Did Paul come with intellectual degrees or high intellectualism?
No, Paul did not come with intellectual degrees or high intellectualism. He came with the simplicity of the gospel, not with the wisdom of words or human mentality. He did not rely on philosophy or new ideas; he came with the cross of Christ. The Holy Spirit opens hearts, and the gospel transformed the Corinthians.
Les explains that Paul refuted the idea that his commission was to baptize, saying Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel, not with the wisdom of words. Les points out Paul did not come with intellectual degrees behind his name or with high intellectualism. The Greek culture of Corinth was hung up on philosophy, but Paul says he did not come with a philosophy or some new thing; he came with the gospel, which is the cross of Christ. Les illustrates that you can talk yourself blue in the face, but that will not save anyone; it is when the Holy Spirit opens the heart, as He opened Lydia's heart in Philippi so she attended to Paul's words. The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who perish, yet it was the gospel that transformed the Corinthian people.