The apostle Paul begins this text by referencing the time he came to the Corinthians (Acts 18). He said he was with them in “weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (v. 3). Paul experienced these emotions while in Corinth because of the reputation the Greeks had for the love of philosophy. When the Jews “opposed him and blasphemed” (Acts 18:6) he moved on to the Gentiles. Amongst the Gentiles was the Greek culture centered on philosophy. The simplistic message of Christ would not satisfy the desire for complicated, philosophical reasoning. There was potential for violent rejection of Paul’s gospel effort. However, Paul received assurance from the Lord that no harm would come to him while in Corinth (Acts 18:9-10).

Paul did not seek to satisfy their craving for “excellence of speech or of wisdom.” He understood the simplicity of the gospel message, and determined not to preach anything but “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Paul implies that if he relieved their itch for “persuasive words of human wisdom,” that their faith would be in “the wisdom of men.” And so Paul taught the Corinthians by “demonstration of the Spirit and of power” so their faith would be in the “power of God.”