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Lesson #1 1 – “Christ Did Not Send Me To Baptize...”
Series: Baptism 101 - What The Bible Says About BaptismLesson #1 1 – “Christ Did Not Send Me To Baptize...”
1) Some argue that baptism is non-essential
(for salvation), based on Paul’s written statement in 1Cor.1:17.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”
The contention is this: “Why would Paul make such a statement, if baptism was so important?”.
When taken out of context this Scripture sounds like it might diminish the importance of baptism.
Yet, an assessment of other Pauline writings shows Paul was very much “pro-baptism”.
In recounting his own baptism (Acts 22:16), Paul tells how Ananias, sent by God, came to him saying,
“And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name”
? Elsewhere in the book of Acts, Paul instructs others to BE BAPTIZED.
The household of Lydia / Acts 16:15
The Philppian jailer / Acts 16:33
(In this instance the jailer’s baptism took place at that very hour of the night)
The household of Crispus and many of the Corinthians / Acts 18:8
Twelve disciples in Ephesus / Acts 19:5
(These had apparently been baptized according to John’s baptism after the Lord’s crucifixion).
? A fair reading of Paul’s epistles also depicts an emphasis on baptism.
“We have been buried with Him through baptism into death...” / Rom.6:3-4
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body...” / 1Cor.1:13
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” / Gal.3:27
2) So what does Paul mean when he says, Christ did not send me to baptize ?
The immediate context (1Cor.1:10-17) shows that Paul was countering sectarianism.
Disciples were breaking off into factions, creating divisions based on who taught and baptized them.
“I am of Paul” … “I am of Apollos” … “I am of Cephas” … “I am of Christ”.
(sometimes this malady is spoken of as “a case of preacheritis”).
Sadly, they should have all been claiming to be OF CHRIST.
In this context, Paul’s states with a measure of sarcasm (1Cor.1:14-15),
I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus & Gaius, that no man should say you were baptized in my name.
(Evidently, Paul like Jesus, delegated others to do the much of the baptizing – cf. Jn.4:1-2).
3) Does it really matter WHO baptizes you, as long as it a biblical baptism?
The important issue is not who baptizes you, but why, how and into whom you are baptized.
Baptized for the forgiveness of sins…Immersed into a watery grave…Baptized into Christ Jesus.
