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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/46_1Co_01_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 1:17 - Unity in the Church" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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not in wisdom of discourse, so that the cross of the Christ should not be emptied of its power. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made of no effect. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim the gospel, not in wisdom of word, so that the cross of Christ will not be made empty. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For Christ did not send me [as an apostle] to baptize, but [commissioned and empowered me] to preach the good news [of salvation]—not with clever and eloquent speech [as an orator], so that the cross of Christ would not be made ineffective [deprived of its saving power]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to evangelize—not with clever words, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to tell the good news without using words that sound wise and would make the cross of Christ lose its power. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Christ didn't send me to baptize. Instead, he sent me to spread the Good News. I didn't use intellectual arguments. That would have made the cross of Christ lose its meaning. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to tell the Good News, and to tell it without using the language of human wisdom, in order to make sure that Christ's death on the cross is not robbed of its power. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> For the Messiah did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, not with eloquent wisdom, so the cross of the Messiah won't be emptied of its power. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--and not with clever speech, so that the cross of Christ would not become useless. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to proclaim the Good News--not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of the Christ would not be made void. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For Christ hath not sent me to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim the Good News; and not in merely wise words--lest the Cross of Christ should be deprived of its power. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Good News—not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn’t be made void. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For Christ did not send me to immerse, but to proclaim good news, not in wisdom of discourse, that the Cross of the Christ may not be made of no effect; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not in wisdom of discourse, so that the cross of the Christ should not be emptied of its power. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but -- to proclaim good news; not in wisdom of discourse, that the cross of the Christ may not be made of none effect; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For Christ sent me not to immerse, but to announce good news: not in wisdom of word, lest the cross of Christ be made void.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to evangelize: not through the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ become empty. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel: and not to rely on the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be in vain. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For The Messiah sent me not to baptize, but to preach The Good News, not in wisdom of words, lest the crucifixion of The Messiah would be rejected.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For Christ sent me not to immerse, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of speech, lest the cross of the Christ should be deprived of its power. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with the wisdom of speech, in order that the cross of Christ may not be made of none effect. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of discourse, lest the cross of Christ should be slighted. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for Christ did not send me to baptize: but to preach the gospel: tho' not with the preaching of the wise, lest the cross of Christ should have been hinder'd in its efficacy. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim the Good News; and not in merely wise words--lest the Cross of Christ should be deprived of its power. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For Christ sent me not to immerse, but to proclaim the Gospel; not in wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in fine speech, least the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=137" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Unity in the Church</a> …16Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that I do not remember if I baptized anyone else. 17<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">did not</a> <a href="/greek/649.htm" title="649: apesteilen (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.">send</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/907.htm" title="907: baptizein (V-PNA) -- Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. ">to baptize,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2097.htm" title="2097: euangelizesthai (V-PNM) -- From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.">to preach the gospel,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">words</a> <a href="/greek/4678.htm" title="4678: sophia (N-DFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">of wisdom,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">lest</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4716.htm" title="4716: stauros (N-NMS) -- A cross. ">cross</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2758.htm" title="2758: kenōthē (V-ASP-3S) -- (a) I empty, (b) I deprive of content, make unreal. From kenos; to make empty, i.e. to abase, neutralize, falsify.">be emptied of its power.</a> 18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a> I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek. <a href="/galatians/6-14.htm">Galatians 6:14</a> But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1-5</a> When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. / For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. / I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. ... <a href="/acts/10-42.htm">Acts 10:42-43</a> And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. / All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a> The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. <a href="/romans/10-14.htm">Romans 10:14-15</a> How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2</a> Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a> For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast. <a href="/isaiah/52-7.htm">Isaiah 52:7</a> How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” <a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a> so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a> This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/jonah/3-2.htm">Jonah 3:2</a> “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message that I give you.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.not to.<a href="/john/4-2.htm">John 4:2</a> (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)<a href="/acts/10-48.htm">Acts 10:48</a> And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.<a href="/acts/26-17.htm">Acts 26:17,18</a> Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, … not.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1,4,13</a> And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God… <a href="/2_corinthians/4-2.htm">2 Corinthians 4:2</a> But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3,4,10</a> For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: … words.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">1 Corinthians 2:5</a> That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/4-2.htm">Baptise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-16.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-16.htm">Baptize</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Cleverness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/romans/6-6.htm">Deprived</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-5.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-4.htm">Emptied</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-15.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">News</a> <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-5.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/romans/15-21.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Value</a> <a href="/romans/10-19.htm">Void</a> <a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/romans/16-27.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-5.htm">Word</a> <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Words</a> <a href="/romans/7-7.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Baptise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-2.htm">Baptism</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Baptize</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Cleverness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Cross</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm">Deprived</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-2.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Emptied</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-8.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">Value</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">Void</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">Words</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a> 28. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For Christ did not send me to baptize Paul emphasizes his primary mission, which was to preach the gospel rather than perform baptisms. This highlights the distinction between the roles of different ministers in the early church. Baptism, while important, is not the central focus of Paul's calling. This reflects the division of labor in the early church, where different leaders had different roles, as seen in <a href="/acts/6-2.htm">Acts 6:2-4</a>, where the apostles delegate certain tasks to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.but to preach the gospel Paul's primary mission was to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. This aligns with the Great Commission in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. The emphasis on preaching underscores the importance of spreading the message of salvation through faith in Christ, which is central to the New Testament.not with words of wisdom Paul contrasts the simplicity of the gospel message with the rhetorical and philosophical sophistication valued in Greek culture. In <a href="/1_corinthians/2.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1-5</a>, Paul further explains that his message and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. This reflects a reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than human eloquence.lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power The power of the gospel lies in the message of the cross, which is the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul warns against diluting this message with human wisdom, which could undermine its transformative power. This is echoed in <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a>, where Paul declares that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. The cross is central to Christian faith, representing both the atonement for sin and the victory over death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Corinthians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, but also for its moral and spiritual challenges. The church in Corinth faced issues of division and immorality. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> Central to the message of the gospel, Jesus Christ is the Son of God whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_cross_of_christ.htm">The Cross of Christ</a> Represents the sacrificial death of Jesus, which is the cornerstone of salvation and the power of the gospel. 5. <a href="/topical/b/baptism.htm">Baptism</a> A Christian sacrament of initiation and purification, symbolizing the believer's faith in Christ and their new life in Him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_primacy_of_the_gospel.htm">The Primacy of the Gospel</a> Paul emphasizes that his primary mission is to preach the gospel. This reminds us that the core of Christian ministry should always be the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_cross.htm">The Power of the Cross</a> The cross is central to the Christian faith. It is not human wisdom or eloquence that brings salvation, but the power of Christ's sacrifice. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_division.htm">Avoiding Division</a> By focusing on the gospel rather than secondary issues like who performs baptisms, Paul seeks to prevent divisions within the church. Unity in Christ should be our goal. <a href="/topical/s/simplicity_in_preaching.htm">Simplicity in Preaching</a> Paul warns against relying on eloquent wisdom, which can detract from the message of the cross. Our focus should be on the truth of the gospel, not on impressive speech. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_ministry.htm">Humility in Ministry</a> Recognizing that the power lies in the message of the cross, not in the messenger, encourages humility and reliance on God rather than personal abilities.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Not to baptize.--Preaching was eminently the work of the Apostles. The deacons used to baptise (<a href="/acts/10-48.htm" title="And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.">Acts 10:48</a>). The mention of "the preaching of the glad tidings" affords an opportunity for the Apostle stating in vindication of himself why that, and not philosophy, was the subject of his preaching, "lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." Such, and not inability or ignorance, was the grand cause of his simplicity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Sent me not to baptize, but; that is, according to Semitic idiom, "not so much to baptize, as" (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a>). The word "sent" (apesteilen) involves the meaning "made me an apostle" (apostolos). The primary function of the apostles was "to bear witness" (<a href="/mark/16-15.htm">Mark 16:15</a>; <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>, etc.). To preach the gospel. St. Paul again "goes off" at this word, and dwells for eight verses on the character of his preaching. Not in wisdom of words; not, that is, in a philosophic and oratorical style. The simplicity of the style and teaching of the apostles awoke the sneers of philosophers like Celsus and Porphyry. The cross of Christ. The central doctrine of Christianity, the preaching of a crucified Redeemer. Should be made void. The rendering of the Authorized Version is too strong; the cross cannot "be made of none effect." The word means "should be emptied" (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">1 Corinthians 9:15</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/9-3.htm">2 Corinthians 9:3</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a>; <a href="/romans/4-14.htm">Romans 4:14</a>); made void of its special and independent power. The words, "the cross of Christ," form the emphatic end of the sentence in the Greek. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. Christ Χριστὸς (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. {did} not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. send ἀπέστειλέν (apesteilen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_649.htm">Strong's 649: </a> From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively. me με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. to baptize, βαπτίζειν (baptizein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_907.htm">Strong's 907: </a> Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. to preach the gospel, εὐαγγελίζεσθαι (euangelizesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_2097.htm">Strong's 2097: </a> From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. with ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. eloquent words λόγου (logou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. of wisdom, σοφίᾳ (sophia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom. lest ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. cross σταυρὸς (stauros) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4716.htm">Strong's 4716: </a> A cross. of τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. be emptied of [its] power. κενωθῇ (kenōthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2758.htm">Strong's 2758: </a> (a) I empty, (b) I deprive of content, make unreal. From kenos; to make empty, i.e. to abase, neutralize, falsify. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>