2 Corinthians 2:4

Preaching. Gr. kerugma (see on ch. 1:21). With enticing words. Literally, “with persuasive words.” In neither private discussions nor public preaching did Paul rely on the persuasive power found in human reasoning. He did not seek to charm and captivate his hearers with the style of subtle philosophy that so appealed to the Greeks. Man’s. Important textual evidence (cf. p. 10) may be cited for the omission of this word. The meaning of the passage is not essentially altered by the omission. Demonstration. Gr. apodeixis, “a showing forth,” “certain proof,” “evidence,” “demonstration.” The proof of the divine origin of the message that Paul preached was not to be found in clever argumentation, but in the evidence, or “showing forth,” of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s work at Corinth had been accompanied, as it was elsewhere, by miracles (2 Cor. 12:12 cf. Acts 14:3). The gifts of the Holy Spirit had been imparted to the church in rich measure (see 1 Cor. 1:5-7; ch. 14). The presence of the gifts of the Spirit in the church was a demonstration of the truth of the gospel preached by Paul. But the greatest miracle was the conversion of many Corinthians from heathenism to Christ (see Acts 18:8). The thief became honest; the lazy, industrious; the licentious, pure; the drunkard, sober; the cruel, kind and gentle; and the miserable, happy. Strife and discord gave place to peace and harmony. Such evidences of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ could be observed by all, and could not be denied. The gospel has continued to furnish this kind of proof of its divine origin through the centuries. Every converted sinner provides such a demonstration; and every instance of the gospel’s producing peace, joy, hope, and love, shows that God is the source of the message.