Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Corinthians 1:15-18

"lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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. For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God." — 1 Corinthians 1:15-18 (ASV)

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

I suppose that, in that church, with its many eloquent speakers and men of knowledge, a spirit of emulation arose among them about who should speak best. Sadly, some brethren were tempted to find novel meanings in the Word and to come to the meetings to tell of their wonderful discoveries. The apostle says that he did not preach that way; he kept to the cross of Christ, which some considered to be mere foolishness. "We know all about that," they said.

"Ah, but!" replied the apostle, "unto us which are saved it is the power of God."