1 Corinthians 1:16

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

And {G1161} I baptized {G907} also {G2532} the household {G3624} of Stephanas {G4734}: besides {G3063}, I know {G1492} not {G3756} whether I baptized {G907} any {G1536} other {G243}.

(Oh yes, I did also immerse Stephanas and his household; beyond that, I canโ€™t remember whether I immersed anyone else.)

Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that I do not remember if I baptized anyone else.

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 1:16, the Apostle Paul adds a brief clarification to his earlier statement about not having baptized many of the Corinthians. He remembers baptizing "the household of Stephanas" and then states, "besides, I know not whether I baptized any other." This verse is a small but significant detail within Paul's larger argument against divisions in the Corinthian church.

Context

This verse comes amidst Paul's strong rebuke of the Corinthian believers for their factionalism. Some were claiming allegiance to specific leaders, saying, "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas" (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul is deliberately downplaying his own role in baptism, emphasizing that his primary calling was to preach the gospel of Christ, not to administer the rite of baptism. His statement in 1 Corinthians 1:14, "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius," is then slightly amended here as he recalls the baptism of Stephanas's household.

Key Themes

  • The Primacy of the Gospel: Paul's main point throughout this passage is that the message of the cross and the gospel itself are infinitely more important than the person who baptizes. This underlines the core of Christian faith: salvation through Christ, not through allegiance to human leaders or rituals.
  • Unity in Christ: By minimizing the significance of who performed the baptism, Paul aims to dismantle the basis for division among the believers. He is guiding the Corinthian church away from personality cults and towards a unified identity centered on Jesus Christ alone. The purpose of baptism is to unite believers into one body in Christ, as further elaborated in 1 Corinthians 12:13.
  • Household Baptism: The mention of "the household of Stephanas" (Greek: oikos Stephana) is significant. In the New Testament, "household" often referred to the entire family unit, including children, servants, and dependents. Stephanas and his household were among the first converts in Achaia and were known for their devotion and service to the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15). This practice of household baptism is also seen with Lydia's household in Acts 16:15 and the Philippian jailer's household in Acts 16:33, indicating a pattern of family conversion in the early church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "household," oikos (ฮฟแผถฮบฮฟฯ‚), commonly refers to the entire dwelling or family unit, including all its members and possessions. This term supports the idea that when the head of a household converted, the entire family often embraced the new faith and was baptized together, signifying a collective commitment to Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 1:16 reinforces the vital truth that the focus of faith should always be on Christ and His gospel, not on human personalities, church traditions, or the specific details of rituals. It encourages believers to maintain unity in the Spirit and to prioritize the foundational message of salvation over secondary issues that might cause division. The example of Stephanas's household also highlights the importance of family in faith, encouraging believers to share the gospel within their own homes.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 16:15

    I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

  • 1 Corinthians 16:17

    I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

  • Acts 16:33

    And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

  • Acts 16:15

    And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.
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