1 Corinthians 1

Thursday, 20 March 2014

Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 1 Corinthians 1:16

As Paul is putting forth his thoughts for the epistle, he realizes that when he had just stated that, “I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius…” wasn’t exactly correct. And so he amends his thoughts here using the Greek term de. As Vincent’s Word Studies indicates, “The de … has a slightly corrective force.” It would then be something like writing, “I only like chocolate ice cream. Oh, and I also like vanilla and strawberry too.” It isn’t an untruth, but a thought based on reflection.

In the process of his thoughts came the reminder of “the household of Stephanas,” and suddenly he realized that he had “also baptized” them. In 1 Corinthians 16:15, Paul will call the household of Stephanas “the firstfruits of Achaia.” They had readily come to Christ at the first preaching of the gospel and Paul had baptized them. Because it was at such an early point, certainly before any formal church or meeting place had been established, it had slipped his mind. Then, to ward off any other omissions as intentional deceit, he finally adds in, “Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.”

There could have been someone that he had simply forgotten about. Maybe there was someone there in Stephanas’ household that wasn’t a member of the family or servants who could later state that what Paul said wasn’t accurate. He has thus preempted such a charge. In the coming verse, he will explain further the reason for his detailed words concerning baptism.

This is a good verse to stop and consider what “household” means in connection with “baptism.” This is especially needed because the doctrine of “infant baptism” is often tied to this and several other verses because the term “household” seems all inclusive. The word rendered “household” is oikos and generally covers the two greater concepts of a) a house, the material building, and (b) a household, family, lineage, nation. Depending on the context, it refers to any of the following: descendants, families, family, home, homes, house, household, households, itself, palaces, or place.

In Titus 1:10, 11 Paul makes the following statement –

“For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.”

Speaking of those who are disruptive and destructive, he says that they “subvert whole households.” In this, he uses the adjective translated as “whole” in order to show that entire households can be swept up into false teachings. If the term “households” was intended as all-inclusive for baptism (including infants), one would think that a similar adjective would be used. Being baptized into the faith is surely as important as being apostatized!

Therefore, the term “household” which is a general term, should be considered in a general sense unless it is accompanied by an adjective to further refine what is being stated. It is only a presupposition at best to state that infant baptism is intended by passages such as this one. Further, because baptism reflects a personal commitment to the Lord, it should be on the more conservative interpretation of “household” that an interpretation should be made; it is general in nature, not specific and all-inclusive.

Finally, the wording in today’s verse which shows that Paul isn’t completely sure of a matter (meaning who he had baptized) in no way diminishes the doctrine of “divine inspiration.” Just because something isn’t known by the human author of an epistle has no bearing on whether or not the Holy Spirit knows. There are ten jillion times ten jillion things (and more!) known to the Holy Spirit which are unknown to any human. What He chooses to include in His word is at His prerogative, including human failings and uncertainties.

Life application: Seemingly insignificant verses found in the Bible often contain some of the most theologically important concepts for us to consider. As you read the Bible, take time to think on “why” certain things are mentioned and why the Holy Spirit allowed their inclusion in the Bible. Don’t listen to liberal-minded scholars who would try to diminish the importance of what is stated, but think on what God is conveying to you. Every word is pure and perfect and is given to us to learn more about God’s wonderful plan for us.

O God, I often read Your word and wonder why certain things are included in it. Some things seem harsh, some seem confusing, and some seem without purpose. It is at these times that I know I need to stop and consider why You would include them. When I attempt to look at things from the greater perspective, I often realize that what I thought at first was wrong… Instead, I see things from a different way and realize that every word is so perfectly placed. What a wondrous joy it is to read and think on Your word. Thank You for it, O God. Amen.

Wednesday, 19 March 2014

…lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 1 Corinthians 1:15

Paul had a unique commission which transitioned the church from almost a solely Jewish entity into one which was quickly growing in gentile converts. At some point, a majority of gentiles would inevitably exist, thus the church would be considered a gentile entity. And this would have been brought about by the instruction and writings of Paul. If he were to have been out baptizing people in large numbers, others who disliked this move to gentile predominance could easily make the charge that Paul had baptized these people into his own name.

Thus, this would become “the church of Paul” regardless of whether he directed the disciples to Christ or not. As noted in verses 10 and 12, such divisions exist in today’s church. Rightly or wrongly, we identify ourselves among a host of lines. Some are by name – “I am a Lutheran.” Some are by doctrine – “I am a Baptist.” Some are by a member of the Godhead other than Jesus, “I belong to the Church of the Holy Spirit.”

Within the church there is misdirection, there is division, and there is boasting in individual names. Paul tried to waive this type of thing off from the start by not making the work of Christ about himself. Instead, he proclaimed Christ and made his sole boasting in the cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14). In some ways, divisions are inevitable and even healthy. When Paul and Barnabas divided over an argument, they were able to accomplish twice the work that had previously been done.

Dividing from a church because it is straying from the truth of Christ is a good thing. However, in the process of division, care needs to be taken that the division doesn’t produce another idol. Paul’s example is one that will keep such things from occurring. His continuous boasting in Christ is the right approach at all times and in all seasons!

Life application: He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, help me to continuously and forever redirect my heart to You. It is You alone who fulfilled the Scriptures, died for me, and was resurrected to life again. If I am to boast in another’s preaching, may it only be because he preaches about You. May the song on my lips be one which brings You honor. And may my every step be one securely planted on the truth of Your superior word. Amen.

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius… 1 Corinthians 1:14

In what seems an unusual statement at first, Paul notes his great thanks to God that he didn’t baptize any of those at Corinth with the exception of a few he will name. He will give the reason in the verses ahead though and we will see that it bears directly on what he has said in the previous three verses concerning divisions and contentions.

If Paul was the one to have baptized all of these people, then those who were instigating the contentions could state that he was setting himself up as some type of figurehead to be more greatly honored or followed. Instead however, he pursued his job without looking for the notoriety that he could have attached to it by being the “chief baptizer” of the flock.

Baptism is one of the most precious and memorable moments in a believer’s life and it certainly is an honor to participate in the baptism of someone. This is why families often gather around, pictures are taken, and special care is often used to decide who will get the honor of conducting the rite. It could be comparable in importance to choosing who will marry a couple or perform a funeral.

Regarding this highly notable honor of conducting baptisms, Paul states that “I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius.” Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth as is noted in Acts 18:8 –

“Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.”

This baptism by Paul certainly made sense. As the ruler of the synagogue and a person in a prominent position to convince others of the truth of the gospel, he himself would then be qualified to perform the rite on others. It would make no sense to not baptize him because then who would do so? But once he was baptized, then he could take over this solemn responsibility for the others who chose Christ.

Concerning Gaius, there is a Gaius seen in Acts 19 during a time of trouble in Ephesus. Then, a “Gaius of Derbe” is noted in Acts 20. Paul notes a Gaius in Romans 16:23 also. And finally, there is a Gaius to whom the letter 3 John is written to. The Gaius being referred to by Paul here is certainly the one mentioned in Romans and he may be the one whom John wrote to. He was Paul’s host and so he probably baptized him personally because of the care he had taken for him as his host.

As a side note to Paul’s statement here, baptism in the New Testament always follows conversion. The doctrine of “infant baptism,” though going back to very early times, is not a scriptural tenet. The claim by adherents to infant baptism is that it is comparable to the Old Testament rite of circumcision. This is a complete misreading of the precept and cannot be so identified with any teaching in the Bible.

Abraham first believed God and then he was given the rite of circumcision for those who followed him. As Abraham is the example of justification by faith, it only follows that those who are justified by faith will receive their external sign after, not before, that justification. Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians, and his statements even here in the first chapter, fully support the concept of baptism only after faith in Christ.

Life application: In whatever capacity we serve the Lord, as an evangelist, a teacher, a preacher, or whatever, it should be for the honor of the Lord, not to promote self notoriety. Paul is an excellent example to follow in this. He was constantly redirecting those around him to Jesus. In the end, the Lord sees our works and will reward us for them.

Lord, thank You for the many opportunities You place in our path to serve You. Help us to keep our eyes open for these moments and not to let them slip by. Remind us that we have such a short time to walk here and to tell others about You. Let us not look back in regret at missed opportunities to lead others to You while we have the chance. This I pray to Your glory. Amen.

Monday, 17 March 2014

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:13

Based on the divisions which have arisen in the church at Corinth which were noted in the previous verse, Paul now asks, “Is Christ divided?” Is there one head of the church or not? If there is, then why are we making divisions which don’t actually exist within the body? Is it right to follow after a teacher, preacher, apostle, pope, etc. as if that person was the object of our faith? The answer is obviously “No.”

But there is another consideration to the opening of this verse, Vincent’s Word Studies notes that “Some of the best expositors render [this] as an assertion.” In other words, and based on the structure of the Greek, they place this not as a question – “Is Christ divided?”, but as a statement of fact – “Christ is divided.” The Corinthians had already lost the object of their faith and they had already brought the divisions. Now, it was up to Paul’s instructions to return them to the proper path. In order to do this then, he continues with the second thought of the verse – “Was Paul crucified for you?”

His question is rhetorical and it demands a negative response. The cross of Jesus Christ is the only acceptable crucifixion for the sins of anyone, including Paul. The crucifixion of Paul would have simply been the end of Paul without the crucifixion of Christ. And Christ was not only crucified for Paul, but He was crucified for all. To somehow place an allegiance in Paul only diminishes the importance of the cross of Christ. Only He was sinless and only His blood can atone for the sins of the world.

What follows then is another rhetorical question, with another obvious “No” for a response. “Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” If Paul wasn’t crucified for anyone, then no one was baptized in the name of Paul! Baptism is a picture of the work of Christ. One is immersed as a picture of the death (which resulted from the crucifixion) of Christ. Paul wasn’t crucified for anyone; Paul didn’t die for anyone; therefore, no one was baptized into Paul.

The work of God in resurrecting Jesus is the second half of the picture of baptism. One isn’t merely submersed and left under the water. They are raised out of the water as a picture of the newness of life found in the resurrection of Christ. Paul’s newness of life came from Christ. And the same is true with anyone who has been reborn by the Spirit. Therefore to “follow Paul” or to “follow Calvin” or to “follow Pope Francis” is simply nuts. Only Christ has accomplished the work necessary to save a soul.

Life application: Let us not divide Christ, but let us always honor Him alone. At best, let us acknowledge the instruction of others without exalting them in an unnecessary way.

Lord God, thank You for Jesus my Lord. Because of His cross I am granted His sinless perfection. Through His death I am restored to You. And in His resurrection I stand justified and sure of eternal life in Your presence. Now Lord, grant me the willing heart and desire to live up to that which I have received. Help me to reflect the glory which is found in Christ and to share this good news with the world. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.

Sunday, 16 March 2014

 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:12

Divisions… Paul referred to them in verse 10 and then what they resulted in (contentions) in verse 11. Now he explains the divisions that he has heard about. “Now I say this” is his way of saying, “Now this is what I mean…”

The believers in Corinth had divided into factions based on style of preaching or in some other way. One would say, “I am of Paul” and another would say, “I am of Apollos.” Paul was probably more theologically adept than the rest, having been a Pharisee who was well-grounded in Scripture. Apollos, who is mentioned in Acts 18:24 as “an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures,” may have been a better orator and maybe could have woven a message together which was inspiring and interesting.

But there were other divisions besides these two. Someone else claimed “I am of Cephas.” Cephas is another name for the Apostle Peter. He had been with Jesus from the beginning. He had received his instruction from the Lord and was one of the “inner circle” along with James and John at all of the high points in Christ’s ministry. He could easily have become an object of adoration because of these things. He had seen the miracles, he was there at the resurrection, he beheld the ascension. And he was also the “Apostle to the Jews.” Because of this…. well, “He is my man.”

And yet, there was another faction, “I am of Christ.” This sounds right (and it is, if truthful), but it can also be interpreted in a negative way as well. If someone isn’t holding to proper doctrine and says “I am of Christ” then those who follow him will be led astray. To say “I am of Christ” then must be followed up with proof of that claim or it is worse than fire in a hay pile. It is what leads to cults, feelings of superiority, bondage, and never coming to know the truth. Therefore, one must be extremely careful when evaluating such a claim.

Paul is going to continue to discuss this in the verses ahead and will not leave the matter without a full explanation of what is appropriate. But from what he has said in this verse alone, it is apparent just how wrong this attitude is. And yet, even though it is clearly presented in the Bible, we still fall into this same trap today.

How many thousands of people identify their doctrine with John Calvin (Calvinism)? How many identify their allegiances with a pope? How many claim total adherence to the doctrine of Christ and yet are actually deeply entrenched in cults? This is the reality of the world we live in. We get swept up in idol worship of a great orator; we get sidetracked by someone who is supposedly theologically competent, but we don’t check what they say. Maybe we get so caught up in a denomination that we feel salvation comes only through it. This may sound nuts, but it is more prevalent than one might think.

Let us not make such errors. God has revealed Himself in His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible is what tells us of Him and His work. Therefore, let us continually return to the fountain of Scripture and check our doctrine against it. When we place our allegiance in a man, we will always be disappointed. When we put our hope and trust in Christ as He is revealed in Scripture, we will always be edified and in a right standing with God.

Life application: It is fine to hold a pastor in high esteem. In fact, the Bible says that we should render them “double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17) if they “labor in the word and doctrine.” However, let us not place them on a pedestal as an idol. Rather, we need to never forget that our allegiance is to Jesus Christ. May we never divide Christ as we see has happened at the church in Corinth.

Lord God, I thank you for those who teach and instruct in Your word and in proper doctrine. But Lord, help me to not place any person in a position which would exalt them at the expense of my devotion and allegiance to You. In the end, all people are fallible and are susceptible to error. Remind me to check with Your instruction manual on all matters of faith and doctrine. Thank You for being with me as I keep my eyes on Jesus! Amen.