1 CORINTHIANS 4:20 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power — the kingdom's manifestation is not rhetorical but transformative. 'Talk' (logos) is human eloquence; 'power' (dynamis) is the Spirit's work of salvation, healing, and holiness. Corinthian boasting values words; Paul redirects to power. Who is truly spiritual? Not the eloquent but the one in whom God's kingdom-power is operative.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 4:20
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” By signs, says he, not by fine speaking, we have prevailed: and that our teaching is divine and really announces the Kingdom of Heaven we give the greater proof, namely, our signs which we work by the power of the Spirit. If those who are now puffed up desire to be some great ones; as soon as I have come, let them show whether they have any such power. And let me not find them sheltering themselves behind a pomp of words:…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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