Throughout the year and a half that Paul was in Corinth (Ac 18:1-18), he proclaimed to them the testimony about God. He did not resort to human powers of persuasion by speech or wisdom but depended only on Jesus Christ and him crucified. He came to them with great fear and trembling, perhaps because of the fierce persecution he faced. But God encouraged him to stay in Corinth because God had many people in that city. God promised he would protect Paul, and so Paul taught them the word of God (Ac 18:9-11).

In his ministry to the Corinthians, Paul resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. He believed the gospel. He taught the gospel. He lived the gospel. The more he ministered to them, the more he wanted to know Jesus. He depended on the Spirit’s power to work in the hearts and minds of his listeners. Their faith in Jesus was not the result of a person’s tactics or wisdom but God’s power at work in their lives.

We can thank God for the ministry of church leaders, pastors, and Bible teachers. But first and foremost, we must resolve to know Jesus Christ and depend on God’s Spirit in ministry.
Application: Lord Jesus, I resolve to know you. Help me depend on the Spirit’s power, not myself, when ministering to others.
One Word: Resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified.