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and my word and my preaching was not in moving words of human wisdom, but in proof of the Spirit and of power.  1 Corinthians 2:4

Proof – “That was a great sermon, preacher.  It moved me.”  Yes, that’s what we want when we go to church.  We want moving oratory.  We want inspired eloquence in the pulpit.  We want to be mentally entertained.  It’s unlikely that we would stick around to hear Paul speak because Paul tells us straight out that he didn’t use moving words or demonstrate intellectual prowess.  Paul had another purpose in mind.  Not entertaining information but engaging transformation.  Paul was all about proof.

What does this Greek word, apodeixis, mean? What is proof?  The first thing we must notice is that Paul’s idea of proof cannot be the Greek concept of compelling argument.  That is precisely what Paul denies!  He didn’t come with carefully crafted apologetics based in human wisdom.  We have plenty of that, don’t we?  Books, tapes, video, seminars – it goes on and on – compelling rational arguments that attempt to convince us of correct understanding.  In all of my years, I have never met anyone who became a follower of Yeshua on the basis of an intellectual argument.  But that doesn’t seem to dissuade us from using this approach, does it?

Paul offers a different method.  He comes with proof.  Now, if Paul’s proof is not eloquent arguments and compelling reasons, then what is it?  The answer is found in the Hebrew equivalent of apodeixis.  This Greek word means “manifestation or demonstration.”  The Hebrew equivalent would be hayah – to come into being, to be manifest, to be.  In other words, Paul’s version of proof is the manifestation of life in the Spirit with power.  It’s much more than being a good person.  It’s the demonstration of God’s action in and through me.  Proof is God showing up in power.  Proof is miraculous intervention, palpable presence of the Spirit and real transformation in the lives of disciples.  Proof is what we find over and over in the New Testament church, and in the Old Testament church.  Proof is what happens when God is in the midst.  It’s not words.  It’s action.

Paul didn’t need stimulating arguments.  He came with the power of God.  Things happened.  Things that couldn’t be explained away.  Jail doors were opened.  Boys were brought back to life.  People were healed.  People were judged.  Angels appeared.  Dreams occurred.  And everywhere there was prayer and praise.

Of course, it’s nice to know about the evidence that demands a verdict.  It’s great to have an arsenal of arguments to combat Darwin or social immorality.  It’s fine to fiddle with figures and facts.  But point me to the assembly that worships the God who comes in power and proof, and all the rest gets lost in the dust.  If Paul says to the Corinthian church, a church with obvious flaws and failures, that God manifested power, then why don’t we experience that kind of community now?  Do you suppose it has something to do with leaning on human wisdom?

Topical Index:  Evangelism