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Selected Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:20 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Co 4:20 |
King James |
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
| kingdom of God is not in word--Translate, as in Co1 4:19, to which the reference is "speech." Not empty "speeches," but the manifest "power" of the Spirit attests the presence of "the kingdom of God" (the reign of the Gospel spiritually), in a church or in an individual (compare Co1 2:1, Co1 2:4; Th1 1:5). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
For the kingdom of God - The reign of God in the church (see the note at Mat 3:2); meaning here, probably, the power or authority which was to be exercised in the government and discipline of the church. Or it may refer to the manner in which the church had been established. "It has not been set up by empty boasting; by pompous pretensions; by confident assertions. Such empty boasts would do little in the great work of founding, governing, and preserving the church and unless people have some higher powers than this they are not qualified to be religious teachers and guides."
But in power -
(1) In the miraculous power by which the church was established - the power of the Saviour and of the apostles in working miracles.
(2) in the power of the Holy Spirit in the gift of tongues, and in his influence on the heart in converting people; see the note at Co1 1:18.
(3) in the continual power which is needful to protect, defend, and govern the church. Unless teachers showed that they had such power, they were not qualified for their office. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| For the kingdom of God - Real religion, does not consist in words, but in the power of God ruling the heart. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| For the kingdom of God - The religion of the Lord Jesus is not in word - in human eloquence, excellence of speech, or even in doctrines; but in power, εν δυναμει, in the mighty energy of the Holy Spirit; enlightening, quickening, converting, and sanctifying believers; and all his genuine apostles are enabled, on all necessary occasions, to demonstrate the truth of their calling by miracles; for this the original word often means. |
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.