What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:17? For Christ did not send me to baptize • Paul is speaking of his personal commission. The risen Jesus met him on the Damascus road and said, “I will rescue you… that you may be My witness” (Acts 26:16-18). • Baptism is commanded (Matthew 28:19), practiced (Acts 2:38; 8:36-38), and treasured, yet Paul’s primary assignment was proclamation. Others—such as Apollos, Aquila, and local elders—could baptize the converts (John 4:1-2). • By separating his unique calling from the church’s ongoing duty to baptize, Paul keeps the congregation from exalting the person who performs the rite and reminds them that salvation rests on Christ alone (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). but to preach the gospel • “Gospel” means the good news that “Christ died for our sins… He was buried… He was raised on the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Preaching—heralding this message—creates faith (Romans 10:14-17). Paul’s aim is to plant the seed everywhere (Acts 13:47). • When the gospel is clearly declared, the Spirit brings new birth and unites believers into one body, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free (1 Corinthians 12:13). not with words of wisdom • Corinth prized eloquent rhetoric. Paul deliberately avoids showy oratory so listeners won’t trust in polished arguments but in God’s truth (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). • Human philosophy, however brilliant, cannot rescue the soul. “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception” (Colossians 2:8). • The gospel’s power lies in its content, not the speaker’s flair. Simple, Spirit-filled words outshine the finest human wisdom (2 Corinthians 4:7). lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power • The cross is God’s decisive act: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). • If people are attracted mainly by clever speech, they may miss the saving work accomplished when Jesus bore our sins (1 Peter 2:24). • The cross reconciles us to God (Ephesians 2:13-16), cancels our debt (Colossians 2:14), and defeats the powers of darkness (Hebrews 2:14-15). Nothing must eclipse that. • Therefore, Paul keeps the spotlight on Christ crucified, allowing the Spirit to convict and convert (John 16:8-11). summary Paul reminds the Corinthians that his mission is gospel proclamation, not the performance of religious rites, and certainly not the pursuit of worldly eloquence. Baptism matters, but the gospel matters most. Relying on slick speech drains the cross of its perceived power, so Paul speaks plainly, trusting God to work through the simple yet mighty message: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. |
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