Why was Paul's speech called contemptible?
Paul's speech was called contemptible because he did not use the most perfect Greek grammar and was not a polished orator like Apollos or the Greek philosophers. His preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
Les explains that Paul's speech was deemed contemptible perhaps because he did not use the most perfect Greek grammar; he was not a polished orator like Apollos or some of the other Greek philosophers. Paul had to overcome that, but Les clarifies that he didn't—the Spirit of God did. Paul's preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Les compares this to planting a seed: you may drop a word to someone and think it will never amount to anything, but like B.C.'s bottle thrown into the ocean, it will accomplish something and one day come back, maybe not in this life.