Expert: Quentin Parker - 3/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: What does it mean when Paul said, " I didn't come to baptize but to preach the gospel."

ANSWER: Hi Swider,

Thank-you for your question.

The verse you are referring to is found in 1 Corinthians 1:17 where Paul says, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”

Paul was not contradicting the Great Commission when he says this; rather, he was speaking out against the dissension within that church over some leadership issues. If you’ll read the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 1 you’ll see that the Corinthians church was suffering from quarrels and contentions within itself. Some people were claiming to be Paul’s followers, some Apollos, some Cephas, some Christ. Paul’s comment that he was glad he baptized only a few of them was a comment of humility demonstrating that his ministry was to promote Christ and His glory not his – Paul’s – own importance and sufficiency. Paul is also emphasizing the truth that no man is the head of the church – only Christ.

Also, because Paul was an evangelist rather than an elder in a local church body, the primary intent of his ministry was the spread of the gospel rather than baptism. Baptism could be done by the local overseers of the flock.

Thanks again for your question. I hope you find this helpful.

God bless!
Quentin Parker


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: do we obtain salvation through water baptism?

Answer
Hi Swider,

No, the Scripture is clear on the fact that salvation comes through faith in Christ and Him alone. By grace, through faith, not of works unless anyone should boast(Eph. 2:8,9).

Baptism is only the ‘response of a good conscience’ towards God ‘not the putting away of the filth of the flesh’(1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is an outward sign and symbol of our new life in Christ. The acts itself does not save us but if we are truly saved we will want to obey Christ in this regard. Baptism is an act of righteousness on our part and the Bible is clear on the fact that we are not saved by acts of righteousness(Titus 3:5). “And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” (Philippians 3:9)

Scripture makes it clear that all we must do to be saved is to have faith and believe in Christ to forgive our sins; we must believe in the Lord Jesus, and we will be saved (Acts 16:31). Colossians 1:14: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Romans 10:9: “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

I hope this is helpful to you.

God bless!
Quentin Parker