Wisdom

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
1 Corinthians 2:1 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.2.1.ESV

We might be impressed by Paul's writings. Even sceptics often respect his evident intelligence and logic. But apparently he wasn't a particularly impressive speaker.

I don't think Paul's just being modest here. We know that at least one of his hearers fell asleep during one lengthy address. He wasn't a great orator.

This doesn't mean to say that Paul's subject matter was uninspiring. He spoke the very testimony of God. But his speech wasn't particularly dynamic.

Paul might not have used rhetoric or worldly wisdom. However, when he did speak he demonstrated the wisdom of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. God can use the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.

'All wise God, thank You for revealing Your wisdom through the likes of us. May we be faithful to declare Your testimony to our needy world, for the honour of Your name, amen'

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