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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 1 - Verse 17

1:17
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.

Meaning

In this verse, the apostle Paul is emphasizing the primary purpose of his ministry, which is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He explains that although baptism is an important part of the Christian faith, his main focus is on spreading the message of salvation through faith in Christ. Paul stresses that he is not relying on eloquent words or human wisdom to communicate this message, but rather on the power of the cross of Christ. By not being distracted by worldly wisdom, Paul ensures that the true message of the gospel is not diluted or overshadowed. The cross of Christ, with its message of sacrifice and redemption, is central to the Christian faith, and Paul's goal is to keep this message at the forefront of his preaching. By staying true to this purpose, Paul ensures that the transformative power of the cross is not hindered or nullified by human wisdom or empty words.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel above all else. He acknowledges that while baptizing is a significant practice in the Christian faith, his primary mission is to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul warns against relying solely on eloquent or persuasive words when sharing the good news, as this may detract from the power of the message of the cross. By emphasizing the simplicity and power of the gospel message, Paul highlights the transformative impact of the cross of Christ, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. This verse serves as a reminder for Christians to prioritize sharing the gospel message with others, focusing on the essential truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ rather than on human wisdom or persuasion.

American Standard Version

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.
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