Answering The Error: Did Paul Teach Christ Sent Him Not To Baptize?

[Titus]

Titus 2:1,
- But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine

This article is an examination of 1Corinthians 1:17.
Together we will learn what Paul means by his statement: - for Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel.

First we need to learn about elliptical construction in grammar.
Elliptical construction in grammar is when a sentence leaves out a word or phrase that is understood from the context, because repeating it would be unnecessary.

Examples of elliptical construction:
"I came not to argue but to teach"
The sentence doesnt necessarily mean:
"I will never argue"
Rather, the contrast is between the purpose for coming: arguing was not the purpose; teaching was.

Biblical examples:
John 6:27,
- Labor not for food, which perisheth but for the meat which endureth unto everlasting life.... KJV

Is Jesus teaching we are not to work for food?
2 Thessalonians 3:10,
- for even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat

Let's read John 6:27 again but this time from the Ferrar Fenton Bible
- Strive not  only for this perishable food; but also for that lasting into eternal life...

Remember elliptical construction leaves out words or phrases.
John 6:27 is an example of elliptical construction.

Heres more,
John 12:44,
- Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me KJV
If you believe in Jesus you dont believe in Jesus?
Let's read that again from the NASB
- The one who believes in Me does not believe  only in Me but  also the one who sent Me
That makes sense when the translators add words.

1Timothy 5:23,
- drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomachs sake and thine infirmities KJV

Is Paul commanding Timothy to no longer drink water?

Let's read it again from other translations,
- no longer drink  only water... NKJV
- no longer drink only water.... ESV
- do not go on drinking  only water...NASB
- drink no longer  only water
- don't continue drinking  only water...CSB
- stop drinking  only water NIV

1Corinthians 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 KJV

If Christ sent Paul not to baptize. Then why was Paul going against God and baptizing men?
1Corinthians 1:14-17,
- I thank God I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius
- and I baptized also the household of Stephanas, besides I know not whether I baptized any other

Friends, if you baptized three people in your lifetime.
Would it be hard to remember how many people you baptized?
Would it be hard for you to remember their names?

Paul said, - besides I know not whether I baptized any other

Now, if you baptized a large number of people on your gospel ministry would it be hard to remember all of them ?
A very large number?
Acts 18:8,
- and Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house and  many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized

It was Paul who established the church at Corinth. It was Paul who went baptizing many on his missionary journey.
He baptized the Ephesians, Acts 19:1-12
Paul was doing alot of baptizing for a gospel preacher who was told by God NOT to baptize.

No friends, that is a misunderstanding of what Paul said if your church teaches 1Corinthians 1:17 that way.

- for Christ sent me not to baptize  only but to preach the gospel...

Paul is putting priority of what work God has given him to do.
First priority is to preach the gospel.
Everything else is of lesser priority like being the baptizer but Paul never taught baptism was unimportant or not part of his gospel message.

If Paul was not supposed to be baptizing, then he greatly confused the members at Corinth of whom he baptized.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

If Paul was not supposed to be baptizing, then he greatly confused the members at Corinth of whom he baptized.

Thanks for the lesson in grammar, though it is very uneccesary. Paul himself said he baptized people, but that was not his main focus.

Imposing words that the direct context does not make clear is why we have so many hersies and christian cults out there as well as the non-christian ones.

 

[Titus]

Thanks for the lesson in grammar, though it is very uneccesary. Paul himself said he baptized people, but that was not his main focus.

Imposing words that the direct context does not make clear is why we have so many hersies and christian cults out there as well as the non-christian ones.

Friend, the error of teaching Paul's gospel did not include water baptism and that Jesus Christ commanded him not to water baptize is where the division and cults originate from.

Paul taught baptism was of great importance.
The one who does the baptizing aka the baptizer is of little importance.

Nowhere in 1Corinthians chapter 1 does Paul teach baptism doesn't matter to God.
Just the opposite, Paul is directly correcting the error they are involved in.
New testament baptism is in the name of Jesus Christ.
These men were not giving Christ/God glory but men!!!
Very serious error the Corinthians were bringing into the church.

1Corinthians 1:13,
- Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul took this matter very seriously friend.

I plead with you at this time to rest and recover.
Your job right now is to get well.
Love you friend, - Titus

 

[WHO ME]

Thanks for the lesson in grammar, though it is very uneccesary. Paul himself said he baptized people, but that was not his main focus.

Imposing words that the direct context does not make clear is why we have so many hersies and christian cults out there as well as the non-christian ones.

Paul himself said he baptized people, but that was not his main focus.
WHO ME replies: agreed, paul was sent to preach the gospel and others could baptize new believers after they were saved thru pauls preaching.... not sure where titus gets you saying it wasnt important or that paul didnt teach it.....

 

[WHO ME]

Friend, the error of teaching Paul's gospel did not include water baptism and that Jesus Christ commanded him not to water baptize is where the division and cults originate from.

Paul taught baptism was of great importance.
The one who does the baptizing aka the baptizer is of little importance.

Nowhere in 1Corinthians chapter 1 does Paul teach baptism doesn't matter to God.

Paul took this matter very seriously friend.

Ronald never said any of what is said by you titus above.... he merely said pauls job was to preach the gospel and which would leave baptizing for others to do....

 

[Titus]

he merely said pauls job was to preach the gospel and which would leave baptizing for others to do....

Hello, not exactly. Paul knew God does not require qualifications for the baptizer.
Therefore anyone can baptize. But Paul was baptizing when he needed to.
- for Christ sent me not to baptize only, but to preach the gospel...

The way I understood Mr. Nolette is, he doesn't approve of me adding only to verse 17.
His belief is by doing so I'm interpreting Paul's words to fit my own private interpretation.

Imposing words that the direct context does not make clear is why we have so many hersies and christian cults out there as well as the non-christian ones.

If I misunderstood Mr. Nolette, then I will apologize.

 

[Titus]

not sure where titus gets you saying it wasnt important or that paul didnt teach it.....

I never claimed Mr. Nolette said either.

 

[Titus]

Friend, the error of teaching Paul's gospel did not include water baptism and that Jesus Christ commanded him not to water baptize is where the division and cults originate from

This is my comment to Mr. Nolette.
I'm speaking generally of those who hold these beliefs. Not directly accusing Mr. Nolette of holding these beliefs.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

Friend, the error of teaching Paul's gospel did not include water baptism and that Jesus Christ commanded him not to water baptize is where the division and cults originate from.

Paul taught baptism was of great importance.
The one who does the baptizing aka the baptizer is of little importance.

Nowhere in 1Corinthians chapter 1 does Paul teach baptism doesn't matter to God.
Just the opposite, Paul is directly correcting the error they are involved in.
New testament baptism is in the name of Jesus Christ.
These men were not giving Christ/God glory but men!!!
Very serious error the Corinthians were bringing into the church.

1Corinthians 1:13,
- Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul took this matter very seriously friend.

I plead with you at this time to rest and recover.
Your job right now is to get well.
Love you friend, - Titus

You will not find anywhere in Pauls letters that he included water baptism as part of his gospel. Your first line is totally presumptious and with out any evidence. I know of no one who believes that Jesus commanded Paul not to baptize anyone. The very fact that he did baptize a few people proves your allegation fictitious.

Paul simply said his mission was to preach the gospel as his ultimate mission. Anything else was subordinate to that command. He taught the Lords supper, Baptism, marriage, etc.etc. He just did not baptize many people as he said. To say He did is an argument from silence, not evidence.

 

[Titus]

Your first line is totally presumptious and with out any evidence. I know of no one who believes that Jesus commanded Paul not to baptize anyone. The very fact that he did baptize a few people proves your allegation fictitious.

I do know of men who believe God commanded Paul not to water baptize therefore it is not fictitious what I've said.
Certain dispensationalists teach that water baptism had no place whatsoever in Paul's distinctive "gospel of grace".
They teach water baptism is for the Jewish gospel that Peter preached.
They appeal to 1Corinthians 1:17 as their proof text.
Note: I said some sects of dispensationalist not all.

But also, Many today have been taught Paul's gospel does not include water baptism.
Their proof text is 1Corinthians 1:17.

Paul never said in 1Corinthians 1:17 or anywhere else that Paul taught his gospel did not include water baptism.
To interpret 1Corinthians 1:17 this way is to misunderstand what Paul is saying.

This is why it needs to be taught what Paul is saying.
- for Christ sent me not only to baptize but to preach the gospel

There is only one gospel:
Ephesians 4:5,
- one Lord, one faith, one baptism

Jesus commanded His apostles to preach the gospel.
Mathew 28:18-20,
- and Jesus came and spake to them saying, ALL power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth
- Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
- teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, even unto of the end of the world. Amen

But also, since Jesus' gospel is his great commission and it includes baptism.
Paul then taught and baptized many not few.
To preach Jesus is to preach the death burial and resurrection.
To preach the death, burial and resurrection is to preach baptism into the death, burial and resurrection, Romans 6:1-18.

The gospel preacher Philip led by the Spirit preached Jesus.
Notice what Philip preaching Jesus is.

Acts 8:35-40,
- then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same scripture and preached Jesus unto him
- and Philip said if thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest
and he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
- and he(Philip) commanded the chariot to stand still and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch and he baptized him
and when they come up out of the water the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away that the eunuch saw him no more and he went on his way rejoicing
Paul's gospel taught the same thing, Romans 6:1-18.

Romans 1:16

 

[Titus]

Heres an example of a dispensationalist,

Only water baptism?

There are 13 Bible baptisms - Question is: Which One is for Gentiles, Today, Under Grace?

Well, God Says, In This 7-Fold Spiritual Context, Paul to The Body Of Christ:

"Endeavouring to keep The Unity Of The Spirit in the bond of Peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:3-6 AV) If your hermeneutics allows you to Change God's Spiritual Context To: 6 Spiritual + 1 physical [ water ], Then
there is only one [ water ] baptism today, Otherwise:

God Only Has, Under Grace Today, , One [ Spiritual ] Baptism! Correct?

-------------
And, precious friend(s), Please Be Very Richly Encouraged and Edified
In The Lord Jesus Christ and In His Precious Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided:

The Bible: The BIG Picture

And he's very, very, kind but mistaken.
I like Grace ambassador even though he tries to prove me wrong.

 

[ScottA]

Titus 2:1,
- But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine

This article is an examination of 1Corinthians 1:17.
Together we will learn what Paul means by his statement: - for Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel.

First we need to learn about elliptical construction in grammar.
Elliptical construction in grammar is when a sentence leaves out a word or phrase that is understood from the context, because repeating it would be unnecessary.

Examples of elliptical construction:
"I came not to argue but to teach"
The sentence doesnt necessarily mean:
"I will never argue"
Rather, the contrast is between the purpose for coming: arguing was not the purpose; teaching was.

Biblical examples:
John 6:27,
- Labor not for food, which perisheth but for the meat which endureth unto everlasting life.... KJV

Is Jesus teaching we are not to work for food?
2 Thessalonians 3:10,
- for even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat

Let's read John 6:27 again but this time from the Ferrar Fenton Bible
- Strive not  only for this perishable food; but also for that lasting into eternal life...

Remember elliptical construction leaves out words or phrases.
John 6:27 is an example of elliptical construction.

Heres more,
John 12:44,
- Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me KJV
If you believe in Jesus you dont believe in Jesus?
Let's read that again from the NASB
- The one who believes in Me does not believe  only in Me but  also the one who sent Me
That makes sense when the translators add words.

1Timothy 5:23,
- drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomachs sake and thine infirmities KJV

Is Paul commanding Timothy to no longer drink water?

Let's read it again from other translations,
- no longer drink  only water... NKJV
- no longer drink only water.... ESV
- do not go on drinking  only water...NASB
- drink no longer  only water
- don't continue drinking  only water...CSB
- stop drinking  only water NIV

1Corinthians 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 KJV

If Christ sent Paul not to baptize. Then why was Paul going against God and baptizing men?
1Corinthians 1:14-17,
- I thank God I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius
- and I baptized also the household of Stephanas, besides I know not whether I baptized any other

Friends, if you baptized three people in your lifetime.
Would it be hard to remember how many people you baptized?
Would it be hard for you to remember their names?

Paul said, - besides I know not whether I baptized any other

Now, if you baptized a large number of people on your gospel ministry would it be hard to remember all of them ?
A very large number?
Acts 18:8,
- and Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house and  many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized

It was Paul who established the church at Corinth. It was Paul who went baptizing many on his missionary journey.
He baptized the Ephesians, Acts 19:1-12
Paul was doing alot of baptizing for a gospel preacher who was told by God NOT to baptize.

No friends, that is a misunderstanding of what Paul said if your church teaches 1Corinthians 1:17 that way.

- for Christ sent me not to baptize  only but to preach the gospel...

Paul is putting priority of what work God has given him to do.
First priority is to preach the gospel.
Everything else is of lesser priority like being the baptizer but Paul never taught baptism was unimportant or not part of his gospel message.

If Paul was not supposed to be baptizing, then he greatly confused the members at Corinth of whom he baptized.

Indeed, Paul was sent not to abandon the elementary principals of the faith, but to press on beyond those elementary principals. Which we would all do well to do also, for Paul lead the Way of Christ unto the gentiles and the building of the church.

 

[sondring7]

Heres an example of a dispensationalist,

And he's very, very, kind but mistaken.
I like Grace ambassador even though he tries to prove me wrong.

Yet he does prove you wrong
Where does the 1 Cor 15:1-4 Gospel that Jesus taught to Paul in Gal 1.11-12 teach that water immersion baptism is required to be saved & HS sealed ? :)

 

[WHO ME]

At the end of the day paul did baptize a few persons but his mission was to preach the gospel while others would have taken up baptizing new believers.... but paul was glad not to do so.....

 

[sondring7]

At the end of the day paul did baptize a few persons but his mission was to preach the gospel while others would have taken up baptizing new believers.... but paul was glad not to do so.....

Yes he initially did as he himself was yet later states :-
1 Cor 1.17 For Christ sent me not to baptize,
Then later 1 Cor 15.1-4 makes NO MENTION of water immerse baptism as a requirement for believers to be saved & HS sealed.
Who taught Paul that Gospel ? Gal 1:11-12 :)

 

[WHO ME]

Yes he initially did as he himself was yet later states :-
1 Cor 1.17 For Christ sent me not to baptize,
Then later 1 Cor 15.1-4 makes NO MENTION of water immerse baptism as a requirement for believers to be saved & HS sealed.
Who taught Paul that Gospel ? Gal 1:11-12 :)

Correct I dont believe baptisium is part of being saved... otherwise eph 2:8 would have included it.

Who taught paul is the same who taught peter john etc

 

[Fred J]

Titus 2:1,
- But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine

This article is an examination of 1Corinthians 1:17.
Together we will learn what Paul means by his statement: - for Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel.

First we need to learn about elliptical construction in grammar.
Elliptical construction in grammar is when a sentence leaves out a word or phrase that is understood from the context, because repeating it would be unnecessary.

Examples of elliptical construction:
"I came not to argue but to teach"
The sentence doesnt necessarily mean:
"I will never argue"
Rather, the contrast is between the purpose for coming: arguing was not the purpose; teaching was.

Biblical examples:
John 6:27,
- Labor not for food, which perisheth but for the meat which endureth unto everlasting life.... KJV

Is Jesus teaching we are not to work for food?
2 Thessalonians 3:10,
- for even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat

Let's read John 6:27 again but this time from the Ferrar Fenton Bible
- Strive not  only for this perishable food; but also for that lasting into eternal life...

Remember elliptical construction leaves out words or phrases.
John 6:27 is an example of elliptical construction.

Heres more,
John 12:44,
- Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me KJV
If you believe in Jesus you dont believe in Jesus?
Let's read that again from the NASB
- The one who believes in Me does not believe  only in Me but  also the one who sent Me
That makes sense when the translators add words.

1Timothy 5:23,
- drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomachs sake and thine infirmities KJV

Is Paul commanding Timothy to no longer drink water?

Let's read it again from other translations,
- no longer drink  only water... NKJV
- no longer drink only water.... ESV
- do not go on drinking  only water...NASB
- drink no longer  only water
- don't continue drinking  only water...CSB
- stop drinking  only water NIV

1Corinthians 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 KJV

If Christ sent Paul not to baptize. Then why was Paul going against God and baptizing men?
1Corinthians 1:14-17,
- I thank God I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius
- and I baptized also the household of Stephanas, besides I know not whether I baptized any other

Friends, if you baptized three people in your lifetime.
Would it be hard to remember how many people you baptized?
Would it be hard for you to remember their names?

Paul said, - besides I know not whether I baptized any other

Now, if you baptized a large number of people on your gospel ministry would it be hard to remember all of them ?
A very large number?
Acts 18:8,
- and Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house and  many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized

It was Paul who established the church at Corinth. It was Paul who went baptizing many on his missionary journey.
He baptized the Ephesians, Acts 19:1-12
Paul was doing alot of baptizing for a gospel preacher who was told by God NOT to baptize.

No friends, that is a misunderstanding of what Paul said if your church teaches 1Corinthians 1:17 that way.

- for Christ sent me not to baptize  only but to preach the gospel...

Paul is putting priority of what work God has given him to do.
First priority is to preach the gospel.
Everything else is of lesser priority like being the baptizer but Paul never taught baptism was unimportant or not part of his gospel message.

If Paul was not supposed to be baptizing, then he greatly confused the members at Corinth of whom he baptized.

Actually the scripture in context to what Apostle Paul mentions about water baptism and water baptism itself in the Gospels to Acts, is clear as 'day' for the people of the 'Light'.

Rather than we use the wisdom of man and their methods to explain what Paul in context is saying, using parallel scriptures, as to only persuading the 'blind' and 'itching ears'.

To summarize, water baptism started with John the Baptist to Christ, as His disciples alone water baptized, and to the book of Acts by the Apostles and the church.

Apostle Paul only testified that he was not sent for water baptize ministry, but to minister the extended Gospel message given to him for the church's further understanding, law and order.

Nevertheless, according to him, he did water baptized a few even naming them, therefore wisdom given us from above helps us to discern scripturally that he did not 'forbid' water baptism.

In other words, the ministry of water baptism is ministered then and until this very day, and the 'significant' of it is likewise explained in the Apostles' epistles.

Basically mentioned scripturally, verifies that the repented are water baptized for the remission of sins and at the same they're taking it with a good conscience in agreeance with GOD.

What more the scripture need to repeatedly explain and verify to the blind guides of the blind and itching ears, that we have to unwisely persuade and convince them?

Jesus the Master Himself did not sit down and find ways to persuade and convince Nicodemus even about one subject 'born again', period

Only unlearned and unwise believers in the scripture and it's doctrine, go on ahead of their Master and in 'lawlessness' minister on their own to the 'blind' and 'itching ears'.

Shalom in the name Lord Jesus Christ

 

[sondring7]

Correct I dont believe baptisium is part of being saved... otherwise eph 2:8 would have included it.

Who taught paul is the same who taught peter john etc

++++Who taught paul is the same who taught peter john etc
Correct, Jesus taught His Apostles for their various audiences & ages.

In Gal 2.7-9 who do you believe all the apostles agreed would teach you the gospel that saves & seals you ?

 

[Fred J]

Correct I dont believe baptisium is part of being saved... otherwise eph 2:8 would have included it.

Being saved is one thing and water baptism is another thing as follow, since both are a 'package' unto salvation according to the Kingdom of GOD.

Ephesians 2:8 is parallel to John 3:3, that first one need to be 'borm from above' in order to 'see' the Kingdom of GOD.

That is firstly, 'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GOD.'

'So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word(Christ) of GOD.' (Romans 10:17)

For unbelievers, the Gospel the Word(Christ) of GOD is the Kingdom of GIOD, where one 'born from above' will be able to 'see' the message within.

Apparently, since 'born from above' by the 'gift of GOD', that is by grace and through faith able to 'see', they'll respond in conviction and in guilt of their sins.

Next, the same one need to be 'born of water and of the Holy Ghost' in order to 'enter' the Kingdom of GOD (John 3:5), and hence power is given to become children of GOD'.

On the day of Pentecost, Apostle Peter ministered the Gospel to the crowd, and upon hearing they were cut to the heart by the message, since able to 'see' the Kingdom of GOD.

As follow they responded, '.........., what shall we do?'

'Repent and be baptized(of water) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.' (John 3:5)

In order to 'enter' the Kingdom of GOD, period. (John 3:5)

Shalom in the name of Lord Jesus Christ

 

[Titus]

He just did  not baptize many people as he said. To say He did is an argument from silence, not evidence.

At the end of the day paul did baptize a few persons

Nevertheless, according to him, he did water baptized a  few even naming them,

The context of 1Corinthians chapter one nowhere teaches about Paul only baptizing a  few people during his missionary ministry.

Those who think this is what Paul has taught in 1Corinthians chapter 1, are the ones who need to learn what chapter 1 is really about.
My article is for this reason.

Paul did not baptize just a few Corinthians.
THE BIBLE NEVER TEACHES THIS.

Acts 18:8,
- and Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house and  many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized