Was Paul teaching that water baptism is not necessary for salvation when he wrote these words in 1 Corinthians 1:17: “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”? Notice:
1. Paul did baptize. Paul baptized people such as Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas (1 Cor. 1:14–16). His words cannot mean that he never baptized anyone. Paul was carrying out the Great Commission of our Lord for all nations to believe and be baptized for their salvation (Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15–16).
2. Paul taught that baptism is essential. He emphasized baptism as the point when one truly enters Christ and contacts His death, where His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:28; Jn. 19:34; Rom. 6:3–5):
- Romans 6:3–5 – “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:11 – “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (“washed…in the name of Jesus” equals “baptized…in the name of Jesus,” Acts 2:38; 22:16; cf. Eph. 5:25–26; Titus 3:5; Heb. 10:22).
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For by one Spirit [by the instructions of the Spirit, JPH] are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free…” (see “washing of water by the Word” in Eph. 5:25–26; Gal. 3:26–28).
- Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
- Ephesians 5:25–26 – “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (see “washing of regeneration” (rebirth) and “renewing of the Holy Ghost” in Titus 3:5, and “born of water and the Spirit” in John 3:5).
- Colossians 2:11–13 – Baptism is when one is “buried with Him” and “raised with Him” to be “forgiven” of “all trespasses,” through “faith in the working of God.”
- Titus 3:5 – God saved us with the “washing of regeneration” (washing of rebirth; see “washing of water” in Ephesians 5:26; cf. Acts 22:16; John 3:5; Heb. 10:22).
Paul would not have contradicted himself on this topic or any other. Furthermore, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit did not contradict Himself—He would not have minimized the purpose of baptism in one passage while teaching its essential role in salvation in many others (Matt. 28:18–20; Mark 16:15–16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3–5; Gal. 3:26–27; Eph. 5:25–26; Col. 2:11–13; Titus 3:5; Heb. 10:22; 1 Pet. 3:20–21).
3. Paul himself was baptized to wash away his sins. Before beginning his ministry, Paul obeyed the Gospel through baptism. Jesus sent Ananias to tell Paul (Saul) what he “must do” (Acts 9:6). Ananias said, “And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Paul had believed in Jesus and had been fasting and praying, but none of that washed away his sins. Paul understood what Jesus taught: baptism is a “must”—it is the final step in the salvation process of a penitent believer; the moment forgiveness occurs. In fact, Paul had been fasting for three days, mourning over his sins, and he refused to eat until after he was baptized to wash away those sins (Acts 9:18-19; 22:16). This shows the urgency and necessity of baptism, as also seen in other conversions (Acts 2:37–41; 8:35–39; 16:33).
4. The context explains Paul’s statement. The Corinthians were dividing into cliques—some saying, “I am of Paul,” and others, “I am of Apollos,” etc. (1 Cor. 1:12–13). Paul was thankful he had not baptized more of them, lest further divisions occur or some might claim that they were baptized in the name of Paul instead of Christ (1 Cor. 1:15–31; 2 Cor. 4:5). His main mission as an apostle was to preach the Gospel, not to personally perform every baptism. Baptizing could be delegated, and it was often wise to do so, for the reasons already mentioned.
5. Jesus may have avoided baptizing for a similar reason. Although Jesus “baptized more disciples than John” (John 4:1), the following verse clarifies that “Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples.” If Jesus had baptized personally, some might have exalted themselves over others, claiming superiority because they were baptized by Him. They may have even started a separate group for people who had been baptized by Jesus, causing sinful division. Paul was apparently trying to avoid that same problem, but that does not prove that baptism was unnecessary for salvation. Water baptism was “for the remission of sins” before and after the cross (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38), so the baptisms administered by both Jesus’ early disciples and Paul were for salvation but conducted in a way to prevent division. Apparently, Jesus could have said the same thing as Paul: “My Father sent me not to baptize,” although Jesus commanded water baptism before and after the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
6. A modern parallel: When American preachers teach overseas, it is often wise to allow local brethren to perform baptisms. Some potential converts wrongly think being baptized by an American makes it more valid or special. Having a faithful local Christian perform the baptism helps prevent pride and builds long-term relationships in the local church. Some Americans may mistakenly think being baptized by a “big name” brother may carry more weight or make the baptism more special. Such thinking stems from pride and is not a good way to begin one’s walk with Christ.
Conclusion: When the context is correctly considered, Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17 is in full harmony with everything he and the Holy Spirit taught about baptism. The passage does not minimize baptism—it clarifies Paul’s role. He was not sent to perform the act personally, but to proclaim the Gospel that commands it. The Gospel and water baptism are undeniably linked: without the Gospel, baptism has no meaning, and without baptism, obedience to the saving Gospel is incomplete.