And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God. (vv 1-5)

Paul wrote the majority of the letters in the New Testament. Many approach his writings from an academic perspective, noting his learning and unique background compared to the other apostles. Perhaps this was part of the problem in the Corinthian church. Because Paul had been a Pharisee, trained in the Law, and highly educated, some were inclined to esteem him on that basis. Yet Paul himself insists that his authority did not rest upon his background or intellectual achievements, but upon the message of the cross of Jesus Christ, whom he had not known during His earthly ministry.

False teachers have often insisted that Paul preached salvation by works, but Scripture makes clear that he did no such thing. In this very chapter, Paul distinguishes between those who possess the Spirit of God and those who do not. Salvation rests not on human effort but on the eternal plan of God. Christ was ordained to die for His people before the foundation of the world; He was not sent merely to offer humanity a possibility of redemption, dependent on their willingness to respond. Rather, He came to accomplish the redemption of His chosen people through His blood.

… but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (vv. 7-8)

Thus, the wisdom of God is given only to those whom He calls, and it is the Holy Spirit who grants understanding. This indwelling of the Spirit is never earned by human merit or good works; rather, it is a gift of grace. The Scriptures testify that many sinners repented, not because they were better than others, but because the Spirit of God opened their hearts to believe.

Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner!” (Luke 7:39)

Had the Holy Spirit indwelt Caiaphas or Pilate, the crucifixion of Christ might not have taken place in the manner ordained. Yet the death of Jesus was decreed from eternity, and so both religious and political authorities, in their blindness, rejected Him. Multitudes followed their lead, though by the power of the Holy Spirit some later turned in repentance. This shows that without true knowledge and understanding, no one can confess genuine faith—for such knowledge is not discovered by human reason, but granted through the wisdom of God. Paul grasped this truth deeply, as does every believer who has been anointed with the Spirit.

We must never forget that the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ began with His public anointing by the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit now opens the hearts of sinners, imparts wisdom from above, and enables the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?” But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

You are not a Christian because church leaders have approved you, nor because you attend services on Sundays or own a Bible in your home. You are a Christian only because God has granted you understanding and faith in His Son.

Many false Christians busy themselves with religious activity, yet have no desire for the truth. They join churches for the comfort of belonging, enjoying the benefits of a supportive community. While kindness and mutual help are commendable, such things alone do not make a true Christian fellowship. A genuine church must be built upon the truth of Christ, for without truth there can be no true communion in the Spirit.

After the resurrection of Christ, visible churches were established and grew rapidly. Yet with that growth came many struggles concerning doctrine and truth. It is for this reason that the New Testament letters were written—to instruct, correct, and guard the people of God in the knowledge of Christ.

Paul unceasingly emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit throughout his letters. Again and again, he reminds the church that apart from the Spirit there is no life, no wisdom, and no true faith. His words call us even now to open our eyes and discern what is taking place within the churches today.

But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (v. 14)