Keraia
1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:17

Unity in the Church · 1 Corinthians 1:10–17
Read 1 Corinthians 1

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in wisdom of word, so that the cross of the Christ should not be made void.
Latin
Non enim misit me Christus baptizare, sed evangelizare: non in sapientia verbi, ut non evacuetur crux Christi.

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:17

  • The important thing is not baptism, but sharing the good news about Jesus. Baptism shows how people respond to the message.

  • not with words of wisdom: This refers to speaking well or appealing to human wisdom.

  • lest the cross be emptied of its power: Focusing too much on eloquence and human reasoning can distract from the simple message that Christ died for people's sins so they could be forgiven (1 Corinthians 2:1–5; 15:1–3).

1 Corinthians 1:10–17

The Corinthian believers argued about which leading evangelist (Paul, Apollos, or Peter) was the best. Paul scolded them for their arguments and worldly comparisons. As ministers of Christ and the good news about Jesus, God works through Paul and the others (see 1 Corinthians 3:1–4:7).

Parallels

Psalm 133:1–3 Ephesians 4:1–16

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Acts of Paul and Thecla Apostle, Apostleship Baptism for the Dead Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Crucifixion First Letter to the Corinthians Gospel Peter, Second Letter of Second Letter to the Corinthians Second Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Baptism: Christian Boasting: Spiritual Cross: Figurative Jesus, the Christ: Death of Ministers are Bound to Preach the Gospel to All Ministers: should Preach: Not with Enticing Words of Man's Wisdom Philosophy: Employment of, Was not Paul's Method of Preaching the Gospel Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Suffering of Christ Wisdom: Worldly