August 29, 2004

SENT NOT TO BAPTIZE

1 Corinthians 1:17

   "For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words..." (1 Cor. 1:17). Just as Paul was not sent to embellish the gospel with human "wisdom of words," baptism was equally excluded from his ministry and message. Baptism was a large part of the message when it was in vogue, for John came preaching "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins..." (Luke 3:3). Instead of Peter anticipating Paul's ministry he identified himself with John saying, "Repent and be baptized every one of you...for the forgiveness of sins..." (Acts 2:38).

   That the Jews were anticipating baptism may be seen from their questions to John, "Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor that prophet?" (John 1:25). Ezekiel prophesied that God would sprinkle "clean water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all your idols..." (Ezek. 36:25). Hebrews 6:1 lists baptisms (more than one) as part of the beginning principles of the teachings of the Messiah upon which Israel would build and add!

   Few statements indicate more clearly that God was changing His program. Whereas Paul baptized a few he is very clear that this was not his burden. Crispus was a Jew and the other two named were likely same. Paul's early converts at Corinth were Jews from the synagogue next door. It is reasonable to expect that before the church was separated from that synagogue Paul would baptize such. The Philippian jailor might also have been Jewish, for Jews held many positions of honor and authority in Gentile governments.

   Baptism, circumcision, sign gifts, and such like were part of the "kingdom program" and would not become part of the administration of grace. The book of Acts covers the period of transition where-in God was setting aside Israel , and seven of Paul's fourteen epistles were written during that period. Little wonder that we find baptism of a few of the Corinthian saints for among them still were the gifts of prophecy (for the scriptures were not yet complete), of tongues, of healing, etc. They had a special place! But they continued only until "that which is perfect," the completed Scriptures would come!

Ivan L. Burgener