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1 Corinthians 1:17 — A Question

A querist asks, “One of the arguments used to minimize the importance of baptism is found in 1 Corinthians 1:17 where Paul states: “For Christ sent me not to baptize….” Can you please explain in context what Paul is really emphasizing?”

The complete text in 1 Corinthians 1:17 NKJV reads:

“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.“

In context, Paul addresses the problem that some Corinthian brethren had in attributing the authority of their baptism to some human administrator (1 Corinthians 1:12-13 NKJV) rather than by the authority of Christ (Matthew 28:18-19 NKJV; Acts 4:12 NKJV; Acts 10:43 NKJV).

Note in 1 Corinthians 1:1 NKJV, Paul asks the question, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Also, note the similar phrase Paul uses: “in my own name” in 1 Corinthians 1:15 NKJV). The phrase, “in the name of” means “by the authority of.”

Paul emphasizes the fact that when we are baptized “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27 NKJV), our baptism is by Christ’s authority — not by the authority of any man — including Paul.

In 1 Corinthians 1:17 NKJV, Paul’s primary mission was to proclaim the gospel, not to be an administrator of baptism. Only God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit are authorized administrators of baptism (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). Thus, it is not the act of baptism that is minimized in this passage, but the human administering the act of baptism (1 Corinthians 1:12-13 NKJV). No special emphasis is to be attached to the individual performing the rite of baptism.

We are not to wear the name of any human, but only the name of Christ (Acts 4:12 NKJV) . Thus, we are simply to be called a “Christian” or “Christians” (Acts 11:26 NKJV; 1 Peter 4:16 NKJV; cf. Isaiah 65:15). We become “Christians” when we willingly submit to the act of baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ” (or by the authority of Christ – Acts 2:38 NKJV).