How did Paul try to reach Jews and Greeks instead of signs and philosophy?
Paul reached both Jews and Greeks by preaching Christ crucified and preaching the Word, rather than performing signs to convince Jews or using philosophy to convince Greeks. He proclaimed the Gospel and the plan of salvation, because people need to hear the Word, not merely see miracles.
Les explains that the Jews required a sign, while the Greek philosophers of Paul’s day sought wisdom. But Paul says he was not outperforming signs to convince the Jew, nor was he being philosophical to convince the Greek. Instead, Paul preached Christ and Him crucified. Les then connects this to chapter 14, where tongues were a sign not for those who believe but for those who believe not, while prophesying—proclaiming or preaching the Word before the New Testament—was for believers. Preaching the Word, the Gospel, and the plan of salvation is what people need to hear, not some kind of miracle.
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
More Questions
What did Paul preach instead of signs and human philosophy?
Paul refused to adhere to either approach: he would not come showing signs and wonders and miracles, nor would he philosophize, but instead he preached Christ crucified.
What did Paul do instead of looking for signs or new wisdom?
Paul and his companions deliberately refused to seek signs or chase after a new philosophy; instead they preached Christ crucified.