in demonstration of the Spirit and of power Not persuasive (πειθοῖς) arguments, but appeals to the conscience and to the influence of a higher power. It is doubtful whether we should translate -the Spirit" here, as though the Holy Spirit were meant, and more than doubtful whether we should interpret -power" of miracles as generally understood. The Apostle is perhaps rather referring to that conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment (St John 16:8), which the Spirit of God produces in the spirit of man, and of the power to produce a change of heart and life which is the leading characteristic of the gospel. This view seems confirmed by the next verse, in which St Paul says that the ground of our faith is not the wisdom of men, but the power of God.

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