King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:16 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:16 in the King James Version says “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 1:16 · KJV

Context

14

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

15

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

16

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

17

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. words: or, speech

18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other (ebaptisa de kai ton Stephana oikon, ἐβάπτισα δὲ καὶ τὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον)—Paul suddenly recalls one more household he baptized: Stephanas and his household. This appears to be an afterthought, almost comedic in tone, as if Paul is racking his memory: "Oh yes, and Stephanas—but other than that, I don't think anyone else." The household (oikos, οἶκος) likely included family members, slaves, and dependents—a common pattern in NT household conversions (Acts 16:15, 31-34).

Paul's vagueness—I know not whether I baptized any other—underscores his point: he genuinely did not keep score or build a baptismal resume. He was not accumulating disciples or building a faction. Later (16:15-16), Paul commends Stephanas's household as the "firstfruits of Achaia" and urges submission to them—they are servants, not factional leaders.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stephanas's household is mentioned again in 16:15-17 as having devoted themselves to the service of the saints and visited Paul in Ephesus. They appear to be mature, faithful Christians—exactly the kind of leadership the fractured Corinthian church needs. Paul's mention of them here is not to boast but to ensure complete honesty: "Yes, I baptized Stephanas too, now that I think of it."

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's inability (or unwillingness) to remember everyone he baptized teach us about ministry motivations?
  2. How does the pattern of household baptisms in Acts and here inform our understanding of covenant community and family discipleship?
  3. Why is it significant that Paul does not keep a tally of his ministry achievements?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἐβάπτισα1 of 13

“I baptized”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

δὲ2 of 13

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 13

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν4 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Στεφανᾶ5 of 13

“of Stephanas”

G4734

stephanas, a christian

οἶκον6 of 13

“the household”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

λοιπὸν7 of 13

“besides”

G3063

something remaining (adverbially)

οὐκ8 of 13

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἶδα9 of 13

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

εἴ10 of 13
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τινα11 of 13
G5100

some or any person or object

ἄλλον12 of 13

“other”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἐβάπτισα13 of 13

“I baptized”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 1:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16:151 Corinthians 16:17Acts 16:33Acts 16:15

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