1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul writes: "I did not come among you with eloquence or wise arguments to announce the mystery of God. I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ crucified, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

Eloquent arguments are dividing the church at Corinth, as the Corinthians debate the teachings of Apollos, Cephas, and Paul. Instead of asserting that he has greater wisdom than the others, Paul claims to preach nothing but Jesus Christ crucified. At issue is whether (or to what extent) the Jewish law is to be required of all Christians, Gentiles as well as Jews. Paul appeals to the authority of the Spirit and to the faith of the Christians in Corinth. He argues that unity in Christ is more important than keeping Jewish law. The success of his appeal enables the church to grow among the Gentiles and to establish its independence from the church in Jerusalem, which continued to enforce Jewish law on Gentile converts.

We are not saved by keeping the law or by affirming "correct beliefs," but by the love of God in Jesus Christ. This is the good news of the gospel.

Grace and peace...Bob