What the Bible Teaches About Baptism

The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is an important part of the Christian life. However, what baptism is/means and how it should be done is still hotly debated today. There are many ideas about baptism, but what really counts is what the Bible says about baptism. This is a collection of all the verses that deal with baptism that I could find (section II) and the application of those verses to the key questions surrounding baptism (section I).

  1. What the Bible teaches about baptism
    1. The Three Baptisms — There are a few other baptisms mentioned in the New Testament (eg. baptize ... with fire Matthew 3:11), but here we look at the three dominant baptisms discussed in the NT.
      1. Of John

        1. Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

          Mark 1:3-5 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

          Luke 3:3, 4 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

          1. John's baptism was all about repentance (Acts 13:24). The Messiah was coming, but first people had to admit that they were sinners and needed a Messiah to deal with their sins.
          2. Repentance is about a change of direction - I was wrong, the way I have been going is sin. I am changing my mind to agree with God and do things His way. (Luke 7:28-30) We will see an even more drastic change when we get to Christian baptism.
          3. Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7, 8, 10, 12 — John saw repentance as a heart issue, that would then have an effect on how we lived our life.

        2. Mark 1:7, 8 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

          Luke 3:16, 17 John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

          John 1:25-28 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

          1. John said that his' was not the final Baptism. Jesus would provide the ultimate, the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
          2. John's baptism was about repentance, a change of mind/heart. Jesus' baptism of the Holy Spirit would actually provide a means for change in our life.
      2. Of the Holy Spirit

        1. Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

          John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

          1. Matthew 1:7, 8; Luke 3:16, 17

        2. Acts 1:4, 5 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

        3. Acts 11:16, 17 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

          1. This is part of Peter's account of preaching to the first Gentiles.
          2. Except for a couple special exceptions in Acts, the baptism of the Holy Spirit happens at salvation. (Romans 8:9)
          3. See also Acts 10:36-48.

        4. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

          1. The Holy Spirit is the one doing the baptizing here, so this does not appear to be water baptism.
          2. Here we are being immersed into a larger whole. We belong to something bigger than ourselves.
      3. In the Name of Christ
        1. I am referring to this as Christian water baptism (or sometimes just Christian baptism), because this is the physical baptism for one who belongs to Christ.

        2. Acts 19:2-6 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

          1. Context: Paul has just arrived at Ephesus and found disciples there.
          2. John's Baptism and the baptism that follows salvation are clearly distinct.
            1. John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance — John's baptism was about repentance and preparing for the Messiah. However, the Ephesians didn't yet know who to believe in.
            2. they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus — The baptism that follows salvation is specifically about Jesus. He is the one we must believe in.
            3. These disciples had not received the Holy Spirit, because they hadn't known who to believe in.
          3. We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? — Why did not knowing about the Holy Ghost immediately raise the question of Baptism?
            1. We might interpreted this as, Why were you being baptized if you had not received the Holy Spirit? But then that doesn't jive with v. 6.
            2. Perhaps instead: If they had believed in Jesus Christ (evidenced by being baptized in His name) they would have received the Holy Spirit. Thus because they had not received the Holy Spirit, much less any Bible teaching the key was what had they believed in?

        3. Acts 2:37, 38 Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

          1. εἰς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν - for the remission of sins — This is εἰς with an accusative.
            1. Brooks & Winbery label this as an Accusative of Cause: Repent, and let each one of you be baptized because of the remission of your sins. Syntax of New Testament Greek by Brooks and Winbery, pp. 60.
            2. Wallace says there is no good linguistic support for the Accusative of Cause and argues instead that Peter (and the Jews he addressed) had both spiritual and physical baptism in mind. In this interpretation, water baptism can not provide remission of sins, but spiritual baptism can. After spiritual baptism, physical baptism follows as a picture of the spiritual truth. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics by Wallace, pp. 369-371.

        4. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

          1. As one of His final commands, Jesus says that baptism is to continue as a closely coupled followup to salvation.
          2. Interestingly, baptism here is described as being not only in Jesus name, but in the name of the full Trinity.

        5. Acts 10:47, 48 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

          1. Peter links Christian water baptism to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Peter saw that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit when they believed the Gospel (he specifically calls this baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 11:15, 16) and said that clearly meant they should be baptized with water.

        6. 1 Corinthians 1:13-15 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

          1. The implication here is that baptism is to be done in the name of Christ and Christ alone.
    2. Understanding Baptism
      1. Salvation precedes Baptism

        1. Acts 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

          1. What doth hinder me to be baptized? — Here we see set forth clearly that belief in Jesus is the requirement for Baptism.
        2. Acts 10:42-48 — This is the story of Peter preaching to the first Gentiles.
          1. v. 43 — Peter preaches that whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. The gentiles heard the gospel.
          2. v. 44 — Immediately people believed and received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was evidence of their salvation (John 14:17; Ephesians 1:13, 14).
          3. v. 47 — Peter says that the Holy Spirit had clearly shown that the gentiles can be baptized. In other words, salvation was the necessary and sufficient condition for baptism.
          4. The order here is important. Salvation came from hearing and believing (Romans 10:13, 14). The Holy Spirit followed immediately (not some long time afterward), and then the new believers were baptized. They were not baptized in order to be saved, that was already done.
          5. Peter recounts this story in Acts 11:15-17

        3. Acts 16:30-33 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

          1. What must I do to be saved? — It doesn't say be baptized or believe and be baptized. It just says Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
          2. Note also they told him to believe and then they taught him about what he needed to believe,And they spake unto him the word of the Lord (Romans 10:14).
          3. After the jailer believed, then he was baptized. This is the pattern we see throughout Acts: immediate baptism after salvation. Not baptism to obtain salvation and not baptism long after salvation.
      2. What does it mean — Water baptism, like the Lord's Supper, is a picture. John's baptism was a picture, or outward acknowledgment of repentance that had taken place inwardly. What then is christian water baptism a picture of?

        1. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

          1. Here we are being immersed into a larger whole. We belong to something bigger than ourselves.
          2. Baptism in general is about identification.
            1. Those Baptized by John were identified as repenting and preparing for the Messiah's return.
            2. In 1 Corinthians 10:2, we see that the Israelites were identified with Moses and as God's separated people at the Red Sea. (See notes below)
          3. In Christian baptism what are we identifying with? Perhaps we are just identified as part of the Body, but I think there is more too it than that.

        2. Romans 6:1-7 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

          1. Which baptism is being referred to here?
            1. First of all, we know that water baptism does not save a man, so buried with him by baptism into death can not be talking only about water baptism. Second we know that one of the primary ministries of the Holy Spirit is helping us to walk in newness of life (Romans 8:4, 10-13; 1 Peter 1:2). So it is most reasonable that this is primarily referring to the baptism of the Holy Spirit that occurs at salvation.
            2. Why doesn't the verse say anything about the Holy Spirit then?
              1. It is interesting that baptism here is not qualified. Up to this point in the new testament baptism of the Holy Spirit is usually explicitly linked to the Holy Spirit.
              2. Just two chapters later (Rom 8) the discussion turns to the Holy Spirit's specific work of helping us to walk in the new life God has given us, and yet that passage never mentions baptism. In fact, despite Romans being the great dissertation on salvation, this is the only passage that uses the word baptism.
              3. I think that Daniel Wallace's interpretation of Acts 10:47, 48 applies here as well. The dual meaning of baptism is fully in mind here. The spiritual reality of the Holy Spirit indwelling us and changing our lives is meant as well as the physical symbolism of our death to the world and being born into a new life.
            3. Even if this passage is talking strictly about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We can still reach some conclusions about Christian water baptism. We see here a clear statement of what the spiritual baptism at salvation is. In addition we know that Christian water baptism is a picture of something at baptism. This by far is the best and most logical candidate for what Christian baptism pictures that I have found.
          2. So then we would take Christian water baptism as a picture of dying to sin and being raised again to live a new life unto God (Romans 6:10). Thus, a picture of our spiritual life reflecting Christ's death burial and resurrection, which is the gospel according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

        2. Colossians 2:11-13 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

          1. The context:
            1. Before this passage we are told that our focus and guide is to be Christ (Colossians 2:5-7) not the teachings of men (Colossians 2:8). Christ is sufficient (Colossians 2:9-10).
            2. This passage then tells us what Christ has done for us in separating us from sin and giving us a new life.
            3. The rest of the chapter goes on to explain that this means we are also separated (no longer under) from the law (Colossians 2:14, 20).
          2. Here we see two spiritual aspects of salvation which are named by their physical pictures.
            1. v. 11 — At salvation we are separated from sin. This separation was pictured in the Old Testament as circumcision.
            2. v. 12,13 — There is more to salvation than just separation from sin. We are also given a new life to live in Christ. So spiritual baptism encompasses the separation or death (Buried with him in baptism) and the new life in one (wherein also ye are risen).
            3. Note also a specific death and resurrection is described here: Buried with him in baptism and wherein also ye are risen with him. Baptism is not supposed to picture just any death, it pictures Christ's burial and resurrection being paralleled in our spiritual life.
          3. As we look at this passage there is some balance needed when it comes to declaring what baptism is being referred to here.
            1. Given this chapter's emphasis on Christ's sufficiency, faith, and our no longer being under the law, it would be very wrong to try to teach that baptism in water actually separates us from sin. That is clearly Christ's work (v. 11In whom[Christ] also ye are circumcised, v. 12 risen with him through the faith ..., v. 14 Christ nailed our sins to His cross).
            2. On the other hand we can not say this verse is purely about spiritual baptism. It is clear that physical pictures are being used to illustrated spiritual truths. Circumcision was an Old Testament picture, which is no longer used in the New Testament (Romans 2:25-29; Galatians 5:1-6), which is why it is clearly stated that spiritual circumcision is being referred to here (circumcision made without hands). We know that water baptism is very much a part of the New Testament age and there is no parallel spiritual only clarification for baptism in this passage. So it does not seem that we can wash away any inkling of water baptism and declare this purely spiritual.
            3. Based on these points I believe that the baptism mentioned here encompasses both the reality of spiritual baptism and the picture of water baptism.

        3. Galatians 3:27, 28 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

          1. The context here is that we are no longer under the law (v. 25), but are become children of God (v. 26).
          2. The for at the start of v. 27 introduces an explanation of our new state as children of God: We have a new life, through spiritual baptism, that is defined by Christ not by race or gender.
          3. The use of baptism here is pretty terse, but it is an allusion to the put off/put on metaphor that has been used repeatedly in scripture. We can look to the parallel passages to flesh out this metaphor (Ephesians 4:22-24; Col 3). It is a picture of being dead (separated or having put off) to sin and living a new life (having put on) provided by God.
            1. Ephesians 4:22-24 gives a very complete picture of putting of and putting on.
            2. The explanation of putting off and putting on in Col 3 builds directly from the truths of baptism that we already saw in Colossians 2:11-13.
              1. Colossians 3:1 begins with If ye then be risen with Christ... This is asserting a truth that has already been established, so we must go back to Col 2 to find out where it was established.
              2. It is established in Colossians 2:11-13 (And you ... hath he quickened together with him), the passage that illustrates salvation from circumcision and baptism.
              3. The rest of Col 2 fleshes out one application of this truth: We are no longer under the law. (Note the parallel to the context of Galatians 3:27, 28).
              4. Then Col 3 returns to the same truth of being risen with Christ to develop another application: We are dead to sin and have a new life in Christ (Colossians 3:1, 3), in other words, we have put off the old man with his deeds ... And have put on the new [man]. (Colossians 3:9, 10) Now based on that truth we should be actively putting off sinful behavior and putting on actions and attitudes that reflect our new life.
              5. One other parallel worth noting: In Colossians 3:10, 11 the putting on of the new man implies a loss of race distinctions just like in Galatians 3:28
          4. So baptism here in Galatians 3:27 is fleshed out as the initial putting off the old man and putting on the new man which is done by God (and which afterward we have a part in living out Ephesians 4:22, 24). This explanation of baptism ties directly into what we saw in Rom 6.
            1. Colossians 3:3-7 — For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God .... Christ, [who is] our life. We are dead to sin.
            2. Ephesians 4:24 — put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Putting on a new man created by God, sounds a lot like being raised into a new life.
            3. By the way, the background of both Rom 6 and Eph 4 is a discussion of why we don't live like the world. (Romans 6:1; Ephesians 4:17)
        4. The picture presented by Christian water baptism as being dead to sin and receiving a new life from Christ is consistent with John's water baptism.
          1. John's Baptism was an evidence to the world that the person had changed their mind that God was right and they were a sinner and needed to change.
          2. Now we see Christian baptism is a picture not only that God is right and my life needs to change, but that God in His power has come to work that change in my life.
          3. This is also consistent with the Old Testament parallel to baptism, see notes on 1 Corinthians 10:2.
    3. Dunk, Sprinkle, or Pour and does it really matter?
      1. We know that Christian water baptism is a symbol or picture of a spiritual truth. If it is just a picture, does it really matter what method we use? We find in the Old Testament, that God takes His symbolism very seriously, even when people don't really understand what the symbolism is, God expects them to be careful to do it the way He told them to.
        1. Numbers 20:1-12 — Moses the great leader of Israel, a prophet like no other with whom the Lord spoke (Deuteronomy 34:10), was given the worst punishment possible for altering God's picture.
          1. Numbers 20:8, 11 — God told Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses struck the rock instead. In the past God had indeed told Moses to strike the rock (Exodus 17:6), but not this time.
          2. Numbers 20:12 — God said, Because ye believed me not ... ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
            1. Because Moses didn't listen carefully and believe that the Lord meant exactly what He had said, Moses faced an awful punishment.
            2. The purposes of Moses' entire life had been to lead Israel out of Egypt and to the promised land. To be prevented from being part of the completion of that goal was possibly the worst punishment to Moses could have received.
        2. Leviticus 10:1-2 — Nadab and Abihu were struck dead instantly for offering strange fire before the LORD.
          1. What was this strange fire? The end of v. 10 explains. It was not something which the Lord had commanded them to do. They had come up with it on their own.
          2. Exodus 30:1-9 — God had commanded that incense be burnt in the tabernacle, but He had specified exactly how it was to be done.
        3. So what is the lesson we learn from this?
          1. When the Lord gives us a physical picture, He expects us to follow His instructions in detail. We must listen closely to what He says and follow it. We are not to get the general idea and improvise.
          2. Does this mean the Lord will strike dead or otherwise punish those who don't baptize the right way?
            1. No. God is gracious and all of our sins and errors are covered under Christ's blood.
            2. It does however mean that God takes this seriously and we should too.
        4. There is a difference between these two examples and baptism. God has not explicitly said baptism shall be done in this specific manner. However, we still have the responsibility to listen closely to what God has said. The next few sections review some things God has said that give us indications of how we should baptize.
      2. What does the word baptize (βαπτίζω) mean?
        1. The root meaning is to dip, immerse and often caries with it the idea of a ritual Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Gingrich and Danker, 2nd. ed., pp. 33.. We find this meaning supported by its usage in the Bible.

          1. Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.

            Mark 10:38, 39 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

            Luke 12:49-51 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

          2. Here the ceremonial meaning of βαπτίζω is not meant, but rather the meaning is to be overwhelmed or buried in trouble.

        2. The verb and noun forms of βαπτίζω are used a couple times in the New Testament to mean ceremonial washing.
          1. The Greek words we are concerned with are:
            1. βάπτισμα — The neuter form is always used in our English sense of baptism.
            2. βαπτισμός — The masculine form is used of ceremonial washing (such as Hebrews 9:10), with one exception (Hebrews 6:2).
            3. The verb βαπτίζω is used twice (Mark 7:4; Luke 11:38) to mean ceremonial washing.
          1. Mark 7:4, 8
            1. The Jews had ceremonial washing of themselves and their pots and pans
            1. Luke 11:38 — The Pharisees saw that Jesus did not wash before dinner.
          2. Hebrews 9:10 — Old testament worship consisted of outward laws (including washing) that did not actually purify.
        3. The root meaning of the Greek word used does tend to support baptism by immersion.
          1. However, it is often argued that when the Jews used βαπτίζω and its cognates to mean their ceremonial cleansing they didn't have full immersion in mind (for instance Luke 11:38).
          2. The counter argument is that the Jews, and Pharisees especially, had clearly embellished and warped God's laws (Matthew 15:2, 3; Luke 11:38, 39), and so what they had in mind may not have been what God had in mind.
          3. However, this train of arguments rapidly veers away into conjecture and extra-biblical material, neither of which we can build doctrine on. So in the end we can take away some hints from the root meaning of the word, but no definite answers.
      3. Indications of how Christ and the Early church baptized

        1. John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

          1. Matthew Henry translates it as many streams. He also says that the location of this place is unknown.
          2. John chose to do his baptism where there was much water. Clearly much water would be needed for baptism by immersion.
          3. Bulk numbers argument: Others argue that John was baptizing crowds of people and whether he was dunking or pouring, he would have needed a lot of water. As we will see below Acts 8 will help to clarify this.

        2. Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

          Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

          1. It seems clear that John and Jesus had waded out into the Jordan (see also Matthew 3:13) and this is describing Jesus wading back out.
          2. Why would they wade out into the water if John was just going to poor water over Jesus?
            1. It is my observation that unless people plan to get fully dowsed (ie. swimming) they tend to stand at the edge of the water not walk out in the middle.
            2. Bulk numbers argument: Once again some people counter that John was baptizing lots of people and it was just more convenient.

        2. Acts 8:36, 38-39 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? ... And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

          1. they came unto a certain water — This goes together with John baptizing where there was much water.
            1. Why was the eunuch looking for a body of water? If pouring was fine why not say here is my canteen.
            2. Note that the bulk numbers argument can not be made here. Only one person had to be baptized.
          2. they went down both into the water ... they were come up out of the water — The prepositions into and out of here don't mean complete submersion because they both did it. However, it does seem to follow the pattern from Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10 that both the one baptized and the one doing the baptism wade out into the water.
            1. Once again why didn't they stand at the edge? The eunuch was on a long journey and Philip had not planned this trip or the events in it (Acts 8:26). So neither of them had come prepared for getting wet. Regardless of how clothes were different now and then, nobody likes to get their clothes soaking wet if it is not necessary. So if sprinkling or pouring water on the eunuch was sufficient, why go out into the water?
            2. Still the bulk numbers argument does not apply. With only one person there it was not more efficient to stand out in the water to pour.
        3. While the New Testament doesn't give verbatim descriptions of how baptism was done, the descriptions and details that it does give seem to pretty strongly support baptism by immersion.
      4. Finally, we know that baptism is a picture. It seems pretty clear that the picture is of our spiritual life paralleling Christ's death burial and resurrection.
        1. Finding the parallels to immersion is fairly straightforward. The act of being dunked under water and raised back out looks like Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] (Colossians 2:12) In other words there is an actual picture of being buried and raised again.
        2. On the other hand sprinkling or pouring do not show that picture at all. They could be a picture of the Holy Spirit coming down to dwell on/in us. However, as has already been argued, I think baptism is much more specific than that.
        3. So, in the end our understanding of what baptism means very much effects how we baptize.
    4. How public does baptism need to be?
      1. Acts 8:36-39 — When Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch it seems there was no local church attending, we don't know who else had stopped at this bit of water.
        1. Perhaps this was necessitated by the situation: that the eunuch was already heading out of town.
      2. Acts 16:33 — The jailer and his household were baptized some time between midnight (Acts 16:25) and morning (Acts 16:36). How public could a late night baptism have been?
        1. Clearly all of the jailer's household was there. So there were some witnesses.
        2. Also, they probably knew that they would be leaving the city in a hurry in the morning. (Acts 16:39-40)
      3. These two examples do seem to be exceptions with regard to how public the ceremony was, so they should probably not be taken as a pattern. They do however, provide us evidence that who sees you being baptized is less important than making sure you get baptized.
    5. A comment on certainty
      1. The Bible very clearly teaches that we are saved by faith alone, not by any works on our part, including water baptism. It also makes it very clear that once we are saved we are to be baptized with water. The statements on these are so clear and direct there can be no argument on these points and we can say that those who disagree with these clear teachings of the Bible are in danger of preaching another gospel (Galatians 2:6-9)
      2. The Bible's stance on how we are to be baptized and what exactly water baptism pictures do not have the same directness and clarity.
        1. That does not mean that we can dismiss those issues. We are called to study God's Word and listen carefully to everything He has to say, and I think that the Word does have a great deal to say on these issues. Thus I have included here my conclusions about what the Word has to say about how water baptism is to be done and what it pictures.
        2. However, because the Bible hasn't made black and white statements on these topics, there is some room for disagreement and I can not condemn other Christians for differing with my interpretation.
  2. All Verses that Mention Baptism
    1. John the Baptist

      1. Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

      2. Matthew 11:11, 12 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

      3. Matthew 14:2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

      4. Matthew 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

        Mark 6:14, 24, 25 And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. ... And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

      5. Matthew 16:14 And they said, Some [say that thou art] John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

        Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some [say], Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

        Luke 9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some [say], Elias; and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.

      6. Matthew 17:12, 13 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

        1. Jesus said that John the Baptist was the prophesied return of Elijah. (Mark 9:11-13 is a parallel passage)
          1. Matthew 11:12-14 — Jesus indicates that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the prophecy of the return of Elijah.
          2. There are at least two prophesies being fulfilled here. Malachi 4:5-6 says that I will send you Elijah the prophet before the day of the Lord and that this prophet will turn the people's hearts (repentance) because they are in danger of grave judgment. In Luke 1:16, 17 Gabriel told Zacharias that his son would go before him[Christ] in the spirit and power of Elias and his specific mission was to turn many to the Lord.
        2. John 1:21-23 — When the Jewish leaders questioned John the Baptist as to who he claimed to be, they asked him specifically if he was Elijah, and he said, I am not. Why?
          1. It is possible that John did not fully understand all the prophecies he was fulfilling. However, this seems unlikely because the passage is introduced as John making a clear statement of his role in God's plan (John 1:19, 20). Also Gabriel told Zacharias, John's father, specifically about John's link to the prophesies of the return of Elijah (Luke 1:16, 17). We would assume that Zacharias told John about the events in the temple that day.
          2. A better explanation is that John fully understood those prophesies and how he fit in and the Jews were confused about them. John was not Elijah physically returned from heaven. He did operate in the spirit and power of [Elijah] and he prophesied of under the name of Elijah (Matthew Henry), but he was not the actual return of Elijah that the Jews expected.
        3. When the Jews asked, well then who are you? John quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5, The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness. This seems to be the prophecy most frequently associated with John. (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23)

      7. Luke 7:20, 33 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

    2. Literal Ceremonial Baptism

      1. Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

        Mark 1:3-5 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

        Luke 3:3, 4 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

      2. Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

        Luke 3:7, 8, 10, 12 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. ... And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? ... Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

        1. John's Baptism was about repentance. John said that people needed to show evidence of repentance.
        2. The verses skipped over here talk about practical real life changes that would evidence the heart change of repentance.

      3. Mark 1:7, 8 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

        Luke 3:16, 17 John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

        John 1:25-28 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

      4. Matthew 3:13-16 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

        Mark 1:9, 10 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

        Luke 3:21, 22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

        1. Some of have suggested that Jesus's baptism was referring back to the Old Testament procedure for hallowing (to dedicate, to set apart, Exodus 9:1) a priest. The steps in that ceremony were:
          1. Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6 — First the priests were washed at the door of the tabernacle.
          2. Exodus 29:5-9; Leviticus 8:7-9, 13 — They put on their priestly garments.
          3. Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12 — Oil was poured on their head to anoint them.
          4. Exodus 29:10-14; Leviticus 8:14-17 — A bull was killed as a sin offering for the priests.
          5. Exodus 29:15-18; Leviticus 8:18-21 — A ram was killed for a burnt offering.
          6. Exodus 29:19-22; Leviticus 8:22-24 — The blood of a second ram (the ram of consecration) was used to hallow the priests. This included putting blood on the priests and their garments.
          7. Exodus 29:22-26; Leviticus 8:25-29 — Part of the second ram along with one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer ... of ... unleavened bread were used for a wave offering.
          8. Exodus 29:27-28; Exodus 31-34; Leviticus 8:31-32 — The breast and shoulder of the second ram were a heave offering.
          9. Exodus 29:35-36; Leviticus 8:33-35 — Consecrating the priests took seven days.
        2. Does it apply?
          1. We can draw a parallel between that washing and baptism and the anointing and the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus (Acts 10:38). Clearly Jesus did not need a sin offering (first bull). However, the rest of the ceremony (the garments, the the ram of consecration, the burnt and wave offerings, the seven days) all seem to be missing. Which percentage wise seems to make a weak parallel.
          2. On a higher level what was the OT ceremony about?
            1. Exodus 29:1 — And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them. It was a setting apart to serve in a special office for God.
              • Jesus's baptism was the beginning of His ministry, so it could be taken as a consecration or a commissioning.
              • The counter point is that the second ram seemed to be a key part of the consecration and that parallel is missing.
            2. Leviticus 8:34 — Moses said that all this was done to make an atonement for you.
              • Jesus had no need of atonement. So in that sense, there is no parallel to Him.
          3. Are we looking at the right priestly order?
            1. Psalms 110:4 — Jesus was a different kind of priest.
            2. Hebrews 7:20, 21 — Christ was made a priest in a different way that the Levitical priests.
            3. Hebrews also says that Christ is a High Priest, so all the differences from the Levitical priesthood are not clear.
        3. Other possible reasons Jesus needed to be baptized?
          1. Public identification — John the Baptist was about people repenting, changing their direction to agree with God.
            1. Jesus didn't need to repent or change, but it is possible He was publicly stating His agreement with God's plan.
            2. Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11 — God the Father's response does seem to support this. Jesus identified with God's plan and God the Father then identified with Jesus.
            3. John 1:31 — The reason John was baptizing was so that he could make the Messiah manifest to Israel. Jesus's baptism was a part of this public declaration of who He was. (John 1:33)

      5. John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

        1. John is pointing out Jesus.
        2. manifest — To make clear to reveal. The reason for John's baptizing was to make Christ clear to Israel. It was more than to just point Him out, it was to point out their sin and their need for a Messiah who would deliver them from their sin instead of from Rome.

      6. John 3:22, 23, 26 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.

        John 4:1-3 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judea, and departed again into Galilee.

      7. Luke 7:28-30 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

        1. Again the baptism of John was about repentance.
        2. Those who were baptized were saying, God you are right, I am a wicked sinner. Your condemnation of me is just. That is what is meant by justified God.

      8. Matthew 21:25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

        Mark 11:30 The baptism of John, was [it] from heaven, or of men? answer me.

        Luke 20:4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

      9. John 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

      10. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

        Mark 16:15, 16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

      11. Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

      12. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

      13. Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

      14. Acts 8:12, 13 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

        Acts 8:15-17 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

        1. At Paul's persecution the Christians were scattered and Philip takes the gospel to the Samaritans. This is the first group who are not pure Jews to hear the gospel.
        2. The Samaratans believed and were baptized, but did not received the Holy Spirit until Peter and John came, prayed for them, and laid their hands on them.
        3. This is not something we expect to see today. It seems that their were certain firsts where God did special things in the giving of the Holy Spirit.
          1. The Holy Spirit did not come instantly to the disciples (the first Jewish Christians) right after the Crucifixion or resurrection. But was given at Pentecost.
          2. Samaritans were not considered pure Jews. So they were the first people outside of the Jews to hear the gospel. They too did not receive the Holy Spirit instantly.

      15. Acts 8:35-39 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

      16. Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

        Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

        1. This is the story of Ananias coming to Paul, right after Paul had seen Christ on the road to Damascus.
        2. Acts 22:16 could be particularly troubling unless you read the grammar carefully. Look at the and's there are three phrases here:
          1. arise — Paul had been fasting (Acts 9:9) and sitting in a room for three days. He was probably very lost and confused. He needed to get up and get going.
          2. be baptized — He now believed in Christ, and as is the pattern in Acts, he needed to be baptized right away.
          3. wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord — Most of all he needed his sins washed away. Baptism would not do that, but calling on Jesus would.

      17. Acts 10:36, 37 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

        Acts 10:42-44 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

        Acts 10:47, 48 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

      18. Acts 13:24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

        1. Again, John's baptism was all about repentance.

      19. Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.

        1. This is Lydia of Philippi.

      20. Acts 16:30-33 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

      21. Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

      22. Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

      23. Acts 19:2-6 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

      24. Romans 6:1-7 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

      25. 1 Corinthians 1:13-17 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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.

        1. Is this an instance of baptism not following immediately upon salvation? Probably not.
          1. Acts 18:8 — Crispus was one of the first to believe in Corinth.
          2. Acts 18:10, 11 — Paul was in Corinth at least a year and a half and the Lord had said, I have much people in this city. However, we don't have record of any other specific people being saved. It may be that Paul preached a great deal but most were saved after he left.
          3. It is also possible that as people were saved they were baptized by someone else. Silas and Timothy were there (Acts 18:5).
        2. This passage is attacking the practice of forming cliques or exclusive groups. We can learn from this that Baptism, is all about Christ. It is done in His name.

      26. 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

        1. Paul is making a connection between the Israel and Christians for the sake of learning from Israel.
          1. They had a parallel to Baptism (1 Corinthians 10:12)
          2. They had a parallel to Communion (1 Corinthians 10:3-4)
        2. They are our examples, and the lesson here is that they were all members of their equivalent of the church. They were all partakers of the worship of God (1 Corinthians 10:18). However, they were not all living pleasing to God. Likewise, we can be in the church and part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16, 17) and be displeasing to God. The specific area focused on here is idolatry.
        3. So what can we learn about baptism from this parallel?
          1. baptized unto Moses — All the different baptisms in scripture are associated with some person's name: Unto John's baptism (Acts 19:3), baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5), baptizeth with the Holy Ghost (John 1:33). This was Israel's baptism, different from ours, but parallel.
          2. But what did it mean? If we take baptism to be about being identified with something or someone. Than this would be that they were all identified or made part of the group lead by Moses.
          3. It is possible to extend the parallel farther: Egypt is often a picture of the sinful world. It was the cloud that lead them out of Egypt (Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:19, 20) and it was by the sea that the Lord finally delivered Israel from Egypt's power (Exodus 14:30, 31). This parallels well with Christian baptism picturing our separation from the world unto the Lord.

      27. 1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

        1. This is a confusing passage. As Matthew Henry states, But who shall interpret this very obscure passage, which, though it consists of no more than three words, besides the articles, has had more than three times three senses put on it by interpreters? Henry, Matthew. Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15. . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2008. 29 Dec 2008. (Section III under 1 Corinthians 15:20-34)
        2. ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν — for the dead this prepositional phrase could fall into two categories:
          1. Adverbial Genitive of Reference — Which would mean baptized with reference to or concerning the dead.
          2. Genitive of Advantage — Which would mean baptized on behalf of the dead. There is no scriptural support for this interpretation.
        3. The most doctrinally consistent interpretation I have found is that the testimony of martyrs had moved others to be saved and then baptized. If there is no resurrection, then those new believers have put their life in danger for nothing.

      28. Galatians 3:27, 28 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

      29. Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

        1. The first half of Eph 4 is about keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
        2. Then we are reminded that our core beliefs are unified. These are things we have in common with all believers. We are all part of the same body. We all worship the same Lord, have the same faith, and the same baptism.
        3. We do each have different gifts (Ephesians 4:7-13), but these are given to unify the church.
        4. What does one baptism mean?
          1. It certainly means that there are not multiple baptisms (infant, adult, etc.) of which one Christian may have experienced a portion and another the whole of the set.
          2. Does it mean that all baptisms are legitimate and we shouldn't argue about them? Maybe, however, we can't really apply that to the rest of the items in the list. All lord's are not legitimate, only the Lord we see described in the Bible is.
          3. It is certain however, that baptism is to be a a point of unity for the church.

      30. Colossians 2:11-13 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

      31. Hebrews 6:1, 2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

        1. Baptism is a foundational doctrine

      32. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

        1. baptism doth also now save us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ — It is the resurrection that is the ultimate do'er in this sentence.
        2. I do not really understand this passage, but the two things Peter has in mind here (putting away of the filth of the flesh and the answer of a good conscience) closely parallel the two part picture of baptism we have seen elsewhere: dying to sin and being raised to live for Christ.
    3. Not Water Baptism

      1. Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

        John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

        1. See above: Mark 1:7, 8; Luke 3:16, 17

      2. Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.

        Mark 10:38, 39 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

        1. Jesus is talking to James and John the sons of Zebedee.
        2. What was the cup and baptism that they shared?
          1. Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2 — James and John saw Jesus' transfiguration. But that was apparently before this Matthew 20 passage.
          2. Mark 14:32-35 — In Gethsemane when Jesus was praying to the father, He took Peter and James and John along with Him.
            1. It seems most likely that this or the whole night of Jesus' capture and trial was the cup and baptism that Jesus had to take (Mark 14:36).
            2. It could be that James and John shared in this a little. They were part of the three that were supposed to go pray with Jesus. John probably attended the trial (John 18:15). We know that John was also at the crucifixion (John 19:26). However, neither faced trial or death so it is unlikely this was the cup Jesus had said they would have to drink.
          3. It is likely that their cup and baptism came later in their life.
            1. We don't know much else about James' history, except that Herod killed him with the sword (Acts 12:1, 2)
            2. All we know about John is that he lived long enough to be exiled to the island of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9)

      3. Luke 12:49-51 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

        1. To overwhelm — This possible translation of βαπτιζω may make Jesus' meaning here, in Matthew 20:22, and in Mark 10:38 clearer.

      4. Acts 1:4, 5 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

      5. Acts 11:16, 17 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

        1. This is part of Peter's account of preaching to the first Gentiles.
        2. See also Acts 10:36-48.

      6. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

      1. The Holy Spirit is the one doing the baptizing here, so this does not appear to be water baptism.
      2. Here we are being immersed into a larger whole. We belong to something bigger than ourselves.
  3. Washing
    1. βαπτίζω and cognates translated as washing

      1. Mark 7:4 And [when they come] from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, [as] the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

      2. Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

      3. Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw [it], he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

      4. Hebrews 9:10 [Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

    2. βαπτω means to dip, this is a different word (Luke 16:24; John 13:26; Revelation 19:13)