1 Corinthians 1:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπέστειλέν
sent
G649
ἀπέστειλέν
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
3 of 19
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
βαπτίζειν
to baptize
G907
βαπτίζειν
to baptize
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
6 of 19
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
εὐαγγελίζεσθαι
to preach the gospel
G2097
εὐαγγελίζεσθαι
to preach the gospel
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
8 of 19
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
λόγου
of words
G3056
λόγου
of words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
12 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
κενωθῇ
should be made of none effect
G2758
κενωθῇ
should be made of none effect
Strong's:
G2758
Word #:
15 of 19
to make empty, i.e., (figuratively) to abase, neutralize, falsify
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σταυρὸς
the cross
G4716
σταυρὸς
the cross
Strong's:
G4716
Word #:
17 of 19
a stake or post (as set upright), i.e., (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively, exposure to death, i.e.,
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:1And 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 2:13Which 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 1:16For 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 10:10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.John 4:2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)2 Corinthians 4:2But 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.2 Corinthians 11:6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.Acts 10:48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Historical Context
Corinth was a center of sophistry—professional orators who dazzled audiences with rhetorical skill. Sophists charged high fees and competed for students, fame, and patronage. Some Corinthians wanted their preachers to match this eloquence. Paul refuses: the gospel's power lies in its scandalous content (a crucified Messiah), not in clever presentation. Polished rhetoric might attract crowds but would obscure the gospel's offense and glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the proper relationship between gospel proclamation and the administration of ordinances like baptism?
- How can "wisdom of words" (eloquent preaching, sophisticated theology) inadvertently empty the cross of its power?
- In what ways do modern preachers sometimes prioritize rhetorical skill, entertainment, or intellectual sophistication over the simple gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (ou gar apesteilen me Christos baptizein alla euangelizesthai, οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλέν με Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν ἀλλὰ εὐαγγελίζεσθαι)—Paul clarifies his primary mission: gospel proclamation, not administering ordinances. This does not diminish baptism—Jesus commanded it (Matt 28:19)—but establishes a hierarchy of priorities. The gospel message is foundational; baptism follows as response and public identification. Paul's calling was specifically evangelistic and church-planting; others could handle baptisms.
Not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect (ouk en sophia logou, hina me kenōthē ho stauros tou Christou, οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ λόγου, ἵνα μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ)—This introduces the central theme of chapters 1-2: the contrast between worldly wisdom and the cross. Sophia logou (σοφία λόγου, "wisdom of speech") refers to the sophisticated rhetoric prized in Corinth. The verb kenoō (κενόω, "to empty, make void, nullify") warns that eloquent philosophy can gut the gospel of its power. The cross is inherently offensive; dressing it up in impressive rhetoric domesticates it, making it palatable but powerless.