1 Corinthians 1:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:16 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:16 records Paul mentioning that he also baptized the household of Stephanas, and apart from that, he does not remember baptizing anyone else. Paul is clarifying the limited number of people he personally baptized among the Corinthian believers.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing divisions among them about which leader they follow. In this verse, Paul is careful to recall only a few baptisms he performed himself, emphasizing that his main role was not to baptize but to preach the gospel. This detail supports his larger point that loyalty should not be to the person who baptized them, but to Christ.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:16

• οἶκος (oikos, G3624): This word means "household" and often refers to an entire family or those living under one roof, not just a single individual. Paul’s mention of baptizing the "household of Stephanas" suggests that baptism included more than just Stephanas himself, possibly his family or servants.
• βαπτίζω (baptizō, G907): This verb means "to baptize" or "to immerse." Paul uses this word twice in the verse, highlighting the specific act he performed and making clear the limited scope of his baptizing activity.
• λοιπός (loipos, G3063): Translated as "besides" or "other," this word shows Paul’s uncertainty about baptizing anyone else, stressing his point that the act of baptism itself was not his main focus.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:16 matters

• This verse helps clear up any idea that Paul was trying to gather followers for himself through baptism, underlining that his mission was to point people to Christ, not to himself.
• Paul’s careful memory about whom he baptized supports his argument against the divisions in the Corinthian church based on loyalty to human leaders.
• The mention of the household of Stephanas connects to later references in the letter, showing their ongoing importance in the Corinthian church and Paul’s relationship with them.