Template:Baptizednot
John inserts a unique clause in John 4:2 to counter a false report that went to the Pharisees that Jesus was baptizing. John the Baptist's teachings opposed the baptism of Herod and the Pharisees. Jesus was to take John's place in the priesthood of righteousness but he was also the king, also (priest and king). To understand why Jesus would leave Judea because of this report we need to understand that "Baptism" was as much political as religious. Except the washing of the feet of his little flock Jesus was to baptize with the Holy Spirit like we see with Moses and the seventy in Numbers 11:16 and 17. Even Paul was not called to baptize as we see in 1 Corinthians 1:17. And warns against becoming sectarian as if anyone is baptized from the top down creating divisions and denominations. 1 Corinthians 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I [am] of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
- 1 Corinthians 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
- 1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and [to] Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think [of men] above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.