1 Corinthians 1:17

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} Christ {G5547} sent {G649} me {G3165} not {G3756} to baptize {G907}, but {G235} to preach the gospel {G2097}: not {G3756} with {G1722} wisdom {G4678} of words {G3056}, lest {G3363} the cross {G4716} of Christ {G5547} should be made of none effect {G2758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Messiah did not send me to immerse but to proclaim the Good News — and to do it without relying on “wisdom” that consists of mere rhetoric, so as not to rob the Messiah’s execution-stake of its power.

Berean Standard Bible

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 1:17, the Apostle Paul articulates the core of his apostolic commission, emphasizing that his primary calling from Christ was not to administer baptism, but rather to proclaim the Gospel message. He deliberately eschewed reliance on human eloquence or philosophical sophistication, understanding that such methods would detract from and ultimately nullify the inherent power and profound significance of the cross of Christ, which stands as the true source of God's redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, immediately following his customary greeting and thanksgiving. Paul quickly moves to address the pressing issue of divisions within the church, which were largely fueled by factionalism centered around prominent leaders and their perceived rhetorical abilities (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1-corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions in the Church")). Paul's statement here establishes the foundational principle that the power of the Gospel does not reside in human wisdom or oratorical skill, but in the divine act of Christ's crucifixion. This sets the stage for his subsequent arguments against human pride and for the "foolishness" of God's wisdom in [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1-corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Wisdom of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent Roman colony, a bustling port city renowned for its diverse population, wealth, and vibrant intellectual and philosophical scene. Greek rhetoric (sophia logou) was highly valued, and skilled orators often commanded significant influence and prestige. Public speaking was a competitive art form, and people often aligned themselves with particular teachers or schools of thought based on their persuasive abilities. Against this backdrop, Paul's deliberate rejection of "wisdom of words" would have been counter-cultural and even scandalous to many Corinthians. His approach underscored the radical nature of the Gospel, which did not conform to the world's standards of wisdom or power, but instead presented a crucified Messiah, a concept that was "a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1-corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the entire letter. Firstly, it highlights **the primacy of the Gospel proclamation** over ritual or human-centered ministry, asserting that Paul's core mission was to preach the good news of salvation. Secondly, it establishes a stark **contrast between divine wisdom and human wisdom**, arguing that God's power is revealed not through eloquent speech or philosophical argument, but through the seemingly weak and foolish message of the cross. This theme is extensively developed in [1 Corinthians 2](/1-corinthians/2 "1 Corinthians 2 - Paul's Preaching of Christ Crucified"). Thirdly, and most significantly, it underscores **the absolute centrality and efficacy of the cross of Christ**. The cross is presented as the singular, non-negotiable source of salvation and divine power, a truth that must not be diluted or overshadowed by human efforts or accolades, as further emphasized in [1 Corinthians 2:2](/1-corinthians/2-2 "1 Corinthians 2:2 - Paul's Determination to Know Christ Crucified").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **euangelízō (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** From εὖ (eu, "good") and ἄγγελος (angelos, "messenger"), meaning "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." In this context, it specifically refers to the proclamation of the Gospel, the glad tidings of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul's use of this word underscores his divine commission to be a herald of God's saving message, distinguishing it as his primary, divinely appointed task.
* **sophía (Greek, _sophía'_):** Refers to wisdom, which can be higher or lower, worldly or spiritual. Here, in the phrase "wisdom of words" (sophia logou), it denotes human wisdom, particularly the rhetorical skill, philosophical sophistication, or persuasive eloquence highly valued in Greco-Roman culture. Paul deliberately distances himself from this kind of wisdom, recognizing its inadequacy and potential to obscure the true power of the Gospel.
* **kenóō (Greek, _kenóō'_):** Meaning "to make empty," "to abase," "to neutralize," or "to falsify." In this verse, it conveys the idea of rendering something "of none effect" or "void." Paul fears that if the Gospel were presented with human rhetorical prowess, it would empty the cross of its inherent power, making Christ's sacrifice seem dependent on human persuasion rather than on its own divine efficacy. It would strip the cross of its unique, supernatural power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:"** Paul clarifies his specific apostolic mandate. While baptism is an important Christian ordinance, Paul asserts that his primary, God-given mission was not the administration of rituals, but the proclamation of the "good news" (euangelion). This distinction emphasizes that the power lies in the message itself, not in the one who performs the rite, nor in the rite itself apart from the message. This also subtly addresses the factionalism in Corinth, as some were aligning themselves with those who had baptized them.
* **"not with wisdom of words,"** This phrase directly contrasts Paul's method with the prevailing cultural value of eloquent speech and philosophical argumentation. "Wisdom of words" (sophia logou) refers to human rhetorical skill, persuasive techniques, and intellectual prowess. Paul deliberately chose not to rely on these, understanding that such an approach would subtly shift the focus from God's power to human ability, thereby undermining the Gospel's true source of authority and effectiveness.
* **"lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."** This clause reveals the profound theological reason behind Paul's approach. If the Gospel's power were perceived to come from human eloquence, it would "empty" (kenóō) the cross of its inherent divine power. The cross, representing Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, is the ultimate demonstration of God's wisdom and power. To present it with human wisdom would imply that it needs human embellishment or intellectual validation to be effective, thereby diminishing its supernatural efficacy and making it appear as a mere human philosophy rather than a divine act of salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. **Contrast** is paramount, as he juxtaposes his primary mission (preaching the gospel) with a secondary one (baptizing), and more significantly, contrasts divine power with human wisdom. This sets up a profound **Paradox**, which he further develops in the following verses: the "foolishness" of the cross, when preached without human eloquence, is precisely where God's true power and wisdom reside ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1-corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). The term "cross of Christ" functions as **Metonymy**, where "the cross" stands for the entire redemptive work of Jesus Christ, encompassing His crucifixion, death, resurrection, and the salvation procured through them. This metonymic use powerfully condenses the entire Gospel message into a single, potent symbol.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding the nature of the Gospel and the means by which it is to be proclaimed. It asserts that the power of salvation resides not in human ability, intellectual sophistication, or eloquent persuasion, but solely in the divine act of Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Paul's deliberate rejection of "wisdom of words" underscores the radical truth that God's power is often revealed through what the world considers weak or foolish, challenging human pride and self-sufficiency. This principle ensures that all glory for salvation belongs to God alone, preventing any human boasting.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")
* [1 Corinthians 2:1-5](/1-corinthians/2-1-5 "1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Paul's Preaching Not with Eloquence")
* [Galatians 6:14](/galatians/6-14 "Galatians 6:14 - Boasting in the Cross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 1:17 serves as a perpetual reminder for all who seek to share the Christian faith. It challenges us to evaluate where we place our trust for the effectiveness of the Gospel message. Do we rely on our own cleverness, charisma, or intellectual arguments, or do we humbly depend on the inherent, supernatural power of God's Spirit working through the simple, yet profound, message of Christ crucified and resurrected? This verse calls us to prioritize the clear, unadulterated proclamation of the Gospel, trusting that its power lies not in how eloquently it is packaged, but in the divine truth it conveys. It fosters humility in ministry, reminding us that we are merely instruments, and the glory belongs entirely to God. Our task is to faithfully present the cross, allowing God to do the transformative work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on "wisdom of words" rather than the simple power of the Gospel when sharing my faith?**
* **How does understanding the "none effect" of the cross if presented with human wisdom impact my view of evangelism and discipleship?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that the cross of Christ remains central and unadulterated in my life and ministry?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul's statement "not to baptize" mean baptism is unimportant or optional?**

Answer: No, Paul's statement does not diminish the importance of baptism. Rather, it clarifies his specific apostolic calling and mission. While baptism is an essential ordinance commanded by Christ ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), Paul's primary role as an apostle was to be the trailblazing evangelist, establishing churches through the initial proclamation of the Gospel. He often left the ongoing administration of ordinances like baptism to others, as indicated by his statement in [1 Corinthians 1:14](/1-corinthians/1-14 "1 Corinthians 1:14 - Paul's Baptismal Practice"), where he expresses thanks for having baptized only a few, lest anyone claim to be baptized in his name. His focus was on the message that brings salvation, not the rite that symbolizes it, ensuring that the power was attributed to Christ, not to the baptizer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 1:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His crucifixion. Paul's profound concern that the "cross of Christ should be made of none effect" points directly to the singular, non-negotiable efficacy of Christ's atoning sacrifice. The "cross" here is not merely a historical event or a symbol, but the very means by which God accomplished salvation for humanity. It is on the cross that Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the sins of the world, satisfying divine justice and reconciling humanity to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "wisdom of words" is rendered utterly irrelevant because the power of the Gospel flows from Christ's finished work, not from human persuasion. It is the resurrected Christ who empowers the preaching of His Gospel, ensuring that its transformative power is divine, not human ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Thus, Paul's mission to "preach the gospel" is inherently Christ-centered, for Christ Himself is the content, power, and wisdom of that message ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")).

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

1 Corinthians 2:1

¶ And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2 Peter 1:16

¶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

2 Corinthians 10:10

For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.

1 Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

1 Corinthians 2:5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.