Lesson 2036

(Lesson 2036)(05-30-17) 1 Corinthians 1:12-17

"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. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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."

Today we will further analyze Paul's intentions as he made the above statements to the church membership at Corinth.

In the final part of the quote Paul said, "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."

For those who contend that water baptism is essential to eternal life, this statement alone, coming from the man who, as he traveled on the road to Damascus was handpicked by Jesus Christ to be the designated minister of the gospel to the Gentiles, should be sufficient proof that water baptism has nothing to do with the salvation. Instead, water baptism is/was a means by which perspective Christians can/could be prepared for, and introduced to, the good news of everlasting life through faith in Jesus Christ as per the rules of the old Law.

In the next part of the quote, Paul makes clear his divine purpose which was indeed "to preach the gospel". That gospel being; "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9).

In the very last part of the quote, Paul said he was to preach the gospel, "not with wisdom of words" That means that NOT to use long winded, pointless sermons wherein he added such rituals as water baptism etc, as essential steps to the eventual salvation of one's eternal soul, it would have rendered the ACTUAL means of eternal salvation, "the cross of Christ" of none effect.~

Tomorrow we will summarize the full intent of Paul's message about the "contentions" among the members of the church at Corinth.