1 Corinthians 4:19
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.
1 Corinthians 4:19
**VERSE REFERENCE**
1 Corinthians 4:19
**Meaning & Context** (200 words): Paul signals a future decisive visit: “I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will.” The key issue is not merely his presence but the nature of his coming—“to know not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.” He distinguishes between eloquent, boastful argument and the transformative power of the gospel. The Corinthians’ boastful rhetoric will be tested by whether they truly live under the power of the Spirit. His emphasis on power over mere words reinforces the message that genuine Christian life demonstrates God’s power through transformed living, not through flashy rhetoric.
**Theological Significance** (150 words): The contrast between speech and power emphasizes the ongoing Pauline critique of rhetorical supremacy in the church. It underscores the dynamic work of the Spirit in empowering believers beyond human eloquence, aligning with 1:17-25 and 2:1-5.
**Modern Application** (150 words): When presenting your faith, prioritize lived reality over polished speech. In debates or disagreements, seek to show the transforming power of the gospel in your life—acts of mercy, patient endurance, and steadfast faith—rather than relying on clever arguments alone. If you’re in a leadership or teaching role, cultivate spiritual fruit that confirms your message.
**Cross-References**: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Romans 1:16-17