1 Corinthians 1:17 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

For God did not send me to baptize — That was not my chief errand: those of inferior rank and abilities could do it: though all the apostles were sent to baptize also, Matthew 28:19 But to preach the gospel — So the apostle slides into his general proposition: but not with wisdom of speech — With the artificial ornaments of discourse, invented by human wisdom. Lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect — The whole effect of St. Paul's preaching was owing to the power of God accompanying the plain declaration of that great truth, "Christ bore our sins upon the cross." But this effect might have been imputed to another cause, had he come with that wisdom of speech which they admired.