Paul was not under the "Great Commission"

[marks]

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV
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.

Why was Paul not part of the "Great Commission"?

Much love!

 

[Taken]

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV
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.

Why was Paul not part of the "Great Commission"?

Much love!

Perhaps….
Structure? Meaning; there is the structure of a BUILDING, with clerics associated with that structure…Bishops, Deacons, Priests, etc.
Whereby…PEOPLE “go to” those places.
(More so Large crowds)

Paul’s mission was for him to “go to” the PEOPLE….Gentiles, Jews and Kings “where ever THEY be” and PREACH to them.
(More so Smaller gatherings or one on one individuals)

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[Ernest T. Bass]

Paul would be under the great commission as all disciples are from the first century through present time.

(1)
in the immediate context, Paul did baptize people (1 Cor 1:14,16) yet Paul did not sin nor was Paul to stop baptizing people for Paul was under the great commission. Paul himself was water baptized (Acts 22:16) and taught the necessity of water baptism to be "of Christ" thereby saved (1 Cor 1:12-13)

(2)
Examining the great commission, Matt 28:19-20:

"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

Technical information on the Greek language I present can be found in link here:

What is the Purpose of Baptism? (Part 1) - Apologetics Press

Matthew 28:19-20 constitutes the “marching orders” for the apostles in promulgating the spread of Christianity in the first century. Embedded within this “Great Commission” is one of the key prerequisites to being saved: water baptism. The precise wording expressed by Jesus provides...

apologeticspress.org

(quotes from above link are in blue colored font)

The main verb here is "make" with present participles "baptizing" and "teaching". "Present participles indicate action that occurs at the same time as the action of the main verb." Therefore baptizing and teaching is HOW disciples are made.

"Turning now to the Greek grammar of Matthew 28:19-20, our Lord uttered an imperative directive couched in the main verb matheteusate from matheteuo—“to make disciples.” (13) The apostles were to go throughout the world and “make disciples.” Jesus clarified this directive with two present participles: “teaching” and “baptizing.” Southern Baptist scholar of New Testament Greek A.T. Robertson says these two participles in this passage are “modal participles,” (14) i.e., they identify the manner, means, or method by which the action of the main verb is accomplished."
"Samuel Green agreed, listing Matthew 28:19 as an example of the “modal” use, “setting forth the manner in which the given action was performed.”(15) Dana and Mantey state that the “Modal Participle” “may signify the manner in which the action of the main verb is accomplished.”16 Hence, they pinpoint the mode by which the action of the main verb is achieved (also “manner or means”).(17)"

13 James Moulton (1919), A Grammar of New Testament Greek: Accidence and Word Formation (Edinburgh: T.&T. Clark), 2:400.
14 A.T. Robertson (1934), A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research (Nashville, TN: Broadman), p. 1128.
15 Samuel Green (1886), Handbook to the Grammar of the Greek Testament (New York: Fleming H. Revell), p. 332.
16 p. 228. Also Curtis Vaughan and Virtus Gideon (1979), A Greek Grammar of the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman), pp. 157,160
17 See also Burton, p. 172—“The participle expressing manner or means often denotes the same action as that of the principal verb…. [A]s respects its modal function it is a participle of manner or means.” Also Cleon Rogers Jr. and Cleon Rogers III (1998), The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan), p. 66.


Teaching and baptizing is the mode or means by which disciples are 'made'.

Example:
“Go make pancakes, mixing the batter in the porcelain bowl, pouring it on the griddle.” "Make" being the main verb with "mixing" and "pouring" modal participles in how pancakes are made. Hence there are no pancakes if there is no mixing and pouring. There is no such thing as an unmixed, unpoured pancake. Likewise teaching and baptizing are how disciples are made...there is no such thing as an untaught, unbaptized Christian. Mixing alone does not make pancakes, it takes BOTH mixing and pouring. Likewise teaching alone does not make disciples..it takes BOTH teaching and baptizing.

Therefore it would make no sense, it would be self-defeating to make Paul an Apostles to the Gentiles to teach the Gentiles but fail to make disciples of the Gentiles by not baptizing them. Again, it takes BOTH teaching and baptizing to be a disciple according to the great commission. It does not matter if Paul did the baptizing or someone else, it requires baptizing to become a disciple. The issue at Corinth they were dividing themselves over men, following men who baptized them rather than following Christ, hence Paul's words must be understood in this context in that Paul did not want to make "Paulites" out of the Corinthians therefore he had others do the baptizing.

(3)
"For 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."
This is an example of a 'not-but" ellipses where the not and but share the same verb "sent". The idea is Paul was not sent just to baptize but also preach. Emphasis put on preaching over baptizing but not to the total exclusion of baptizing hence Paul DID baptize people.

 

[Lambano]

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV
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.

Why was Paul not part of the "Great Commission"?

Much love!

I'm okay with compartmentalizing the evangelism, discipling (teaching), and baptizing parts of the Great Commission.

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ....27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ...29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27, 30)

 

[Lambano]

I'm okay with compartmentalizing the evangelism, discipling (teaching), and baptizing parts of the Great Commission.

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ....27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ...29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27, 30)

Now, I'd be a little more concerned about Paul's apparent disconnect with the "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" than I would be with the water games stuff, but the "body parts" principle overrides my "2 gospels", "hyperdispensatonalism", and "Jesus's earthly teachings are completely irrelevant" concerns.

 

[marks]

and "Jesus's earthly teachings are completely irrelevant"

Where did that come from??

Much love!

 

[FearTheLord]

Paul was a part of the Great Commission. He evangelized and baptized Jews among gentile nations, but later he shifted his ministry towards gentiles, and baptism wasn't as important.

[Act 19:1-6 NASB95] 1 It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2 He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they [said] to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." 3 And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." 4 Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they [began] speaking with tongues and prophesying.

[Act 28:25-28 NASB95] 25 And when they did not agree with one another, they [began] leaving after Paul had spoken one [parting] word, "The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying, 'GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY, "YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; 27 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM."' 28 "Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen."​

Baptism was a sign to the Israelites to signal the shift into the New Covenant. The gentiles didn't really have the scriptures to understand the symbolism of water baptism.

[Eze 36:25-27 NASB95] 25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.​

 

[Verily]

Here's how Paul baptized them

Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

It shows that these were baptized by what they heard

 

[DJT_47]

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV
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.

Why was Paul not part of the "Great Commission"?

Much love!

That's really not what is meant by the verse in 1 Cor about Paul not being sent to baptize. He did in fact baptize some as he stated but the baptizing was done mostly by Apollos. Read a bit further to 1 Cor 3:6
6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase

 

[marks]

That's really not what is meant by the verse in 1 Cor about Paul not being sent to baptize. He did in fact baptize some as he stated but the baptizing was done mostly by Apollos. Read a bit further to 1 Cor 3:6
6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase

I don't think that's what Paul meant when he said, Apollos watered.

Though Paul did in fact say he was not sent to baptize, while in the Great Commission, they were specifically sent to baptize. I pay close attention to things like this.

Much love!

 

[DJT_47]

I don't think that's what Paul meant when he said, Apollos watered.

Though Paul did in fact say he was not sent to baptize, while in the Great Commission, they were specifically sent to baptize. I pay close attention to things like this.

Much love!

Preaching as Paul did is of no value without those who are preached to ultimately are baptized, so, what was Paul's mission?? Just to preach without those preached to not being saved, since hearing is useless unless it results in total obedience, thereby being saved. You can believe what you hear, but if you don't act upon it, it's useless and vain. Paul was the preacher, the convincer, one who was a great example of how a person can be totally turned around, from being a persecuter to one being persecuted. Was his mission ultimately not to have those he preached to be baptized into the body of Christ? I don't think so, since that's the ultimate objective. Was he doing the bulk of immersing? Doesn't appear so, but rather, Apollos was. That's my view of it. Believe what you like.

 

[Johann]

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV
18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV
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.

Why was Paul not part of the "Great Commission"?

Much love!

Why?

Distinct Calling and Role: Paul clarifies in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that his primary mission was to preach the gospel, rather than to baptize. His calling, unlike the original apostles, was specifically to take the gospel to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15; Romans 11:13). While the Great Commission given by Christ in Matthew 28:19-20 emphasized baptism alongside making disciples, Paul was focused on spreading the message of Christ and establishing churches, particularly among non-Jews.

Paul's Emphasis on Preaching: In 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul contrasts his mission of preaching the gospel with "wisdom of words" to emphasize that the power of the gospel does not lie in human eloquence or rituals like baptism, but in the cross of Christ itself. This was essential in an age where many, especially in Greek society, valued rhetoric and wisdom. By focusing on preaching, Paul aimed to prevent the gospel from being reduced to a mere intellectual pursuit or religious ritual.

Baptism's Role: While Paul did not focus on baptizing, this does not diminish its importance in his ministry. He still recognized baptism as part of Christian initiation (see Romans 6:3-4). However, his focus on preaching highlights the centrality of the message of the cross rather than any one specific act like baptism. In 1 Corinthians 1:14-16, Paul expresses gratitude that he had baptized so few, which shows that baptism was not his main function but part of the broader Christian practice.

The Great Commission and Paul’s Apostolic Work: The Great Commission in Matthew 28 was primarily given to the apostles and early disciples who were tasked with spreading the message, making disciples, and baptizing. Paul, as an apostle to the Gentiles, followed this commission but with a distinct focus on preaching the gospel as the means by which people are drawn to Christ.


Paul was part of the broader commission to spread the gospel, but his specific mission to preach, particularly to the Gentiles, did not prioritize baptism as much as it did the proclamation of the cross. This distinction highlights both the diversity of roles in early Christian ministry and the centrality of the message of Christ’s death and resurrection.

For further reading on Paul's role in the early church, you might refer to:

The Cambridge History of Christianity (Volume 1) for insights on early Christian missions.
Paul and His Letters by C.K. Barrett for a deeper exploration of Paul's ministry and mission.

J.

 

[Ernest T. Bass]

The context of 1 Cor often gets ignored by those trying to undermine the necessity of baptism.

There was sinful division at the congregation at Corinth, vs10-12. Instead of all following after Christ they were following the person who had baptized them, some said they were of Paul, of Apollos or of Cephas.

To unite them all to be of Christ, Paul shows the necessity of being baptized to be of Christ., vs 12-13. To be "of" someone, two things must be true of that someone:
1) that someone must be crucified for you
2) you must be baptized in that someone's name

Paul's point, since these two things are only true of Christ, they could not be of Paul, Apollos, Cephas or any other man, hence they should all be "of" Christ.

Was Christ crucified for you? Yes, Christ tasted death for all men, (Heb 2). Then why aren't all men saved? For all men will not be baptized in the name of Christ. The phrase "in the name of" is a legal term. I buy a new car, I take the paper work to the clerk's office and have the car registered in the name of Ernest T Bass. It's a term that shows ownership. Those who have not been baptized have not come into the ownership of Christ.

Paul clearly teaches the necessity of baptism to be saved, to be of Christ. Not once did Paul ever say baptism (noun) was not necessary to being saved.

Paul says "I thank God that I baptized (verb) none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;" Because baptism (noun) is not necessary? NO! Paul was hesitant about baptizing (verb) those in Corinth NOT because baptism (noun) is unnecessary but because " Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." Paul did not want to create followers of himself by baptizing (verb) them, he did not want to be accused of creating "Paulites" that would call themselves of Paul, he did not want people to think he was baptizing men into his possession, hence he had others do the bulk of baptizing (verb). Yet Paul NEVER said baptism (noun) is unnecessary for Paul did require baptism to be of Christ.

Reverse the argument:
Baptists require one to be baptized to become a member of the Baptist denomination. When Baptists use 1 Cor 1:17 to push the narrative baptism is not necessary in order to be saved, then it must also mean being a member of the Baptist denomination is equally unnecessary to salvation. If baptism is not essential to salvation, then membership in the Baptist denomination is equally unnecessary to salvation.
If Paul were alive today he would be saying 'thank God I made none of you Baptists".
Since membership in the one body, the one church is necessary to being saved, the Baptist denomination cannot be that one body, one church of the NT.

===================================

1 Cor 1:17 is a not-but elliptical where the not and but share the common verb sent...Paul was not just sent to baptize but also preach. Paul did not have to be the one doing the baptizing. It was irrelevant who did the baptizing but preaching was relevant (1 Cor 9:16) to Paul. Baptizing therefore is necessary (1 Cor 1:12-13) as preaching is necessary but it's not relevant as to who is doing the baptizing. Again, from the great commission of Matt 28:19-20 teaching AND baptizing are the modes by which disciples are made. Teaching alone does not make one a disciple. Hence there is not such thing as an untaught, unbaptized Christian.

Jn 6:27
Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life.....
Another example. The not and but share the same verb work. Jesus is not literally saying one does not have to work for the physical food he eats (2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8) but the idea is one is to not just work for the food for the physical body but also for the spiritual food.

Jn 12:44
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
The not and but share the common verb believeth. Jesus is not making a nonsensical, contradictory statement nor is He saying salvation does not require belief in Him. The idea is one does not just believe on Christ but also believes on God.

 

[Johann]

The context of 1 Cor often gets ignored by those trying to undermine the necessity of baptism.

There was sinful division at the congregation at Corinth, vs10-12. Instead of all following after Christ they were following the person who had baptized them, some said they were of Paul, of Apollos or of Cephas.

To unite them all to be of Christ, Paul shows the necessity of being baptized to be of Christ., vs 12-13. To be "of" someone, two things must be true of that someone:
1) that someone must be crucified for you
2) you must be baptized in that someone's name

Paul's point, since these two things are only true of Christ, they could not be of Paul, Apollos, Cephas or any other man, hence they should all be "of" Christ.

Was Christ crucified for you? Yes, Christ tasted death for all men, (Heb 2). Then why aren't all men saved? For all men will not be baptized in the name of Christ. The phrase "in the name of" is a legal term. I buy a new car, I take the paper work to the clerk's office and have the car registered in the name of Ernest T Bass. It's a term that shows ownership. Those who have not been baptized have not come into the ownership of Christ.

Paul clearly teaches the necessity of baptism to be saved, to be of Christ. Not once did Paul ever say baptism (noun) was not necessary to being saved.

Paul says "I thank God that I baptized (verb) none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;" Because baptism (noun) is not necessary? NO! Paul was hesitant about baptizing (verb) those in Corinth NOT because baptism (noun) is unnecessary but because " Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." Paul did not want to create followers of himself by baptizing (verb) them, he did not want to be accused of creating "Paulites" that would call themselves of Paul, he did not want people to think he was baptizing men into his possession, hence he had others do the bulk of baptizing (verb). Yet Paul NEVER said baptism (noun) is unnecessary for Paul did require baptism to be of Christ.

Reverse the argument:
Baptists require one to be baptized to become a member of the Baptist denomination. When Baptists use 1 Cor 1:17 to push the narrative baptism is not necessary in order to be saved, then it must also mean being a member of the Baptist denomination is equally unnecessary to salvation. If baptism is not essential to salvation, then membership in the Baptist denomination is equally unnecessary to salvation.
If Paul were alive today he would be saying 'thank God I made none of you Baptists".

===================================

1 Cor 1:17 is a not-but elliptical where the not and but share the common verb sent...Paul was not just sent to baptize but also preach. Paul did not have to be the one doing the baptizing. It was irrelevant who did the baptizing but preaching was relevant (1 Cor 9:16) to Paul. Baptizing therefore is necessary (1 Cor 1:12-13) as preaching is necessary but it's not relevant as to who is doing the baptizing. Again, from the great commission of Matt 28:19-20 teaching AND baptizing are the modes by which disciples are made. Teaching alone does not make one a disciple. Hence there is not such thing as an untaught, unbaptized Christian.

Jn 6:27
Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life.....
Another example. The not and but share the same verb work. Jesus is not literally saying one does not have to work for the physical food he eats (2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8) but the idea is one is to not just work for the food for the physical body but also for the spiritual food.

Jn 12:44
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
The not and but share the common verb believeth. Jesus is not making a nonsensical, contradictory statement nor is He saying salvation does not require belief in Him. The idea is one does not just believe on Christ but also believes on God.

The question persists: To be baptized, or not to be baptized?

It’s remarkable how this foundational subject sparks such deep division within the body of Christ, despite its prominence in Scripture as part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The New Testament highlights baptism's importance as a response to faith, repentance, and submission to Christ's lordship (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).

Still, differing interpretations on its role in salvation, symbolism, and timing continue to divide Christians today.

Thanks @Ernest T. Bass.

J.

 

[DJT_47]

The question persists: To be baptized, or not to be baptized?

It’s remarkable how this foundational subject sparks such deep division within the body of Christ, despite its prominence in Scripture as part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The New Testament highlights baptism's importance as a response to faith, repentance, and submission to Christ's lordship (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).

Still, differing interpretations on its role in salvation, symbolism, and timing continue to divide Christians today.

Thanks @Ernest T. Bass.

J.

The question to be baptized or not is a question only among the foolish. It's amazing the great lengths people go to, in a feeble effort to negate the absolute necessity of baptism as relates to salvation.


Mk 16:15-16

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

[Johann]

The question to be baptized or not is a question only among the foolish. It's amazing the great lengths people go to, in a feeble effort to negate the absolute necessity of baptism as relates to salvation.


Mk 16:15-16

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Indeed, there are several verses in the Pauline epistles that highlight faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation, often without explicit mention of water baptism. For example:

Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) - “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

This passage shows the importance of belief in Christ for salvation but does not mention baptism directly.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith alone, and not through works or rituals, such as baptism.

Acts 16:31 (NIV) - “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.’”

While not from the Pauline epistles specifically, this is Paul's teaching, and it highlights belief in Jesus Christ as the central requirement for salvation.

In these passages, faith in Jesus is presented as the foundation for salvation, with no direct reference to water baptism as a requirement. However, when looking at the New Testament as a whole, baptism is also frequently discussed, especially in contexts that complement faith, such as in Romans 6:4 and Galatians 3:27, where it signifies the believer's identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

This balance between faith and baptism is central to many theological debates. While faith is certainly the prerequisite for salvation, baptism is often viewed as an important obedience to Christ's commands and a sign of the believer's public profession of faith.

Paradoxical-isn't it?

J.

 

[DJT_47]

Indeed, there are several verses in the Pauline epistles that highlight faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation, often without explicit mention of water baptism. For example:

Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) - “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

This passage shows the importance of belief in Christ for salvation but does not mention baptism directly.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Paul emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, received by faith alone, and not through works or rituals, such as baptism.

Acts 16:31 (NIV) - “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.’”

While not from the Pauline epistles specifically, this is Paul's teaching, and it highlights belief in Jesus Christ as the central requirement for salvation.

In these passages, faith in Jesus is presented as the foundation for salvation, with no direct reference to water baptism as a requirement. However, when looking at the New Testament as a whole, baptism is also frequently discussed, especially in contexts that complement faith, such as in Romans 6:4 and Galatians 3:27, where it signifies the believer's identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

This balance between faith and baptism is central to many theological debates. While faith is certainly the prerequisite for salvation, baptism is often viewed as an important obedience to Christ's commands and a sign of the believer's public profession of faith.

Paradoxical-isn't it?

J.

And the need for repentance is not mentioned by the Lord in Mark 16:15-16, nor is confessionwirh the mouth. Does that mean repentance and verbal confession are not necessary because they not mentioned in this scripture? NO! All scripture must be be accumulated to discern the total of requirements necessary, and when you tally up all that's required to be saved, you get the following
1. Belief and faith
2. Confession of belief as did the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 and consistent with Romans 10: 8-10
3. Repentance as the jews were told to do in Acts 2:38
4. Immersion in water, baptism, for the remission of sins also per Acts 2:38

 

[Johann]

And the need for repentance is not mentioned by the Lord in Mark 16:15-16, nor is confessionwirh the mouth. Does that mean repentance and verbal confession are not necessary because they not mentioned in this scripture? NO! All scripture must be be accumulated to discern the total of requirements necessary, and when you tally up all that's required to be saved, you get the following
1. Belief and faith
2. Confession of belief as did the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 and consistent with Romans 10: 8-10
3. Repentance as the jews were told to do in Acts 2:38
4. Immersion in water, baptism, for the remission of sins also per Acts 2:38

Oh well, I've tried.

J.

 

[GodsGrace]

The context of 1 Cor often gets ignored by those trying to undermine the necessity of baptism.

There was sinful division at the congregation at Corinth, vs10-12. Instead of all following after Christ they were following the person who had baptized them, some said they were of Paul, of Apollos or of Cephas.

To unite them all to be of Christ, Paul shows the necessity of being baptized to be of Christ., vs 12-13. To be "of" someone, two things must be true of that someone:
1) that someone must be crucified for you
2) you must be baptized in that someone's name

Paul's point, since these two things are only true of Christ, they could not be of Paul, Apollos, Cephas or any other man, hence they should all be "of" Christ.

Was Christ crucified for you? Yes, Christ tasted death for all men, (Heb 2). Then why aren't all men saved? For all men will not be baptized in the name of Christ. The phrase "in the name of" is a legal term. I buy a new car, I take the paper work to the clerk's office and have the car registered in the name of Ernest T Bass. It's a term that shows ownership. Those who have not been baptized have not come into the ownership of Christ.

Paul clearly teaches the necessity of baptism to be saved, to be of Christ. Not once did Paul ever say baptism (noun) was not necessary to being saved.

Paul says "I thank God that I baptized (verb) none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;" Because baptism (noun) is not necessary? NO! Paul was hesitant about baptizing (verb) those in Corinth NOT because baptism (noun) is unnecessary but because " Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." Paul did not want to create followers of himself by baptizing (verb) them, he did not want to be accused of creating "Paulites" that would call themselves of Paul, he did not want people to think he was baptizing men into his possession, hence he had others do the bulk of baptizing (verb). Yet Paul NEVER said baptism (noun) is unnecessary for Paul did require baptism to be of Christ.

Reverse the argument:
Baptists require one to be baptized to become a member of the Baptist denomination. When Baptists use 1 Cor 1:17 to push the narrative baptism is not necessary in order to be saved, then it must also mean being a member of the Baptist denomination is equally unnecessary to salvation. If baptism is not essential to salvation, then membership in the Baptist denomination is equally unnecessary to salvation.
If Paul were alive today he would be saying 'thank God I made none of you Baptists".
Since membership in the one body, the one church is necessary to being saved, the Baptist denomination cannot be that one body, one church of the NT.

===================================

1 Cor 1:17 is a not-but elliptical where the not and but share the common verb sent...Paul was not just sent to baptize but also preach. Paul did not have to be the one doing the baptizing. It was irrelevant who did the baptizing but preaching was relevant (1 Cor 9:16) to Paul. Baptizing therefore is necessary (1 Cor 1:12-13) as preaching is necessary but it's not relevant as to who is doing the baptizing. Again, from the great commission of Matt 28:19-20 teaching AND baptizing are the modes by which disciples are made. Teaching alone does not make one a disciple. Hence there is not such thing as an untaught, unbaptized Christian.

Jn 6:27
Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life.....
Another example. The not and but share the same verb work. Jesus is not literally saying one does not have to work for the physical food he eats (2 Thess 3:10; 1 Tim 5:8) but the idea is one is to not just work for the food for the physical body but also for the spiritual food.

Jn 12:44
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
The not and but share the common verb believeth. Jesus is not making a nonsensical, contradictory statement nor is He saying salvation does not require belief in Him. The idea is one does not just believe on Christ but also believes on God.

Great post!

I have a question for you:

John baptized for the forgiveness of sins, (for repentance in the Matthew verse...)
One would come after him that would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit.
What does this mean?

Matthew 3:11
11“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

 

[DJT_47]

Oh well, I've tried.

J.

Trying is not important: arriving at the truth is. It's not a contest of you versus me, or my knowledge versus yours, it's a matter of discerning the truth so all can benefit. May the Lord be with you.