A great conversation with some really interesting questions. Just a few thoughts on one of the verses(1 Cor. 1:17) used as a premise for the last question. It's important to understand the context of the chapter starting from verse 10 where he talks about sectarianism/divisions alluding to how some people are saying they are of either Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ depending on the role of these figures in their Christian walk. Therefore in verse 17, I don't think that Paul is saying that baptism is not part of the gospel but rather indicating that in the division of labor, the work assigned to him was to preach while others did the baptizing. However, Paul himself does concede in verses 14 and 16 that indeed he baptized Crispus, Gauis, and the household of Stephanas.
Correct answers from a great Man of God
A great conversation with some really interesting questions. Just a few thoughts on one of the verses(1 Cor. 1:17) used as a premise for the last question. It's important to understand the context of the chapter starting from verse 10 where he talks about sectarianism/divisions alluding to how some people are saying they are of either Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ depending on the role of these figures in their Christian walk. Therefore in verse 17, I don't think that Paul is saying that baptism is not part of the gospel but rather indicating that in the division of labor, the work assigned to him was to preach while others did the baptizing. However, Paul himself does concede in verses 14 and 16 that indeed he baptized Crispus, Gauis, and the household of Stephanas.