


1 Corinthians 1:15
Bible Versions
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
otherwise someone might say that you were indeed immersed into my name.
so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.
lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my name.
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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.
1 Corinthians 1:15 is a crucial verse in Paul's opening argument against the factions and divisions that plagued the early church in Corinth. Here, Paul explains his specific reason for not having baptized many of the Corinthians himself.
Context
This verse follows Paul's strong rebuke of the Corinthian believers for their divisive loyalties, where some claimed to follow Paul, others Apollos, and still others Cephas (Peter), while some declared allegiance to Christ alone (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul had just stated that he thanked God he had baptized very few of them, specifically mentioning Crispus and Gaius (1 Corinthians 1:14). Verse 15 provides the explicit reason for this selective baptism: to prevent anyone from misinterpreting his actions and attributing a personal following to him.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "in mine own name" (Greek: eis to emon onoma) is significant. The Greek word onoma (name) often carries the weight of authority, character, and identity. To baptize "in the name of" someone means to dedicate or consecrate to that person, acknowledging their authority and identity. Paul vehemently denies this was his intention or outcome. His baptisms, like all true Christian baptisms, were performed into the name of Jesus Christ.
Practical Application
This verse offers timeless wisdom for both leaders and congregants today: