1 Corinthians 1:17

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.

Cross References

John 4:1

Therefore, when the Lord [Jesus] knew that the Pharisees were aware of Him making and immersing more disciples than John,

John 4:2

– See Verse 3

Acts 10:48

So, Peter commanded them to be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ. Then Cornelius and his household asked Peter to stay on for a number of days.

1 Corinthians 2:1

And when I came to you, brothers, it was not with eloquent words or[superior] wisdom that I proclaimed to you the testimony [or, mystery] about God.

1 Corinthians 2:13

These also are the things we [apostles] speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but [in words] taught by the Holy Spirit. We use [or, combine] Spirit-taught words to express [or, with] Spirit-given truth.

2 Corinthians 1:12

For this is what we boast of: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and godly sincerity, not with human wisdom, but with the favor of God.

2 Corinthians 10:10

For some people are saying, “Paul’s letters are heavy and severe, but in person he is weak [physically (?)] and his speaking ability is unimpressive.”

2 Corinthians 11:6

But even though I am an unpolished speaker, I am not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way.

2 Corinthians 4:2

Instead, we have renounced [the practice of] secret, disgraceful behavior. We do not practice deception, nor resort to distorting God’s message. But, by making known the truth [i.e., the true message], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the presence of God.

2 Peter 1:16

For we did not use cleverly conceived stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, because we were eyewitnesses of His Majesty [i.e., the apostles had personally seen the miraculous power of Jesus].