1 Corinthians 1:14–17: I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
Baptism was an important matter in the New Testament church. When a sinner trusted Christ and was baptized, he cut himself off from his old life and often was rejected by his family and friends. It cost something to be baptized in that day.
Just as Jesus did not baptize people (John 4:1–2), so both Peter (Acts 10:48) and Paul allowed their associates to baptize the new converts. In this section, Paul was putting baptism into its proper perspective, because the Corinthians were making too much of it. It is wrong to identify any man’s name with your baptism other than the name of Jesus Christ. To do so is to create division. Instead of honoring the Lord Jesus Christ and promoting the unity of the church, these people exalt men and create disunity. 1
Application
- Why should water baptism be important to you?
- Since being baptized, have you cut yourself off from the old life?
Thought to Share
I need God’s words, to do God’s work, God’s way. | TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, teach me how to live my life with spiritual priorities.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
