Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Corinthians 1:16-17

"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." — 1 Corinthians 1:16-17 (ASV)

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:

There were other people who could baptize for him: it was therefore sufficient for him to concentrate all his energies upon the one matter of preaching the gospel.

This was not because he neglected the divine command, but rather because it was not necessary for him, any more than for his Master, to baptize personally; for we read that Jesus Christ baptized not, but his disciples.

This was not intended to put a dishonor upon the ordinance, but to let us see that the ordinance does not depend upon the man, but upon that sacred name into which we are baptized, and upon the true faith of the person baptized.