Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:16

What does 1 Corinthians 1:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:16 means

Paul remembers that he also baptized the household of Stephanas, but beyond that he does not recall baptizing anyone else. This aside shows his candor and that he did not keep a list to bolster personal prestige. The mention of a household hints at the breadth of the gospel’s reach, but Paul’s point is that the number he personally baptized is small and unimportant compared to the message itself. He refuses to let ministerial details become the basis for boasting or party lines. The gospel creates a community centered on Christ, not a registry of names attached to a leader’s successes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I gave baptism to the house of Stephanas; but I am not certain that any others had baptism from me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I did baptize also Stephanas' household--further, I have not known if I did baptize any other.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I baptized also the household of Stephanus. Besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Yes, I baptised also the house of Stephanas; for the rest I know not if I have baptised any other.

Context

This completes Paul’s clarification about whom he baptized (verses 14–16). With that settled, he will now state his primary commission in verse 17—preaching the gospel without relying on the “wisdom of words,” lest the cross be emptied. The narrative thus pivots from the particulars of factional claims to the core of apostolic ministry. The next section (verses 18–25) will unfold why the cross, viewed as foolishness by the world, is actually God’s wisdom and power, undermining all grounds for boasting in human leaders.

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

v.16This passage

v.17For 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.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 16:15

    Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),

  • Acts 16:33

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

  • 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:17

    And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.

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