ance with its terms when revealed. They were in Christ (i. e. converted), not because they were wiser, better, or more dis- tinguished than others, but simply because God had chosen or called them, vs. 26-30. The design of God in all this was to humble men so that he who glories should glory in the Lord. V. 31.
17. Por 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.
For indicates the connection. ' I baptized few, for I was not sent to baptize, but to preach.' The commission was, " Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." This does not mean that baptism was not included, but it does mean that baptizing was very inferior to preaching. It is subordinated in the very form of the commission, " Go ye therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them," &c. The main thing was to make disciples ; recognizing them as such by baptism was subordinate, though commanded. Bap- tism was a work which the apostles seem to have generally left to others. Acts 10, 48. During the apostolic age, and in the apostolic form of religion, truth stood immeasurably above external rites. The apostasy of the church consisted in mak- ing rites more important than truth. The apostle's manner of speaking of baptism in this connection as subordinate to preaching is, therefore, a wonder to those who are disposed unduly to exalt the sacraments, as may be seen in Olshausen's remarks on vs. 13-16. We must not infer from this that bap- tism is of little importance, or that it may be safely neglected. Although Paul controverted the Jewish doctrine that circum- cision secured salvation and was necessary to its attainment, he nevertheless admitted that its advantages were great every way, Rom. 3, 2. And in the Old Testament it is expressly said that the uncircumcised man-child should be cut off from the people, i. e. deprived of the benefits of the theocracy. While therefore it is unscriptural to make baptism essential to salvation or a certain means of regeneration, it is nevertheless a dangerous act of disobedience to undervalue or neglect it.
His preaching Paul describes by saying it was " not with the \\4sdom of words," (ovk Iv (7o<^ta \6yov). So. far as the sig- nification of these words is concerned, the meaning may be, 1. Not with skilful discourse, that is, eloquence. 2. Or, not with philosophical discourse, that is, not in an abstract or