Graphic Bible · Scene 5 of 5

Concrete acts of reconciliation, restitution, feeding, release, and repair contrast with empty ornate rhetoric beside an unused staff and healing oil.
Artwork is an interpretation. Scripture is quoted from the People's Open Bible.

1 Corinthians 4:18-21

Not Talk but Power, with Love and Gentleness

Faithful Stewards, Costly Service, and Gentle Power · 1 Corinthians 4

Story guide: Inflated speech will be tested by real power, because God’s kingdom is not talk but power. Paul offers a choice between firm discipline and coming with love and gentleness; restored life demonstrates the preferred path.

Open this scene in the reader →

18Some have become puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the speech of those who are puffed up, but the power.

20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?

Step through the story beside the Scripture itself. About the People’s Open Bible