1 Corinthians 2:1 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

¹ And when I came to you, brothers, it was not with eloquent words or[superior] wisdom that I proclaimed to you the testimony [or, mystery] about God.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

¹ And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹ AS FOR myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom;

American Standard Version (1901)

¹ And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

Common English Bible

¹ When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I didn’t come preaching God’s secrets to you like I was an expert in speech or wisdom.

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹ And so, brothers, when I came to you, announcing to you the testimony of Christ, I did not bring exalted words or lofty wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2:1 Cross References

Acts 20:21

[You know how] I testified to both Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], that they must repent [i.e., change their attitudes and behavior] toward God, and have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 22:18

And I saw [and heard] the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry up, get out of Jerusalem quickly, because the people [here] will reject your testimony about me.’

Romans 16:18

For such men are not serving our Lord Christ but their own [unspiritual] appetites. They are deceiving the minds of innocent people by their smooth talk and flattering words.

Romans 16:25

– See Verse 27

1 Corinthians 1:17

For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.

1 Corinthians 1:6

The message about Christ has become firmly established there among you [i.e., by such gifts],

1 Corinthians 2:13

These also are the things we [apostles] speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but [in words] taught by the Holy Spirit. We use [or, combine] Spirit-taught words to express [or, with] Spirit-given truth.

1 Corinthians 2:4

And I did not use persuasive words of [human] wisdom in my message and preaching, but they were [accompanied by] a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power [from God]. [Note: This “demonstration” could have included the evidence of miraculous spiritual gifts which Paul utilized while there in Corinth. See 14:18].

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we [apostles] speak God’s secret wisdom, which has been hidden [through the ages], which God predetermined for our honor before time began.

2 Corinthians 10:10

For some people are saying, “Paul’s letters are heavy and severe, but in person he is weak [physically (?)] and his speaking ability is unimpressive.”

2 Corinthians 11:6

But even though I am an unpolished speaker, I am not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way.

2 Thessalonians 1:10

On that day Jesus will return to be honored by His saints [i.e., God’s holy people] and to be marveled at [i.e., in reverence] by all those who had believed [in Him]. [This will happen] because you have believed our testimony to you [about Christ].

1 Timothy 1:11

found in the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.

2 Timothy 1:8

So, do not be ashamed to testify for our Lord, or ashamed of [being associated with] me, His prisoner, but [be willing to] suffer hardship with me for the sake of the Gospel, relying on God’s power [to sustain you].

1 John 4:14

And we [apostles] have seen and are [reliable] witnesses that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world [See 1:2; 2:2].

Revelation 1:2

[So], John testified concerning everything he saw of God’s message and Jesus Christ’s testimony [of it].

Revelation 1:9

I [am] John, your brother who participates with you in the suffering and kingdom and endurance [which we experience] in [fellowship with] Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos for [preaching] God’s message and for testifying about Jesus. [Note: Patmos was located in the Aegean Sea between present-day Greece and Turkey].

Revelation 19:10

Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy.”