Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 1:17

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void." — 1 Corinthians 1:17 (ASV)

Not to baptize.—Preaching was eminently the work of the Apostles. The deacons used to baptize (Acts 10:48). The mention of “the preaching of the glad tidings” affords the Apostle an opportunity to state, in vindication of himself, why this—and not philosophy—was the subject of his preaching, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Such, and not inability or ignorance, was the grand cause of his simplicity.