1 Corinthians 1:13-17, Preach the Gospel

1 Corinthians 1:13-17 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 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.

The Apostle Paul’s spiritual mandate is very clear. It is the preach the gospel. This is the focus that souls may be saved. He is not here to bring a gathering after his name. With the few that he baptised, it is for the sake of the gospel, to fulfil Christ’s Commission.

He forbade that the Christians in Corinth have a wrong notion of the mission of the church. If it becomes a holding place for man’s ego, it will fail. Christ has not sent him to baptise although this is a part of the Great Commission. He was to make disciples so that God’s kingdom will be advanced. He is an instrument in God’s hand. The gospel work is not done in his name. He cannot save. Therefore, his preaching has always been to point men to Christ.

When the church loses that focus, it loses its power. When it becomes man-centred and not God-centred, the cross of Christ will be powerless. God will not bless a human endeavour! A subtle difference that made all the difference. He is awakening the Corinthian church to understand the true gospel mandate.

May God’s people in the local church understand too the call to preach the gospel and goes forth to preach the gospel. Amen.