1 Corinthians 1:16

16 (I did baptize also 1the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)

1 Corinthians 1:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 1:16

And I also baptized the household of Stephanas
The same name with "Stephanios", or "Stephanio" in Pliny F5. Before he says he had baptized none but Crispus and Gaius; but recollecting things, he corrects himself, and observes, that he had also baptized the household of Stephanas, who by the Greek writers is thought to be the same with the jailer baptized by the apostle at Philippi, but was now removed from thence to Corinth, and was become a famous and useful man there. No argument can be formed from the baptism of his household in favour of infant baptism, since it must be first proved that he had any infants in his family, and that these were baptized; and if his household and the jailer's are the same, it is certain that his household were such who were capable of having the word of God spoke to them, and who actually did believe in God. And if they were not the same, yet it is clear that this household of Stephanas consisted of adult, converted, and very useful persons; they were the firstfruits of Achaia, and had addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, ( 1 Corinthians 16:15 ) .

Besides,
that is, the above mentioned persons,

I know not whether I baptized any other;
meaning at Corinth, for he might have baptized, and doubtless did baptize many more in other places, for anything that is here said to the contrary: of this he would not be positive; for though he might fully know, and well remember, on recollection, who, and how many, were baptized by him with his own hands there, yet he could not tell but that some persons might have removed thither, and become members of the church in that place, who had been baptized by him elsewhere.


FOOTNOTES:

F5 Nat. Hist. l. 7. c. 48.

1 Corinthians 1:16 In-Context

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.
16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 1 Corinthians 16:15, 17
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