The Dynamics of Power in the Book of First Corinthians

Corinth was a narrow stretch of land between Athens and Sparta in Greece. Ancient Greece was one of the most important cities of Greece. The Romans demolished it in 146 BC, built a new city in its place in 44BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece. Corinth was the most important city in Greece during Paul’s day, it was a bustling hub of world commerce, degraded culture, and idolatrous religion. They worshiped Zeus, Helios, the goddess Ephyra, Poseidon, and Apollo just to mention a few of their pagan gods.

First Corinthians reveals the problems, pressures, and struggles of a church called out of a pagan society. Paul addresses a variety of problems in the lifestyles of the Corinthian church such as factions. He says, “Now this I say, that everyone of you saith I am of Paul; and I am of Apollos; and I of Cephas and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” The word used for power is the same word used in Acts 1:8 when Jesus instructed his disciples to, tarry in Jerusalem after this they were going to receive the power  of the Holy Ghost and made into witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. It is the same word for power used in Ephesians 1:19, “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power (Dunamis) to usward who believe, according to the working (Energeia) of his might (Ischus) power (Kratos) which he wrought  (Energeo) in Christ, when he raised him from the dead.”

There are five Greek words used for power in the bible: Dunamis, Energeia, Ischus, Kratos and Exousia. See their different meanings below:

·       Dunamis — means inherent power or ability. Power residing in a thing by virtue of its       nature or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth. It is the ability to achieve and the potential for functioning in some way. It is power for performing miracles. The moral power and excellence of the soul. The power and influence which belongs to riches and wealth. The power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces and hosts. We get the words dynamite and dynamo from Dunamis. Dynamites symbolize explosive power and dynamos generate energy.

·       Exousia — means authority, and bearer of ruling authority. The authority of an official or government. The power of Priests, co-heirs with Christ and ambassadors.

·       Kratos — means the action of power. It is the ability to exhibit or express resident strength or might while Dunamis lies within and may not be readily visible, Kratos is the exhibition or expression of that power through a form of visible dominion and ruling for example through the resurrection of the dead.

·       Ischus — means physical power, strength, power, force, might and ability coupled with Kratos describes a powerful form of action.

·       Energeia — means energeo, energy; the word of God is quick and powerful (Energes) it is filled with ergon. This is a holy work ethic. It is activity, zealous labor as opposed to idleness.

This is the power that is available and resident in every believer who has been baptized by the Holy Spirit and knows how to use it. The bible says that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us. We are endowed with explosive power, authority and energy to tremple upon snakes and scorpions. God has given us power against evil spirits. This is not power to entertain others, but it is power to enforce victory. Greater is he that is in us that he that is in the world. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. The reason why many Christians are tormented and oppressed by the Devil is because of ignorance. The Word of God says, “My people perish because of lack of knowledge.” Ignorance is the greatest enemy in the body of Christ. The enemy will only conquer you in the area of your ignorance. But today let light shine in every area of ignorance. The truth shall make you free. Yes, you shall be free from all oppressions of the Devil. It is high time you tell Satan and his cohorts to get lost. The bible says, “resist the Devil and he will flee.” Resist the devil with power, there is power in the name of Jesus, there is power in the Word of God and there is power in prayer. Use the power readily available and latent within your spirit. You are a moving dynamite and its high time you explode.