2. Difficult Bible Passages Please explain 1 Cor. 1:17: “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.”

3. Was Paul Forbidden to Baptize? wExcellent passage to learn importance of context wText, without context, is pre-text wContext w Divisions in church 1 Cor. 1:10 w Divisions based on persons vv. 11-12 w “Brother Paul baptized me” v. 13 w “Who” baptized immaterial vv. 14-15

4. But Paul Did Baptize! wCrispus, Gaius, household of Stephanas v. 14-16 wPaul didn’t keep records v. 16 wPaul was sent to preach, not personally baptize v. 17 w Did Paul sin with Gaius? w Did Paul refrain to avoid parties? wIs baptism a part of the gospel? By Tom Roberts

5. The Real Problem Is…. w Some deny that baptism is essential to salvation (salvation by faith alone - a creed of men) w This passage is wrested 2 Pt. 3:16 w If Paul was not “sent to baptize” he sinned when he baptized! w Paul did not want party-ism in his name; limited personal baptisms

6. Does Preaching Include Baptism? wJesus Commanded it Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16 wThe Apostles Understood it w Acts 2:36-38, 41-42 w Conversions throughout Acts wThe Holy Spirit Confirmed it w Acts 8:5-12 (6:3); 8:26-35, 36-38

7. Why Animosity To Baptism? wIt is the will of Christ Mt. 28:18-20 wIt pictures the gospel in your life w 1 Cor. 15:1-4 w Rom. 6:17-18 A form of the gospel Gospel (1 Cor 15) Death-Burial-Res Baptism (Rom 6:1-7) Death-Burial-Res

8. A Creed or Christ? w“The doctrine of faith only is a most wholesome doctrine and full of comfort” (denominational creed) wFaith only is dead James 2:17-24 wBaptism: a work of faith w Jn. 6:28; 8:39 w It saves 1 Pet. 3:21 w Acts 2:38 For remission of sins

9. Final Look At Corinthian Passage w1 Cor. 1:17 isolated from its context wSee Acts 18:1-8 Origin of Corinth wWhat was its history in the gospel? w Paul preached the gospel w He “reasoned” and “persuaded” w To do what? w “Hear, Believe and be baptized”