1 Corinthians 1:17 and the meaning of the ου . . . αλλα structure

I discussed 1 Cor 1:17 and addressed the common charge that this verse refutes the teaching that water baptism is salvific:

Tertullian on 1 Corinthians 1:17 and Baptism being Salvific

Additional Notes on 1 Corinthians 1:17 and Baptism

John Greer vs. the biblical doctrine of baptismal regeneration

The NRSV renders the verse as follows:

For (ου) Christ did not send me to baptize but (αλλα) to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

The Greek uses an elliptical statement ("ου . . . αλλα"), a form of Greek syntax that is used occasionally in Scripture to stress a significant point. This structure does not denote "not/never x but [only] y" in the way many misread the verse to be teaching. Indeed, in this light (discussed below), Paul was simply underscoring his primary role, that of preaching the Gospel. Such would not prevent Paul from baptising, let alone teaching baptismal regeneration, which he clearly did teach (e.g., see the exegesis of Rom 6:1-4 in my response to Michael Flournoy, Christ’s baptism is NOT imputed to the believer)

Consider the following instances in the Greek New Testament where “ου [alt.: μη] . . .αλλα” clearly does not mean "not/never x but [only] y":

Do not (μη) work for the food that perishes, but (αλλα) for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his deal. (John 6:27) (By suggesting that one should not labour for food that perishes, Jesus was not suggesting that working for physical food is irrelevant, but was simply stressing the importance of labouring for spiritual food.)

While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not (ου) lie to us but (αλλα) to God! (Acts 5:4) (When Ananias and Sapphira lied to Peter, it was not the case that they had not lied to men but only God; instead, this verse means that, while they did lie to men, they also had lied to God which was a greater sin)

Little children, let us not (μη) love, not in word or speech, but (αλλα) in truth and action. (1 John 3:18) (John is hardly teaching that one should not love each other "in word or speech"; instead, he was urging a greater form of love beyond word/speech--our love being expressed in deed. He had no intention, however, of devaluing the verbal expression of love)