For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians 1:17 NIV
The apostle Paul’s words ring profoundly countercultural in a world that often equates success with eloquence and persuasion. Today, eloquence and persuasive speech are often celebrated. Therefore, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that the power of the gospel lies in the delivery or the speaker’s abilities. However, Paul reminds us that Christ did not send him to baptise but to preach the gospel. And that, not with wisdom and eloquence but with the simple, unadorned message of the cross.
This verse calls us to a deeper understanding of where true power lies. It is not in our abilities, clever arguments, or polished presentations but in the message of the cross itself. This powerful declaration underscores a fundamental truth often overlooked in our pursuit of effective ministry. It is not our ability but the power of Christ that saves.
Paul’s words urge us to depend entirely on God for our commissioning and equipping, resisting the temptation to rely on human wisdom or charisma. He emphasises that Christ did not send him to baptise but to preach the gospel. This highlights that it’s not enough to have good intentions; we must also do the right thing right. Simply intending to preach the gospel is insufficient if God has not sent you. Paul’s ministry was not of self-origin but Christ’s.
Divine commissioning is the right foundation for an effective Christian ministry. Before we seek to work for God, we must first seek to be with God. God sends us; we should not embark on our mission hoping to find God along the way. That approach would not be ideal for such a critical matter.
Paul also addresses the nature of the mission itself, noting that it does not rely on eloquence, human wisdom, or persuasive arguments. These are not the tools or resources required for effective gospel preaching. A person may be an eloquent speaker but fail to save a soul. It is not humans who save, but God. Therefore, we must seek to be in tune with God so that when we preach, God saves, not our words.
Therefore, understanding that it is not our speech, eloquence, or knowledge that saves people should refocus our attention on God. This truth is significant in two ways: first, it underscores the necessity of depending on God to send and equip us for the work. Second, it challenges us to lose sight of ourselves and our desire to be seen as better speakers—more persuasive or articulate. The power of salvation does not rest in our words but in Christ and His finished work on the cross.
In response to today’s verse, let us approach the gospel with the right attitude, acknowledging that it is God’s power, not our own, that brings salvation.
