1 Corinthians 1:17 - Exposition

Sent me not to baptize, but; that is, according to Semitic idiom, "not so much to baptize, as" ( Matthew 28:19 ). The word "sent" ( apesteilen ) involves the meaning "made me an apostle" ( apostolos ) . The primary function of the apostles was "to bear witness" ( Mark 16:15 ; Acts 1:8 , etc.). To preach the gospel. St. Paul again "goes off" at this word, and dwells for eight verses on the character of his preaching. Not in wisdom of words; not, that is, in a philosophic and oratorical style. The simplicity of the style and teaching of the apostles awoke the sneers of philosophers like Celsus and Porphyry. The cross of Christ . The central doctrine of Christianity, the preaching of a crucified Redeemer. Should be made void. The rendering of the Authorized Version is too strong; the cross cannot "be made of none effect." The word means "should be emptied"; made void of its special and independent power. The words, "the cross of Christ," form the emphatic end of the sentence in the Greek.