21 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
21 And I, when I came to you, brothers,
21 You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy.
21 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.
21 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:1
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
(Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
Christ, in his person, and offices, and sufferings, is the sum and substance of the gospel, and ought to be the great subject of a gospel minister's preaching, but not so as to leave out other parts of God's revealed truth and will. Paul preached the whole counsel of God. Few know the fear and trembling of faithful ministers, from a deep sense of their own weakness They know how insufficient they are, and are fearful for themselves. When nothing but Christ crucified is plainly preached, the success must be entirely from Divine power accompanying the word, and thus men are brought to believe, to the salvation of their souls.