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1 Corinthians 1:16

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
1 Corinthians 1:16 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?
14I thank God that I baptized none of you, save Crispus and Gaius;
15lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my name.
16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17For 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.
18For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
← 1 Corinthians 1:151 Corinthians 1:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I also baptized the household of Stephanas, etc.] The same name with “Stephanios”, or “Stephanio” in Pliny f5. Before he says he had baptized none but Crispus and Gaius; but recollecting things, he corrects himself, and observes, that he had also baptized the household of Stephanas, who by the Greek writers is thought to be the same with the jailer baptized by the apostle at Philippi, but was now removed from thence to Corinth, and was become a famous and useful man there. No argument can be formed from the baptism of his household in favour of infant baptism, since it must be first proved that he had any infants in his family, and that these were baptized; and if his household and the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“household of Stephanas--"The first-fruits of Achaia," that is, among the first converted there (Co1 16:15, Co1 16:17). It is likely that such "households" included infants (Act 16:33). The history of the Church favors this view, as infant baptism was the usage from the earliest ages.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And I baptized also the household - The family. Whether there were any infants in the family, does not appear. It is certain that the family was among the first converts to Christianity in Achaia, and that it had evinced great zeal in aiding those who were Christians; see 1 Corinthians 16:15 - From the manner in which Paul mentions this, it is probable that Stephanas did not reside at Corinth when he was baptized, though he might have subsequently removed there. “I baptized none ‘of you’ 1 Corinthians 1:14. - that is, none of those who permanently dwelt at Corinth, or who were members of the original church there, but Crispus and Gaius - but I baptized also the family of Stephanas, ‘now’ of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I know not - That is, it does not at present occur to my memory, that I baptized any other. 1 Corinthians 1:17”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:16 The household of Stephanas were the first converts in the province of Achaia (southern Greece; see 16:15). Household refers to all who lived in the house, which might include more than Stephanas’s immediate family.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“household: Co1 16:15, Co1 16:17; Act 16:15, Act 16:33 1 Corinthians 1:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification