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NASB | 1 Corinthians 1:16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 1:16 Now I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know if I baptized anyone else. |
Bible Question:
"More than these, I do not remember..." Does this indicate that Paul did not keep a record of his baptisms? |
Bible Answer: Thomas 8 - In reference to the phrase in 1 Corinthians 1:16 in which Paul says, "beyond that I do not know whether I baptized any other," you asked whether that statement indicated Paul did not keep a records of his baptisms. Evidently he didn't. The sense of the context appears to indicate that not only did Paul not keep baptismal records, but he baptized very few. He mentions in verse 14 that he baptized Crispus and Gaius and in verse 16 that he baptized the household of Stephanas, but has no recollection of baptizing any one else. The theme of this opening segment of Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth is not baptism per se but divisions in the church. One has to read the entire discourse on divisions in the church, 1 Corinthians 1:10 - 4:21 to get the proper perspective. ....... One other comment before I go, Paul said in verse 17, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel." This statement by the apostle, coupled with his assertion in verse 14, "I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius," is indicative that Paul did not consider baptism necessary for salvation. If he had, why then would he be thanking God that he didn't baptize but a very few of the saints in the church at Corinth? Now to reiterate his words in verse 17, "Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel." What is this gospel? The gospel of Christ, the gospel of grace, the good news that by grace we have been saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that none of us may boast (cf. Ephesians 2:8,9). It is the glorious news that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). It is the proclamation that "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). --Hank |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 1 Cor 1:16 | Author | ||
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Thomas8 | ||
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Hank | ||
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Thomas8 |