Do You Worry About Telling People The Gospel?

Paul did not hinder his mission with concerns about his performance. He makes the point at the beginning of the second chapter in his first letter to the Corinthians.

The Eloquent Ancient Speakers

Paul wants the Corinthians to remember that he did not preach the gospel to them as if he were performing. The Corinthians were very familiar with ancient speakers who amazed their audiences with lofty speech and displays of their own wisdom. Back 2022 years ago, impressive speeches were part of the entertainment and wisdom culture of Greek and Roman society. Skilled orators would travel from place to place to entertain crowds in this way.

Paul Did Not Perform But Presented Plain Truth

Paul begins chapter 2 of First Corinthians by reminding them of when he first came to Corinth and began proclaiming the testimony of God. Paul’s arrival in Corinth is described in Acts 18. He came and met a Christian couple named Aquila and Priscilla, who were tent-makers by trade, like Paul. He ministered in Corinth for more than a year and a half, supporting himself by tent making and helping to establish the church there.

In chapter 2 of First Corinthians, Paul seems to return to his train of thought from the middle of the previous chapter (1 Corinthians 17), where he said that Christ did not send him to perform the Gospel.

He did not tell them about Christ with impressive speaking skills and displays of knowledge. In fact, he was weak, fearful, and trembling. (1 Corinthians 2:3, 4) That probably was a deliberate tactic, for their good, so their faith would be based on God’s power and not on any amount of impressive human wisdom.

Your Incredible Speaking Skills

Remember when you first meet a potential Christian or a weak believer, no one expects you to display incredible speaking skills or great knowledge. In fact, you should not worry about such things and instead pray about it and let the Holy Spirit do the hard work. He will be with you when you tell them about the Gospel (Matthew 28:20)

In conclusion, the Daily Bread email message sent on 9/29/2022 says,

1 Corinthians 2:1 – And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  (NASB)

Paul reminds the Corinthians of when he first came to Corinth and began proclaiming the testimony of God. He did not tell them about Christ with impressive speaking skills and displays of knowledge. In fact, he was weak, fearful, and trembling (1 Corinthians 3, 4). That probably was a deliberate tactic for their good, so their faith would be based on God’s power and not on any amount of incredible human wisdom.

Remember when you first meet a potential Christian or a weak believer, no one expects you to display impressive speaking skills or great knowledge. In fact, you should not worry about such things and instead pray about it and let the Holy Spirit do the hard work. He will be with you when you tell them about the Gospel (Matthew 28:20).

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