Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Corinthians 4:20

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

The Kingdom of God in the Church, or the Kingdom of God in the particular Soul. God hath not sent his Ministers to subdue Souls to himself by fine [illegible: 2 letters]orid words and phrases, but by a lively preaching the Gospel, whiles his power a[illegible: 1 letter]tends their plain preaching, and the power and efficacy of the Preachers Doctrine appeareth in their holy life and conversation, so as their people cannot say to them, Physician, heal thy self, as to those spiritual diseases which thou wouldst cure us of. So the Kingdom of God in particular Souls doth no[illegible: 1 letter] appear in words, but in the power which the Word of God hath upon mens hearts, in subduing their lusts and corruptions, and bringing their hearts into a subjection to his Will.

Marginal references: Chap. 2.4. 1 Thess. 1.5.