If baptism is necessary for salvation, why would Paul have said, “I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius” (1 Corinthians 1:14)? Why would he have said, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Corinthians 1:17)? Granted, in this passage Paul is arguing against the divisions that plagued the Corinthian church. However, how could Paul possibly say, “I am thankful that I did not baptize…” or “For Christ did not send me to baptize…” if baptism were necessary for salvation?
Ikiwa ubatizo ni lazima kwa wokovu, kwa nini Paulo anasema, "Nashukuru kwa sababu sikumbatiza mtu kwenu, ila Krispo na Gayo" (1 Wakorintho 1:14)? Kwa nini yeye alisema, "Maana Kristo hakunituma ili nibatize, bali nihubiri Habari njema, wala si kwa hekima ya maneno, mslaba wa Krisot usije ukabatilika" (1 Wakorintho 1:17)? Kwa kweli, katika kifungu hiki Paulo anapingamizi dhidi ya mgawanyiko ulioikumba kanisa la Korintho.