Why did Paul say this? like this?

[Sam]

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

The main thing is salvation.
Water baptism is important but is secondary to salvation.
The main thing was getting people saved. Then, upon their profession of faith, they could be water baptized.
The church at Corinth was splitting up into cliques and placing too much emphasis on different preachers. Some were proud that they had been baptized by Paul himself and considered that a badge of honor and considered themselves higher level Christians than those who had been baptized by someone else.