Untitled article | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, July 16, 1867

“And I baptized also the household of Stephanas; besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.”

In reference to the doubt here expressed by the apostle concerning the persons he had baptized, Dr. Clarke remarks:

“I do not recollect that there is any person now residing in Corinth, or Achaia, besides the above mentioned, whom I have baptized. It is strange that the doubt here expressed by the apostle should be construed so as to affect his inspiration! What, does the inspiration of prophet or apostle necessarily imply that he must understand the geography of the universe, and have an intuitive knowledge of all the inhabitants of the earth, and how often, and where they may have changed their residence! Inspiration was given to the holy men of old that they might be able to write and proclaim the mind of God in the things which concern the salvation of men.”

The phrase, I know not, “indicates,” says the Comprehensive Commentary, “the little interest he [Paul] took in the matter.” He cared not whether he or some one else baptized them, provided only they were baptized, and became the followers of Christ. He took care not to single out and watch over his own converts, nor give them any occasion to form themselves into a body of schismatics. Thus his enemies were deprived of the privilege of accusing him of drawing partisans to himself.