Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Not in persuasive words of wisdom (ouk en piqoiv sofiav logoiv). This looks like a false disclaimer or mock modesty, for surely the preacher desires to be persuasive. This adjective piqov (MSS. peiqov) has not yet been found elsewhere. It seems to be formed directly from peiqw, to persuade, as feidov (fidov) is from feidomai, to spare. The old Greek form piqanov is common enough and is used by Josephus (Ant. VIII. 9. 1) of "the plausible words of the lying prophet" in 1Ki. 13. The kindred word piqanologia occurs in Colossians 2:4 for the specious and plausible Gnostic philosophers. And gullible people are easy marks for these plausible pulpiteers. Corinth put a premium on the veneer of false rhetoric and thin thinking.
But in demonstration (all en apodeicei). In contrast with the
plausibility just mentioned. This word, though an old one from apodeiknumi, to show forth, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament.
Spirit (pneuma) here can be the Holy Spirit or inward spirit as opposed to superficial expression and
power (dunamiv) is moral power rather than intellectual acuteness (cf. I Corinthians 1:18).
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 1 Corinthians 2:4:
Acts 17:34
Romans 15:19
1 Corinthians 1:17
1 Corinthians 1:21
2 Corinthians 1:12
2 Corinthians 10:10
Colossians 2:4
1 Thessalonians 1:5
Titus 1:3
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