Sent Not To Baptize
Faith only groups use I Cor 1:17 to say baptism is unnecessary. It actually proves biblical baptism.
1Co 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
1Co 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Paul begins by placing himself under Christ and calling Sosthenes a brother. He sets the example of accepting the proper relationship between Christ and man, and man and man..
1Co 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Thus Paul acknowledges all were baptized, but questions their purpose in being baptized. This is confirmed by using the word "any" v15 showing a reference to the whole group later in the chapter.
Notice the word "of" is not in the Greek text, as if they were brought forth by that individual person, and each person was making the claim. Thus each person was using a precedent that you were made authentic and even superior by the one who baptized you. The word "of' is interpolated, but the text is even stronger language.
The Greek actually says, I am Paul, I am Apollos, I am Cephas, I am Christ.
The claim of being the "same as" because that person baptized you or brought you forth, this would also imply all of these teachers were somehow different in content.. They believed baptism created an identity with the one who baptized. Identity of authority and doctrine.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Paul questions the practice because it would divide the church. One is baptized in Christ's name and no other. Christ gave the great commission. Paul acknowledges all were baptized.
1Co 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
1Co 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
Paul taught baptism and even baptized a few families, but was glad it was few enough that he could not be accused in serving his own name in baptism. He was not an official baptizer. Christ wanted it that way.
Paul was not against baptism, he was against baptism into a name other than Christ.
1Co 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
This verse is used for several false teachings.
1. That Christ did not think baptism necessary. (Yet he gave the great commission)
2. That baptism was not part of the Gospel. (baptism is in the gospel as Christ taught it)
Notice that baptism does not make the cross of no effect, but the "wisdom of words" makes the cross of no effect, that means a baptismal theology based upon human words instead of Gods.
The wrong baptism will keep you from receiving the power of the cross.
Thus in v18 Paul mentions the effect of an ill orchestrated baptism that has no power.
1Co 1:18 ForG1063 theG3588 preachingG3056 of(G3588) theG3588 crossG4716 isG2076 to them that perishG622 (G3303) foolishness;G3472 butG1161 unto usG2254 whichG3588 are savedG4982 it isG2076 the powerG1411 of God.G2316
Notice above the definite article (3588) is used back to back , preachingG3056 of(G3588) theG3588 crossG4716, the actual meaning isn't the preaching of the cross as the doctrine, but the preaching word ratified by the cross.
The covenantal word the cross ratified. The ABP Polygot translates it thus,
G3588 For the word,G3056 G1063 the oneG3588 of theG3588 cross,G4716
False teachers thought using the covenantal wording was foolishness.
The great commission shows that the apostles were commanded to preach but not necessarily baptize. Christ was silent about the Apostles having to be the baptizers.
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
commanded to preach
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Responsibility of the disciple to complete baptism. Not a direct responsibility of an Apostle to be the baptizer.
Notice the apostles were commissioned to preach the Gospel and teach Christ's commands within the Gospel, but were not appointed as the official baptizers.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them (Giving purpose of baptism not the baptizer) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The Apostles were primarily teachers and the disciples they taught were to observe all things commanded. The responsibility was given to the disciples to fulfill Christ's commandments. This included baptism upon Christ's name and into the name of the Godhead.
A baptism in an Apostles name would keep them from receiving the effects of the cross.
It was to be only in God's name, never in man's name.
Paul was alluding to the great commission that set forth his responsibilities vs the responsibilities of the disciples he taught.
As an apostle he was the teacher, not the official baptizer. He was commissioned to teach baptism since it was part of the gospel, it was part of his general work..
Also, since the commission said to "Baptize into the name of the Father, Son,and Holy Spirit, Paul was responsible for making sure this was understood. He had a responsibility set forth by the commission to correct those baptizing into man's name.
Paul was not setting aside baptism, he was teaching it correctly and telling the church they were thinking of it incorrectly.
Karl Ketcherside an old unity in diversity teacher said it did not matter if you believed baptism correctly, but Paul thought it mattered.