INTRODUCTION

The city of Corinth was fully immersed in the Greek culture. The "golden-tongued" orator was the celebrity of that day - above athletes and other accomplished individuals. Public speech was regarded as the highest form of entertainment. The orator was always trying to win the audience with his way of words.

So when Paul came to Corinth, they were sizing him up based on his abilities, eloquence, and even his size/physique. By Paul's own admission, he was lacking in these regards. With regard to diction and sophistication, Paul simply did not meet their expectations.

But Paul saw himself in a different light. Paul saw himself as a herald, not a "golden-tongued orator." Heralds were regularly commissioned by the Roman Empire to go into a marketplace and deliver messages assigned by public officials. Heralds were obedience oriented, not results oriented. A herald simply needed to be a faithful steward. The success of the herald was determined by substance and faithfulness, not through winning style points with his audience.

A STRAIGHTFORWARD MESSAGE

The herald is marked by a straightforward message. The success of the herald required a clear articulation of the message, regardless of the audience's response.

It is the effectual call of God that determines those who are saved. And this is precisely the foolishness of preaching--the fact that it does not depend upon the preacher to eloquently persuade people into conversions. This reliance upon God is what makes it simultaneously foolishness to the world and the very wisdom of God.

APPLICATION

All of us are the heralds. We are set apart - some to preach, others to teach. And we know that God the Holy Spirit always goes before us.  When the elect hear, they will believe. God himself will guarantee the success of the preaching -- so that no man may boast before the Lord, and so that no flesh may glory in His presence (as if they themselves contributed).