1 Corinthians 1:15

KJV

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest {G3363} any {G5100} should say {G2036} that {G3754} I had baptized {G907} in {G1519} mine own {G1699} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

otherwise someone might say that you were indeed immersed into my name.

Berean Standard Bible

so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.

American Standard Version

lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 1:15 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's deliberate strategy to prevent the formation of personality cults within the early Corinthian church. By limiting his personal involvement in baptizing new believers, Paul aimed to preempt any accusation or misconception that he was building a following for himself rather than directing all allegiance and glory to Jesus Christ, thereby safeguarding the unity and Christ-centered focus of the nascent Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's opening argument against the severe factionalism plaguing the Corinthian church. In the preceding verses, Paul expresses his astonishment and concern over reports of divisions, where believers were aligning themselves with different leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or even exclusively Christ ([1 Corinthians 1:12](/1-corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions in the Corinthian Church")). Paul forcefully challenges this divisive spirit by asking, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" ([1 Corinthians 1:13](/1-corinthians/1-13 "1 Corinthians 1:13 - Paul's Rhetorical Questions on Division")). He then expresses gratitude that he baptized very few of them, specifically mentioning Crispus and Gaius ([1 Corinthians 1:14](/1-corinthians/1-14 "1 Corinthians 1:14 - Paul's Limited Baptisms")), and then adds verse 15 to explain the precise *reason* for this limited baptismal activity: to avoid any perception that he was baptizing in his own name. This explanation underscores his consistent commitment to the supremacy of Christ and the unity of the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population, wealth, and often, its moral laxity. It was also a center for various philosophical schools and rhetorical traditions, where followers often identified strongly with their teachers or founders. This cultural tendency to form allegiances around charismatic figures likely contributed to the divisions Paul addresses. In the Greco-Roman world, a "name" carried significant weight, representing authority, reputation, and ownership. To be baptized "in the name of" someone implied allegiance to that person, a public declaration of belonging. Therefore, Paul’s concern was not merely hypothetical; it addressed a real cultural predisposition that could easily undermine the singular authority of Christ within the church. The early church was also navigating its identity in a world where religious practices often involved rites of initiation that bound adherents to specific deities or cult leaders.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 1:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Christian Unity**, emphasizing that the church is one body united in Christ, not fragmented by human loyalties ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - Unity of the Spirit")). It also highlights the **Supremacy of Christ**, asserting that all worship, allegiance, and identity must be centered on Jesus Christ alone, not on human leaders or their ministries ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")). Furthermore, the verse implicitly touches upon the **True Nature of Baptism**, clarifying that Christian baptism is an initiation into Christ's body and death, signifying union with Him, not with the baptizer ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptism into Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Paul's actions here demonstrate a pastoral commitment to **Avoiding Personality Cults**, a recurring concern for him, as he consistently points believers away from himself and towards the Lord ([2 Corinthians 4:5](/2-corinthians/4-5 "2 Corinthians 4:5 - Paul's Ministry for Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lest (Greek, _hína mḗ'_):** This conjunction, meaning "in order that not" or "lest," clearly indicates Paul's intention and the preventative purpose behind his actions. It highlights a deliberate avoidance of a potential negative outcome. Paul's limited baptismal activity was not accidental but a calculated measure to avert a specific danger.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to immerse" or "submerge," this term refers specifically to the Christian ordinance of baptism. In the New Testament, it signifies ceremonial ablution and, more profoundly, a spiritual identification with Christ. Paul's use here underscores that the act itself, while important, could be misconstrued if the focus shifted from Christ to the human agent performing it.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** This word carries profound theological weight, signifying not merely a label but the full authority, character, and identity of a person. To be baptized "in mine own name" would imply allegiance to Paul's authority and character, making him the object of faith and loyalty, rather than Christ. Paul vehemently rejects this, emphasizing that true baptism is into the name and authority of Jesus Christ ([Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest any should say":** This opening phrase reveals Paul's foresight and pastoral wisdom. He anticipates a potential misinterpretation or false accusation from the Corinthian believers, or perhaps from those outside the church who might seek to discredit his ministry. His actions are governed by a desire to remove any stumbling block or occasion for division.
* **"that I had baptized":** Paul acknowledges his role as an evangelist and apostle, one who does perform baptisms. However, his concern is not with the act of baptism itself, but with the *implication* of his extensive involvement in it. He is not denying the validity of his baptisms, but rather explaining why he intentionally limited them in Corinth.
* **"in mine own name":** This is the crux of the verse. To baptize "in one's own name" would mean to initiate someone into a personal cult, to establish a following loyal to Paul himself, rather than to Christ. It implies a transfer of allegiance from Christ to the human minister. Paul's strong disavowal here underscores his unwavering commitment to the singular Lordship of Jesus Christ and his rejection of any personal glory or sectarian loyalty.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear use of **Anticipation** in this verse, foreseeing a potential misinterpretation of his actions ("Lest any should say"). This demonstrates his strategic thinking and pastoral care, aiming to prevent future division before it takes deeper root. The phrase "in mine own name" functions as **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire authority, character, and identity of Paul. By denying baptism in his "name," Paul is denying any claim to personal authority or the establishment of a personal following, redirecting all focus to Christ. The entire passage, from [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1-corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul's Plea for Unity") through this verse, also exhibits a strong **Rhetorical Question** pattern, culminating in the implied answer that Christ is not divided and allegiance belongs solely to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's concern in 1 Corinthians 1:15 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian leadership and the nature of the church. It underscores that true ministry is never about exalting the messenger but always about magnifying the message and the Master. The act of baptism, while a vital sacrament, derives its power and meaning from the one in whose name it is performed—Jesus Christ—not from the human administrator. This principle safeguards the church from personality cults and ensures that all glory is directed to God, fostering genuine unity in Christ rather than division based on human preferences or allegiances.

* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission and Baptism")
* [Acts 8:16](/acts/8-16 "Acts 8:16 - Baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus")
* [Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's deliberate choice in 1 Corinthians 1:15 offers profound lessons for believers and leaders alike in every generation. It challenges us to constantly examine where our ultimate allegiance lies. For leaders, it serves as a powerful reminder that our mission is to point people to Christ, not to ourselves. We must intentionally deflect praise, avoid building personal platforms, and ensure that our ministries are always Christ-centered, not self-centered. This means prioritizing the gospel message over personal charisma, and the unity of the body over individual recognition. For congregants, this verse calls for discernment. Are we following Christ, or are we inadvertently elevating human personalities, even godly ones, to a place of undue reverence? Our identity is found in Christ alone, and our unity is forged in Him, transcending any human leader or denominational affiliation. This verse encourages us to celebrate the diverse gifts within the body of Christ while maintaining a singular focus on the Head, Jesus Christ, fostering an environment where His name is glorified above all others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, as a believer, inadvertently contribute to a "personality cult" around a pastor, teacher, or ministry leader, rather than focusing solely on Christ?**
* **How can spiritual leaders proactively ensure that their ministry consistently points people to Jesus Christ and not to themselves?**
* **What does it truly mean to be "baptized in the name of Christ" in my daily life and walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so concerned about who performed the baptisms in Corinth?**

Answer: Paul's concern stemmed directly from the severe divisions plaguing the Corinthian church, where factions were forming around different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas). He realized that if he had personally baptized a large number of the Corinthians, some might misinterpret this as a sign of his personal authority or as an attempt to establish a "Pauline" sect. To be baptized "in one's own name" would imply allegiance to the baptizer, rather than to Christ. Paul wanted to make it unequivocally clear that Christian baptism is into the name of Jesus Christ alone, signifying allegiance to Him, and not to any human minister ([1 Corinthians 1:13](/1-corinthians/1-13 "1 Corinthians 1:13 - Paul's Rhetorical Questions")). His limited baptismal activity was a strategic pastoral decision to remove any potential stumbling block for division and to emphasize the singular Lordship of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 1:15, though seemingly a minor detail about baptismal practice, powerfully underscores the Christ-centered nature of the gospel and the early church. His deliberate avoidance of baptizing in his own name foreshadows the ultimate truth that all salvation, identity, and authority reside solely in Jesus Christ. This principle finds its fulfillment in the New Testament's consistent declaration that believers are "in Christ" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), united with Him in His death and resurrection through baptism ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptism into Christ's Death and Resurrection")). The true "name" into which believers are baptized is the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), which fundamentally means allegiance to Christ as Lord and Savior. Paul's actions here perfectly align with his broader theological emphasis that "we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord" ([2 Corinthians 4:5](/2-corinthians/4-5 "2 Corinthians 4:5 - Paul's Ministry for Christ")), ensuring that Christ alone receives all glory and honor, for He is the head of the church and the author of our salvation ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:28

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

John 3:29

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 11:2

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

John 7:18

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.