What does it mean that the kingdom of God is not in words (1 Corinthians 4:20)?

In 1 Corinthians 4:20, the apostle Paul declares, “The kingdom of God is not in words, but in power” (NASB). With this statement, Paul clearly distinguishes between empty rhetoric and the genuine, life-transforming power of the gospel. Let’s review the context of 1 Corinthians 4:20 to better understand the meaning of “the kingdom of God is not in words.”

Paul is writing to a divided Corinthian church that had formed factions around different leaders (1 Corinthians 1:10–12). In the first few chapters of this letter, Paul reorients their focus from human wisdom and lofty speech to Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23). However, in 1 Corinthians 4:14–21, Paul adopts a pastoral tone. He is not trying to shame them but admonish them as beloved children (verse 14).

Paul, as their spiritual father, encourages the believers in Corinth to imitate him (1 Corinthians 4:15–16). He even sent Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ (verse 17). Unfortunately, some Corinthians had become arrogant and acted as if Paul would not return to correct them (verse 18). Paul says, “I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Corinthian 4:19–21).

The contrast of word and power in 1 Corinthians 4:20 does not dismiss the value of gospel-centered preaching. Rather, it cuts through empty rhetoric to God’s power in Christ. The Corinthians were impressed by eloquent speech, but Paul reminds them that the essence of God’s kingdom resides in the life-giving power of the gospel.

Earlier in the letter, Paul wrote, “My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4, NKJV). God’s power is not an impersonal “force,” but the Holy Spirit’s work authenticates the gospel, produces faith and repentance, and sanctifies us.

The gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NKJV). God’s power is demonstrated in the present and future, wherever His will is done and His lordship is embraced. In Romans 14:17, Paul defines God’s kingdom as “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (NKJV). Righteousness, peace, and joy are lived realities in God’s kingdom.

As such, the kingdom is “not in word” (1 Corinthians 4:20, NKJV). The Corinthians, some of whom were powerful orators, lacked evidence of gospel-centered living. Soaring rhetoric and florid orations do not produce the fruit of the Spirit. Preachers should live what they preach, bearing fruit of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23, NKJV).

Jesus promised His disciples, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8, NKJV). The most powerful witness is a life dedicated to Christ. Paul writes, “We have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom” (2 Corinthians 1:12, NLT). Are we conducting ourselves according to human wisdom or God’s grace? Do our lives demonstrate that God’s kingdom is “not in word but in power”?