Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 1:16

"And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other." — 1 Corinthians 1:16 (ASV)

And I baptized also the household. The family. Whether there were any infants in the family does not appear. It is certain that the family was among the first converts to Christianity in Achaia, and that it had shown great zeal in aiding those who were Christians (see 1 Corinthians 16:15).

From the manner in which Paul mentions this, it is probable that Stephanas did not reside at Corinth when he was baptized, though he might have subsequently moved there. Paul seems to be saying, "I baptized none of you (1 Corinthians 1:14), that is, none of those who permanently lived at Corinth, or who were members of the original church there, but Crispus and Gaius—but I also baptized the family of Stephanas, now of your number."

Alternatively, it may mean, "I baptized none of you who are adult members of the church, but Crispus and Gaius, though I also baptized the family of Stephanas." If this is the true interpretation, then it forms an argument to prove that Paul practiced household baptism, or the baptism of the families of those who were themselves believers.

Or the expression may simply indicate a recollection of the true circumstances of the case—a type of correction to the statement in 1 Corinthians 1:14: "I recollect now also that I baptized the family of Stephanas."

Household. The Greek word is oikon. This refers to the house, the family. The word comprises the whole family, including adults, domestic servants, slaves, and children. It includes:

1. The men in a house (Acts 7:10; 1 Timothy 3:4, 5, 12).

2. Domestic servants (Acts 10:2; Acts 11:14; Acts 16:15, 31; 1 Timothy 3:4).

3. The family in general (Luke 10:5; Luke 16:27; cited from Bretschneider).

It was the custom, doubtless, for the apostles to baptize the entire household, whatever the age, including domestic servants, slaves, and children. The head of a family gave up the entire household to God.

Of Stephanas. Who Stephanas was is not known. The Greek commentators say that he was the jailer of Philippi who, after he had been baptized (Acts 16:33), moved with his family to Corinth. But of this there is no certain evidence.

Besides. Besides these.

I know not, etc. I do not know whether I baptized any others who are now members of that church. Paul would, doubtless, remember that he had baptized others in other places, but he is speaking here particularly of Corinth. This is not to be urged as an argument against the inspiration of Paul, for the following reasons:

1. It was not the design of inspiration to free the memory from defect in ordinary transactions, or in those things which were not to be received for the instruction of the church.

2. Paul's meaning may simply be: "I do not know who of the original members of the church at Corinth may have moved, or who may have died; I do not know who may have moved to Corinth from other places where I have preached and baptized, and consequently I cannot know whether I may not have baptized some others of your present number." It is evident, however, that if he had baptized any others, the number was small.