What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 2:3? I came to you Paul reminds the Corinthians that his arrival was personal and intentional, not distant or detached. Acts 18:1-11 shows him laboring among them as a tentmaker, sharing meals and conversations in their homes. Rather than sending emissaries, he shouldered the cost and discomfort of travel, modeling the incarnational pattern of Christ (John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”). This closeness underscores that the gospel is delivered through real people in real places. in weakness • Physical limits: Years of missionary travel had taken their toll (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). • Human limitation: Paul refused polished rhetoric so the cross would remain central (1 Corinthians 2:1-2). • Spiritual posture: He embraced the paradox that “power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). By admitting frailty, he placed the spotlight on God’s strength, urging the church to rely on the Spirit, not human charisma. and fear This was not cowardice but reverent seriousness. Paul had recently faced hostility in Philippi and Thessalonica (Acts 16–17), so he arrived aware of real danger. Yet he pressed on because “we have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Such fear is a sober recognition that eternal souls hang in the balance (2 Corinthians 5:11, “Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade men”). and with much trembling “Trembling” signals dependence on God. Similar language appears when believers approach holiness: Philippians 2:12, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” and Psalm 2:11, “serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.” Paul’s trembling highlights the gravity of preaching Christ crucified. His shaky hands held out an unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). summary Paul’s entrance into Corinth—personal, weak, fearful, trembling—puts all confidence in the Spirit rather than the messenger. His example calls believers to authentic presence, humble reliance, and reverent boldness so that “your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). |
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