"And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:16-18 KJV)



first, this is Paul speaking under the Holy Spirit Control.

I suppose so many people refer to water baptism as the only type of baptism but there are various forms of baptism.

Jesus asked James and John are you able to be baptized with the baptism that I will be baptized ?

Water baptism should come after a person listens, understands and believes the gospel which is the actual baptism into Christ death and resurrection i.e immersion(greek equivalence for "baptizo" ) into Christ which the water baptism physically represents hence with or without water baptism but a belief in the gospel of Jesus death and resurrection; salvation is already complete just like the thief on the Cross however for those who are still alive after believing; the water baptism is the next step of obedience in this new creation life of Jesus received by grace through faith
thus


"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16 KJV).


In the passage cited above, Paul was making reference to the fact that the ritual/routine of water baptism was not His main focus/duty/responsibility but allowing the gospel to be presented to human beings in such a way that the power of the Cross releases its full effect upon their souls.