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NASB | 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me [as an apostle] to baptize, but [commissioned and empowered me] to preach the good news [of salvation]--not with clever and eloquent speech [as an orator], so that the cross of Christ would not be made ineffective [deprived of its saving power]. |
Bible Question (short): Why Didn't Paul and Jesus Baptize? |
Question (full): Greetings Forum! I have noticed a proliferation of questions concerning baptismal regeneration lately. I have a question which no one from the baptismal regeneration camp has answered as of yet. Rather than posting my question to a particular person's post, I thought I would ask it as an open question so that anyone can reply. My question is simply this: If baptism is essential to salvation why: a) Did Paul say, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." - 1 Cor. 1:17. And, b) Didn't Jesus baptize anyone - "although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples." - (Joh 4:2) It seems to me that if baptism were essential to one's salvation that Paul would not have been able to say that Christ did not send Him to baptize. Further, it does not seem likely that Jesus would never baptize if baptism were essential to salation. Just curious! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |