“Why did Paul say that the Lord did not send him to baptize, but to preach the Gospel?” 1Corinthians 1:17

We must take into account the context... For which Paul is addressing, leading up to that verse. It also might serve us well to look at what happened when Paul went to Corinth and to consider the context of his preaching then, Acts 18:1-8

In This Study… Let us take a closer look at the context in which Paul's statement is found, and see that if indeed the text implies that baptism is non-essential.

Paul was addressing… Trouble among the brethren at Corinth… Their attitude toward preachers In connection to who baptized them… The reason why Paul wrote that he was glad he baptized few... Thankful that he baptized only Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas In case any would say that he was baptizing in his own name - 1Corinthians 1:14-15

Paul's preaching resulted in baptisms – Acts 18:1-8 Consider Paul's work at Corinth during his 2nd missionary journey Luke records how people responded to the preaching of Paul Even though Paul spoke of baptizing only few personally; his preaching resulted in many baptisms!

Combination of the Great Commission: Titus Justus, Crispus, and many of the Corinthians: Preach/ Teach Paul preached, testifying that Jesus is the Christ and many of the Corinthians heard him (Acts 18:5,7,8). He that believes They believed (18:8) Repentance “Such were some of you…” (1Corinthians 6:9-11) And is baptized, baptizing them They were baptized (18:8) Shall be saved/ remission of sins “Washed…sanctified…justified…” (1Corinthians 6:11) Teach to observe all things commanded Paul stayed a year and a half (18:11); he wrote 2 letters to them ( 1&2 Corinthians); and he spent the winter with them at the end of his third journey (Acts 20:1-2; 1Corinthians 16:6)

Let us revisit 1Corinthians 1:13 Paul's words actually reveal the necessity of baptism Consider Paul's reasoning... For one to be “of Christ”, two things are necessary... Christ would have to die for them (which He did) The person would have to be baptized in the name of Christ

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." Paul was emphasizing his role as an apostle Paul was sent to preach, not baptize… Compare Paul’s reasoning with the words of Jesus in John 6:27

In Conclusion… Many were baptized in Corinth as a result of Paul's preaching - Acts 18:8 Paul was thankful he didn’t personally baptize many of them, because of the problem that came about later on - 1Corinthians 1:14-15

In Conclusion… Baptism played a significant role in Paul’s preaching. Let us not twist his admonition to the church in Corinth to imply that it was not necessary.