“For not in word (lies) the kingdom of God, but in power:” another of Paul's religious maxims (see note on 1 Corinthians 1:29), repeated in many forms: cf. 2 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Corinthians 13:3 f., etc. The βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ always (even in Romans 14:17) bears ref [785] to the final Messianic rule (see 1Co 6:9 f., 1 Corinthians 15:24; 1 Corinthians 15:50); the “power of God” called it into being and operates in every man who truly serves it. That Divine realm is not built up by windy words. To the same test P. offers himself in 2 Corinthians 13:1-10. For εἶναι (understood) ἐν, see 1 Corinthians 2:5 and note.

[785] reference.

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Old Testament