Difficult Bible Passages

Please explain 1 Cor. 1:17: “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.”

Was Paul Forbidden to Baptize?

Excellent passage to learn importance of context

Text, without context, is pre-text Context

Divisions in church 1 Cor. 1:10 Divisions based on persons vv. 11-12 “Brother Paul baptized me” v. 13 “Who” baptized immaterial vv. 14-15

But Paul Did Baptize! Crispus, Gaius, household of

Stephanas v. 14-16 Paul didn’t keep records v. 16 Paul was sent to preach, not

personally baptize v. 17 Did Paul sin with Gaius? Did Paul refrain to avoid parties?

Is baptism a part of the gospel?

By Tom Roberts

The Real Problem Is….

Some deny that baptism is essential to salvation (salvation by faith alone - a creed of men)

This passage is wrested 2 Pt. 3:16 If Paul was not “sent to baptize” he sinned when he baptized!

Paul did not want party-ism in his name; limited personal baptisms

Does Preaching Include Baptism?

Jesus Commanded it Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16

The Apostles Understood it Acts 2:36-38, 41-42 Conversions throughout Acts

The Holy Spirit Confirmed it Acts 8:5-12 (6:3); 8:26-35, 36-38

Why Animosity To Baptism?

It is the will of Christ Mt. 28:18-20

It pictures the gospel in your life 1 Cor. 15:1-4 Rom. 6:17-18 A form of the

gospelGospel (1 Cor 15)

Death-Burial-Res

Baptism (Rom 6:1-7)

Death-Burial-Res

A Creed or Christ?

“The doctrine of faith only is a most wholesome doctrine and full of comfort” (denominational creed)

Faith only is dead James 2:17-24 Baptism: a work of faith

Jn. 6:28; 8:39 It saves 1 Pet. 3:21 Acts 2:38 For remission of sins

Final Look At Corinthian Passage

1 Cor. 1:17 isolated from its context

See Acts 18:1-8 Origin of Corinth What was its history in the gospel?

Paul preached the gospel He “reasoned” and “persuaded” To do what? “Hear, Believe and be baptized”