ArchivedBaptism required?Baptism was not the reason for division in Corinth, preacheritis was. Some were making Paul their leader, others Peter, others Apollos, and the rest were sectarianizing Christ so they wouldn't be left out! The basis of them showing favoritism was because of who baptized them in some cases, but since Christ himself never baptized anyone, (John 4:2) baptism is clearly not the issue of division. To divide the body of Christ based upon who is your favorite preacher is just as wrong as the denominational divisions we see in the church Jesus built today. In re: to vv. 13-17; Paul would obviously state that he was not sent to baptize. God would not hold Paul accountable for the response of the people to the gospel. Paul could preach, but he could not force anyone to believe, repent, or be baptized. His obligation as a steward ended when he presented the gospel of Christ. It then became the responsibility of the listener to answer to God. In re: to #1 - Clearly it did matter in whose name one was baptized, for the early Christians were baptized in the name of Christ (Act 8:16; 19:3-5). In re: to #2 - The greatest evangelist of all time DID baptize. He baptized those mentioned in 1 Cor. 1. He baptized Lydia and her household (Acts 16:15). He baptized the Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16:33). It might be a profitable study for you to note the things Paul would not allow to be bound on unbelievers as a requirement of their salvation (the circumcision of Titus, circumcision in Galatia, etc.). Such an attitude is inconsistent with one who baptizes if baptism is so easily construed as a work of the flesh! |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame