Saying Paul Baptized Them 1 Corinthians 1:15

As Paul the apostle continued to handle the “divisions” within the Corinthian church, he told them he had not “baptized” any of them other than “Crispus and Gaius”, and in chapter one and verse fifteen of First Corinthians, Paul the apostle continued his letter by giving the reason he did not “baptize” them - “lest any should say” he “baptized” them in his “own name” where we read:

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

The verse begins, “Lest any should say...” Paul began with the words, “Lest” which means “in order that and albeit not that” “any should say” which means “some certain one might speak, answer, bring word, command, grant or tell”. Paul did not want anyone to be able to claim or say anything concerning his role in baptizing.

The verse continues, “...that I had baptized in mine own name.”. Paul added the words, “that I had baptized” or “as though Paul had dipped repeatedly, immersed and submerged to wash, bathe and make clean with water” “in mine own” which means “Paul's personal” “name” or “everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing and remembering”. Paul's concern was for people to be broadcasting the idea that he “baptized” people in his own name rather than in Jesus Christ's.

When we consider these words from Paul, we admire his humility and avoidance of taking “credit” or “glory” for what Jesus has done. Jesus is the one who saves, and “baptism” is the outward expression of what His life changing work inside a person. Salvation from sin is like “death” to the old life, and resurrection to the new. When a person is “baptized”, they represent to the world their relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son. Only Jesus is worthy to receive the “glory” for the reason people are baptized, and no other name should be relied upon to be saved.

Next time Paul shares how he also “baptized”, “the household of Stephanas”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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