Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:14

What does 1 Corinthians 1:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:14 means

Paul thanks God that he baptized only a few in Corinth—Crispus and Gaius—so that no one could claim they were baptized in Paul’s name. This is not a slight against baptism but a safeguard against cults of personality. By minimizing any grounds for partisan boasting attached to his ministry, Paul models how servants of Christ should think: the aim is to direct people to Jesus, not to themselves. His gratitude recognizes God’s providence in arranging things so that his role could not easily be twisted into a badge for factional pride. The gospel’s power does not depend on who administered the water but on the crucified Lord it proclaims.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I thank God that I baptized none of you, save Crispus and Gaius;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I thank God that I baptized none of you, save Crispus and Gaius;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I give praise to God that not one of you had baptism from me, but Crispus and Gaius;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I give thanks to God that no one of you did I baptize, except Crispus and Gaius--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I give God thanks, that I baptized none of you but Crispus and Caius:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I thankGod that I have baptised none of you, unless Crispus and Gaius,

Context

Following the rhetorical questions of verse 13, Paul points to specific facts that undermine factional claims tied to him. Verses 14–16 recall whom he baptized, emphasizing the small number. This leads directly to verse 17, where he clarifies that his primary commission is preaching the gospel, not baptizing, especially not in a way that would let human eloquence eclipse the cross. This transition moves the discussion from personal loyalties to the nature of gospel ministry itself, preparing for the extended meditation on divine wisdom in the cross (verses 18–25).

v.13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?

v.14This passage

v.15lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my name.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Timothy 1:12

    I thank him that enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:4

    I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

  • Romans 16:23

    Gaius my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you, and Quartus the brother.

  • Acts 18:8

    And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

  • Colossians 3:17

    And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  • 3 John 1:1

    The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

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