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"I thank God..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:14

THE PRACTICE OF BAPTISM

It was the Lord Jesus Christ who commanded His disciples to practise baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). But when things go wrong in a church, even this practice can be a source of problems.

“I thank God that I baptised none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
less anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.
Yes, I also baptised the household of Stephanas.
Besides, I do not know whether I baptised any other.”
1 Corinthians 1:14-16

1. Not against Baptism

a) Paul was certainly not against Baptism.

b) He was glad that he was not caught up with baptismal practice as his main focus.

2. A small list of people baptised by Paul at Corinth

a) Crispus

He was a ruler of the Jewish synagogue before his conversion to Christ (Acts 18:8).

b) Gaius

He was a convert of Paul in Corinth (He might be the person named in Romans 16:23).

c) Stephanas

He and his household were baptised by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:16).

3. “Lest anyone should say that I had baptised in my own name”

a) Paul was aware of what mischief there could be when people are given to making spurious remarks.

b) Baptism in Paul’s name:

i) This would be a slur against Paul.

ii) It would have damaged his name.

iii) It would have hurt his standing.

iv) It would have created doubts.

v) It could potentially hinder his ministry.

c) Paul obviously was not guilty of this false allegation.

d) He deemed it wise to openly refute any false statements made against him.

4. “I do not know whether I baptised any other”

a) This is another way of saying that his ministry was not baptism.

b) It is not a reflection of forgetfulness on Paul’s part.