14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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. (1 Corinthians 1:14-17 KJV )
Paul’s account of those he baptized
The apostle explains his ministry among the Corinthians. He thanks God that he baptized only a few of them—Crispus (a former synagogue leader, Acts 18:8), Gaius, and the household of Stephanas—adding that he couldn’t recall baptizing anyone else (1 Corinthians 1:14-16). This wasn’t because he saw baptism as unimportant or had neglected his duty. Rather, he was grateful that in the specific context of Corinth, he had baptized so few, to avoid the impression that he was making disciples for himself or promoting a faction in his own name.
Paul prioritized preaching over baptizing, not because baptism wasn’t part of the apostolic commission, but because his time and gifts were best used in proclaiming the gospel. Others could administer baptism, but preaching Christ was a task uniquely suited to him. So he says, “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17)—not that he wasn’t authorized to baptize, but that his primary mission was preaching.
Ministers should devote themselves especially to the work in which Christ will be most honored and souls most likely saved, while still being faithful to all their responsibilities. Paul’s main work in Corinth was preaching the message of the cross—Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:17-18, 23). He didn’t preach his own ideas but the good news of peace and reconciliation with God through a crucified Redeemer. Christ crucified is the core of the gospel, the foundation of our joy and salvation. Through his death, we have life. This was Paul’s message, and it should be the message of every faithful minister and the hope of every believer.