1 Corinthians 1:14

14 ^[a]I thank God that I ¹baptized none of you except ²Crispus and ³Gaius,

1 Corinthians 1:14 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 1:14

I thank God that I baptized none of you
The Alexandrian copy and the Syriac version read, "I thank my God"; not that the apostle disliked the ordinance of baptism, or the administration of it; and much less that he thought it criminal, or an evil in him to perform it; nor was he at any time displeased at the numbers of persons who desired it of him; but on the contrary rejoiced where proper subjects of it were brought to a submission to it; but inasmuch as some persons in the church at Corinth made such an ill use of his having baptized them, he was greatly thankful that it was so ordered in providence, that the far greater part of them were baptized by other ministers, either by those who were with him, or came after him; and that he baptized none of them with his own hands,

but Crispus and Gaius.
The former of these was the chief ruler of the Jewish synagogue at Corinth, who hearing the apostle, and believing in Christ, was baptized by him, ( Acts 18:8 ) and the latter was a very liberal and hospitable man, and was the apostle's host, whilst he was at Corinth; see ( Romans 16:23 ) .

1 Corinthians 1:14 In-Context

12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ."

13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,

15 so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.

16 Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

Cross References

• 1. Acts 18:8
• 2. Acts 18:8
• 3. Romans 16:23

Footnotes

• [a]. Two early mss read "I give thanks that"