1 Corinthians 1:14

14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius. ¹

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 Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Peter"; and another, "I follow Christ."

13 Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?

14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius.

15 No one can say, then, that you were baptized as my disciples

16 (Oh yes, I also baptized Stephanas and his family; but I can't remember whether I baptized anyone else.)

Cross References

• 1. 1.14 aActs 18.8; bActs 19.29;Romans 16.23.