1 Corinthians 1:16 kjv

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

1 Corinthians 1:16 nkjv

Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

1 Corinthians 1:16 niv

(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.)

1 Corinthians 1:16 esv

(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)

1 Corinthians 1:16 nlt

(Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don't remember baptizing anyone else.)

1 Corinthians 1 verses

1 Corinthians 1 16 Meaning

In this verse, Paul recalls specifically baptizing the household of Stephanas, reinforcing his previous statements about having baptized only Crispus and Gaius. The primary thrust of this verse, however, is not a meticulous record-keeping of baptisms, but rather Paul's intentional de-emphasis of his personal role as the baptizer. He states he cannot recall if he baptized anyone else, thereby underscoring his main apostolic commission: to preach the Gospel of Christ, not to administer baptism, and to prevent any basis for factionalism within the Corinthian church rooted in the identity of the baptizer.

1 Corinthians 1 16 Context

First Corinthians is a letter from Paul addressing numerous issues within the church in Corinth. Beginning in 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul confronts severe divisions among believers, who were identifying themselves by their allegiance to different leaders—some claiming to follow Paul, others Apollos, others Cephas (Peter), and some Christ. These factions were undermining the unity and very essence of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 1:14-16, Paul asserts that he only personally baptized a very few individuals, specifically Crispus, Gaius (v. 14), and then adds the household of Stephanas (v. 16). His intention is to draw attention away from himself or other human agents as central figures, diverting the Corinthians' focus back to Christ Himself, who alone died for them (v. 13) and in whose name they were baptized. The specific mention of baptizing very few individuals serves to diminish any pride or allegiance based on who performed the ritual.

Historically, baptism was the visible entry into the Christian community. In the Greco-Roman world, the "household" (oikos) was a foundational social unit encompassing immediate family, relatives, servants, and slaves. When the head of a household converted, it was common for the entire household to follow, underscoring the communal and transformative power of the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 1 16 Word analysis

• And I baptized also (καὶ ἐβάπτισα δὲ - kai ebaptisa de): The conjunction "καὶ" (kai) meaning "and" connects this statement to Paul's previous denials of extensive baptizing. "ἐβάπτισα" (ebaptisa), from baptizō, means to immerse, submerge, or wash, indicating the practice of water baptism as a Christian rite of initiation. The particle "δὲ" (de) here adds a slightly emphatic or additive sense, meaning "and also" or "moreover," showing Paul's recalling another specific case.
• the household (τὸν οἶκον - ton oikon): "οἶκον" (oikon) refers to the entire domestic unit or family, which in ancient society included not only immediate family members (parents, children) but also servants, slaves, and other dependents living under the patriarch's authority. Its usage here is significant as it aligns with other New Testament accounts of entire households embracing faith and being baptized, suggesting a communal acceptance of Christianity.
• of Stephanas (Στεφανᾶ - Stephanā): Stephanas is identified elsewhere in 1 Corinthians 16:15 as "the firstfruits of Achaia" and a household that "devoted themselves to the service of the saints." His household represents some of the earliest and most dedicated converts in the region, known for their exemplary commitment to Christ.
• besides, (λοιπόν - loipon): This word indicates "furthermore," "for the rest," or "additionally." In this context, it marks a transition, implying that apart from the specific individuals mentioned (Crispus, Gaius, Stephanas' household), Paul has nothing more to add concerning his baptizing activity, and his memory is clear that these were the only ones he recalls.
• I know not (οὐκ οἶδα - ouk oida): "οὐκ" (ouk) is the absolute negative "no," and "οἶδα" (oida) means "I know." The phrase "οὐκ οἶδα" translates directly to "I do not know." This is not necessarily an admission of poor memory in general, but rather a strong rhetorical statement emphasizing his detachment from the specifics of who performed baptisms. It underscores that this aspect was not a priority for his apostolic commission.
• whether I baptized any other (εἰ ἄλλον τινά - ei allon tina): "εἰ" (ei) means "if" or "whether," indicating uncertainty or a conditional clause. "ἄλλον" (allon) means "another" or "other," and "τινά" (tina) means "someone" or "anyone." This entire phrase signifies that Paul cannot recall if there was any additional individual besides Crispus, Gaius, and Stephanas' household that he personally baptized. The very statement reduces the perceived significance of the baptizer.

Words-group analysis:

• "the household of Stephanas": This phrase highlights the early church pattern of corporate conversion and baptism. It emphasizes that belief and initiation into the Christian community often encompassed entire familial units rather than solely isolated individuals, reflecting the strong social fabric of the time. This group stands out as notable converts Paul remembered personally baptizing.
• "besides, I know not whether I baptized any other": This serves as a potent rhetorical device. It conveys Paul's disinterest in listing those he baptized because it was not his central task. His "not knowing" reinforces that his focus was entirely on preaching the gospel of the cross, thereby deflecting any Corinthian attempts to form parties based on "who" baptized them. It underscores Paul's humble approach to ministry and his singular devotion to Christ's message.

1 Corinthians 1 16 Bonus section

• Apostolic Ministry Focus: Paul's self-assessment reveals a hierarchy in his apostolic calling: preaching the Gospel takes absolute precedence over performing the ritual of baptism. This illustrates that for Paul, the spoken word and the content of the message were primary, while rites, though important, were secondary in terms of who administered them.
• Theology of Baptism: While downplaying his role as administrator, Paul does not diminish the significance of baptism itself. Instead, he shifts the focus from the human baptizer to the divine nature of the act and its object (identification with Christ), thus upholding its spiritual importance within the context of Christian initiation.
• Combating Human-Centric Christianity: This verse is a vital antidote to any temptation to elevate human instruments in God's service. It serves as a reminder that spiritual life and authority flow from God alone through Christ, not through the personality or prowess of any individual minister, no matter how gifted or foundational to the church's establishment.

1 Corinthians 1 16 Commentary

1 Corinthians 1:16 is an extension of Paul's crucial argument against sectarianism in the Corinthian church. By acknowledging the baptism of Stephanas' household and then quickly dismissing further recollection of any other personal baptisms, Paul underscores a foundational truth: the efficacy and authority of baptism derive from Christ alone, not from the human administrator. His explicit statement, "Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel" (1 Cor 1:17), clarifies his apostolic mandate.

This verse helps dismantle the pride and division among the Corinthians, who were exalting human leaders like Apollos, Cephas, and Paul himself. By de-emphasizing his role in baptism, Paul communicates that being baptized "by Paul" confers no special status or spiritual advantage. The true power lies in the content of the message proclaimed (Christ crucified) and the spiritual reality of identification with Christ, symbolized in baptism.

The inclusion of "the household of Stephanas" subtly affirms the early church's practice of whole households converting. It suggests that, in the social structure of the time, the faith and subsequent baptism of a household head often extended to those within their sphere of influence and responsibility, implying the communal nature of early Christian belief and initiation.

In essence, Paul strategically downplays his administrative function to uplift Christ's preeminence, teaching the Corinthians (and us) that unity in the church hinges on common devotion to Christ, not on allegiance to human figures or specific rituals administered by them.