Quote:
Originally Posted by BeenThinkin
If baptism is one of the steps of the 3 step plan of salvation why did Christ not send Paul to do it?
1 Corinthians 1:14* ¶ I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15* Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16* And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17* ¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Why would Paul be go glad that he baptized so few?
Why didn't he make it as important as many make it today?
Am I wrong, (shouldn't have asked that on AFF), but doesn't it seem strange how Paul talked so nonchalantly about baptism if it is in fact a part of a 3 step plan?
Been Thinkin |
Context is everything
1Co 1:11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brothers, by those of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1Co 1:12 But I say this, that every one of you says,
I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided?
Was Paul crucified for you,
or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 1:14
I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
1Co 1:15 lest any should say that I had baptized in my own name.
1Co 1:16 And I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides these, I do not know if I baptized any other.
1Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
It was related to the contention in the Corinthian church. Some of them were arrogantly claiming to be disciples of Paul. Baptism was seen as an act of discipleship. John the baptist baptized his followers and made them "disciples of John"...
That is also why we baptize in Jesus name. We are making them disciples of Christ by proxy...baptizing them in His place. Paul did not want any part of that foolishness,which is why he was glad he had not baptized any of them