Why did Constantine I delay baptism until shortly before his death?

Constantine I delayed his baptism until the end of his life for a few primary reasons. He had hoped to be baptized in the Jordan River, but a lack of opportunity to do so contributed to the delay.1

Furthermore, it is believed that Constantine reflected on the fact that his imperial office necessitated responsibilities and actions that were difficult to reconcile with the state of a baptized Christian. By waiting until his final illness in 337, he was able to transition from his imperial duties to the faith, receiving the sacrament shortly before his death while preparing for a campaign against Persia.1