When the Apostle Paul was teaching and preaching the Word of God, in the city of Ephesus which was his third visit to the city, people arrived from Corinth. Corinth had a church planted some three years before. The people came telling of disturbing things going on in the Corinthian church. News of factions, immorality, lawsuits within the body of believers. Some of the people came about difficult questions concerning marriage and divorce, eating the food offered to idols, matters of worship, and resurrection.

Paul writes two letters to the Corinthian Church, in the first letter to the believers there, he firmly addresses their deplorable conduct and answers the question that had been brought to his attention.

Christ Jesus – the power and wisdom of God

With divisions in the Corinthian church some were saying that they were   following a different teaching about God. Paul clarifies this and tells them everything should be done in the name of Jesus and not just a particular follower or teacher of Jesus.

Paul says in 1 verse 17: Christ (Jesus) sent him to preach the gospel ( the good news) not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect.

v18 “For those who are perishing the message of the cross is foolish, but to those who are being saved it is the Power of God.”

v19 “For it is written (God said) I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and I will set aside the understanding of the experts.”

Chapter 2 brings Paul’s proclamation. “When I came to you brother, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not come with the brilliance of speech, or wisdom. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and with a demonstration of the Spirit and Power, so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom, but God’s Power.”

In Acts Peter and John said “such as we have in the name of Jesus rise up and walk.”

This was by God’s power

Paul is talking about the same power. If we dare to believe, this power is available to us all. The Name of Jesus and the testimony of the cross are the Power.

God has given unique ‘Spiritual gifts’ to use for the support and growth of the body of Christ”.

Accept Him (Jesus) Believe in Him, partake of His Power and see lives changed in your little area of the world.

God Bless.

OFJ.