Yes, the Apostle Paul did baptize in water. Here's why:
* 1 Corinthians 1:14-17: Paul states, "I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel."
* This passage explicitly mentions that Paul baptized Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas. While he downplays baptism as his primary mission (emphasizing preaching), the fact remains that he *did* baptize people.
It's important to note a couple of things:
* Emphasis on Preaching: Paul emphasizes that his primary calling was to preach the Gospel. He didn't see baptism as the *most* important thing he was sent to do.
* Delegation: It's likely that Paul sometimes delegated the task of baptizing to his companions or other believers, as the New Testament mentions baptism much more frequently than Paul specifically performing the act.
* Theological Significance: Baptism in water is an important act that symbolizes repentance, forgiveness of sins, and new life in Christ (Acts 2:38). It's an outward sign of an inward transformation.