Smith reminds us that true strength comes not from our own resources but from the infinite power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to trust in God's provision for personal and communal challenges, asserting that the church's mission is to shine as a light in a dark world. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in focus from human efforts to divine empowerment.
Effectual Preaching
By Anton Bosch0JHN 3:30ROM 1:16ROM 8:29ROM 10:141CO 1:171CO 2:11CO 2:51CO 4:2Anton Bosch challenges the common notion that successful preaching relies on eloquence, charisma, and persuasive abilities, emphasizing that a preacher's focus should be on delivering the Gospel with simplicity and faithfulness, allowing the power of God to work in the hearts of the listeners. Drawing from Paul's example, Bosch highlights the danger of relying on human wisdom and clever presentation, which can hinder the true impact of the Gospel message. He underscores the importance of preachers humbly stepping aside to let God's transformative power work in the lives of the hearers, rather than seeking personal recognition or impressive results.
A Pearl of Great Price
By G.W. North0The Cross of ChristWisdomMAT 7:61CO 1:181CO 2:51CO 3:31CO 13:111CO 14:20GAL 2:20PHP 3:10COL 2:3JAS 1:5G.W. North emphasizes the tragedy of the Corinthians who, in their pursuit of wisdom, became carnal and misused spiritual gifts for selfish ends, leading to a hollow expression of faith. He highlights that true wisdom, represented as a pearl of great price, is unique and should not be debased by worldly desires. North teaches that to be a true Christian, one must embrace the crucifixion of self, as a crucified person is eternally alive in Christ. He warns that any wisdom or gifts not rooted in the power of the crucified Christ are ultimately ineffective and devoid of spiritual value. The sermon calls for a return to the understanding that true wisdom and power come only through the cross of Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That your faith should not stand - That the illumination of your souls and your conversion to God might appear to have nothing human in it: your belief, therefore, of the truths which have been proposed to you is founded, not in human wisdom, but in Divine power: human wisdom was not employed; and human power, if it had been employed, could not have produced the change.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
stand in . . . wisdom of men--rest on it, owe its origin and continuance to it.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That your faith should not stand,.... "Or be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God". The Spirit of God directed him, and he under his influence chose, and by his assistance pursued this way of preaching, with this view, and for this reason, that faith in Christ, and in the doctrines of his Gospel, which comes by hearing, might not be attributed to the force of human eloquence and oratory; or stand upon so sandy a foundation, as that which might, if that was the case, be puffed away by a superior flow and force of words; but that it might be ascribed, as it ought to be, to almighty power, stand in it, be supported by it, and at last be finished and fulfilled with it. That your faith should not stand,.... "Or be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God". The Spirit of God directed him, and he under his influence chose, and by his assistance pursued this way of preaching, with this view, and for this reason, that faith in Christ, and in the doctrines of his Gospel, which comes by hearing, might not be attributed to the force of human eloquence and oratory; or stand upon so sandy a foundation, as that which might, if that was the case, be puffed away by a superior flow and force of words; but that it might be ascribed, as it ought to be, to almighty power, stand in it, be supported by it, and at last be finished and fulfilled with it. 1 Corinthians 2:6 co1 2:6 co1 2:6 co1 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom,.... Though the wise philosophers among the Gentiles accounted the Gospel foolishness; and though the apostle, by an ironical concession, had called the ministry of it the foolishness of preaching, and the foolishness of God, and had thought best, for wise reasons, to deliver it in a plain and simple manner, without the embellishments of human wisdom; yet he vindicates it from the charge of folly: it was not folly, but wisdom, which he and his fellow ministers preached, and that of the highest kind, as appears from what follows. Though it was not esteemed so by all men, yet among, or with them that are perfect; adult, at age, opposed to babes and children; such who have their understandings enlightened by the spirit of wisdom and revelation; who have their senses exercised to discern between divine and human wisdom; and who are perfect in a comparative sense, having more spiritual knowledge and understanding than others; for none, in the present state of things, are absolutely perfect in knowledge; they that know most, know but in part: now to such the Gospel and the doctrines of it appear to be the highest wisdom; for the apostle's sense is not that he and other Gospel ministers preached the more sublime doctrines of it to a select set of persons that had more judgment and a better understanding of things than others: if this could be thought to be the apostle's meaning, he might be supposed to allude to a custom among the Jews, not to deliver the sublime things of the law, but to persons so and so qualified. "Says R. Ame (r), they do not deliver the secrets of the law, but to him who has the five things or characters in Isa 3:3'' So they did not suffer the first chapter of Genesis and the visions of Ezekiel to be read until thirty years of age (s); and from them the Pythagoreans took their notion of not declaring their mysteries but to "perfect ones", the word here used (t); but the apostle's sense is, that to such that were perfect, and even to everyone that had the least degree of spiritual knowledge, the Gospel was wisdom. Some refer this clause not to persons, but things; and so the Arabic version reads it, "we speak wisdom concerning things that are perfect"; as the things of the Gospel are, such as a plenteous redemption, perfect righteousness, full pardon, plenary satisfaction, and complete salvation and happiness: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: meaning not the idolatry, superstition, curious and magic arts introduced by demons, which principalities and powers, with all their works, are spoiled and destroyed by Christ; but either the political wisdom and crafty schemes of the civil governors of the world, against Christ and his Gospel, who were by this time most, if not all of them, dead; or the vain philosophy of the wise and learned among the Gentiles, who every day were less and less in vogue, through the quick and powerful spread of the Gospel; or rather the highest pitch of wisdom and knowledge in divine things, which the doctors and Rabbins among the Jews attained to in the age before the Messiah's coming; called "this world" in distinction from the times of the Messiah, which in Jewish language was, "the world to come", as Dr. Lightfoot observes; who with all their wisdom were confounded and brought to nought by the superior wisdom of the Gospel. (r) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 13. 1. (s) Hieron. prefat. in Ezekiel & ad Paulin. Tom. III. fol. 3. 2. (t) Hierocles in Pythag. Carmin. p. 302.