1 Corinthians 1:13-17 “Not Personalities But the Gospel”

By Bob DeWaay

Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to emphasize the absurdity of the claiming status based on who baptized various believers. The point is not to make a theology of baptism, though that is important, but to warn against schisms. Paul’s preaching of the gospel did not depend on clever rhetoric or the sophisticated oratorical skill prized by Greeks, but the work of God through the cross of Christ. That what God did through the cross and called Paul to preach should never be “emptied” by making its validity depend on the skill of the preacher. In this sermon we cite material from Luke/Acts that shows how gospel preaching is grounded in the work of Christ and includes the call to repent. Baptism is also defined by the work of Christ and signifies that those who trust Christ were buried with Him, raised with Him and made alive with Him. Colossians 3:12, 13 states these truths in connection with baptism. We need to keep being grounded in what is revealed in Scripture and not become unstable. The world is unstable, but believers have every reason to stand firm, grounded in the promises of God.