The problem with taking this baptism as something erroneous occurring in Corinth is that Paul does not express any form of grave or minuscule disapproval of the practice. Daniel Hoffman pointed me to an interpretation that sees baptism happening as a result of the Christian martyrs who gave their lives for the resurrection hope. In turn, this led to the conversion of many who entered the church through the waters of baptism, so that they too could taste of this resurrection hope.
What about Leithart’s (tentative) suggestion that this is some sort of reference to OT washings?
I haven’t come across it yet. Do you have a link to it?
I did find Jim Roger’s piece, which seems promising, but not convincing: http://www.biblicalhorizons.com/biblical-horizons/no-76-baptism-for-the-dead/
If I’m not mistaken, it’s a paragraph or two in Baptized Body.
Todd, once my sermon is available on Monday I would like to hear your thoughts.
I have a copy of that. I will take a look. Many thanks.