Introduction: A Journey Through the Waters
In the great book of Acts, we see water baptism play a pivotal role in the lives of the early Christians. Much like an artist who carefully selects his colors to paint a masterpiece, God chose baptism as a key step in His plan for our transformation. The Book of Acts, which records the stories of early conversions, highlights the essential nature of baptism in a believer’s journey. As Jesus commanded in Mark 16:16, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” This was not just a passing statement—it was central to the message of salvation preached by the apostles.
Now, let's dive into what this book reveals about baptism, understanding why it’s important and how it’s described in the early church.
Baptism in the Name of Jesus: A Matter of Authority
Throughout Acts, the apostles baptized new believers in the name of the Lord Jesus. This doesn’t mean they always spoke a specific formula, as if the words themselves held a special power. Rather, it emphasizes that they baptized by Jesus’ authority. To illustrate this, imagine a police officer carrying out an arrest “in the name of the law.” It’s not the spoken words that enforce the arrest, but the authority behind them.
In Acts 2:38, Peter tells the crowd to “repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” This phrase conveys that baptism was to be carried out as an act of submission to Christ’s authority and in accordance with His commands.
The Element of Baptism: Water
Acts makes it clear that water is the essential element of baptism. For example, when Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch, the story emphasizes water repeatedly. As they journeyed along the road, the eunuch saw water and exclaimed, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). They both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him, immersing him completely. This scene is like a bridge leading to new life—a crossing point from old to new.
Similarly, when Peter preached to Cornelius and his household, he asked, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people?” (Acts 10:47). It’s as if the invitation to the waters of baptism was an open door, waiting for them to step through and enter a new life.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit vs. Water Baptism
Some have wondered if the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts, replaces water baptism. But the Holy Spirit baptism served a specific purpose—it was a miraculous sign, given directly by God. It was not a command for all believers, but a unique event to equip the apostles (Acts 2) and to open the door of salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Water baptism, on the other hand, is a command given to all believers in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and continues to be relevant for us today.
Who Was Baptized? From Sinners to Saints
The Book of Acts shows us a variety of people who were baptized: those who had persecuted Christians like Saul (Acts 9), businesswomen like Lydia (Acts 16), government officials like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), and entire households such as Cornelius’s (Acts 10). Yet despite their differences, all of them shared certain characteristics before they were baptized.
First, they were hearers. They listened to the message of Christ with open hearts. Like a thirsty person at a well, they eagerly drank in the truth that was offered. Second, they were believers. When the eunuch asked Philip what might prevent him from being baptized, Philip responded, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (Acts 8:37). Third, they were repentant. Saul of Tarsus spent three days in prayer and fasting, a clear sign of a heart changed before his baptism (Acts 9:9). Finally, they were confessing believers. The eunuch’s simple confession, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37), was enough to stop the chariot and lead him into the waters.
The Action of Baptism: Immersion
In Acts, the act of baptism is consistently described as an immersion in water. The very word “baptism” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse.” When Philip baptized the eunuch, both went down into the water, and afterward, they came up out of it (Acts 8:38-39). It’s a full-body experience—a burial and resurrection symbolized by going under the water and rising up again (Romans 6:4-5).
Imagine if you were to plant a seed in the ground, but instead of burying it completely, you sprinkled a little dirt on top and expected it to grow. The seed needs to be fully planted to sprout new life, just as baptism involves being fully immersed to rise as a new creation in Christ.
The Purpose of Baptism: Forgiveness and Salvation
In Acts 2:38, Peter makes the purpose of baptism clear: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” Some might question what “for” means here, as if it could imply that forgiveness has already happened. But the word in its original language indicates a purpose or goal—just like we might say, “Study hard for good grades.” We don’t study because we already have the grades; we study to receive them. In the same way, we are baptized to receive forgiveness, not because we’ve already received it.
Baptism is a divine imperative—something we must do, not just a symbolic gesture. It’s like boarding a lifeboat in the middle of a stormy sea. The invitation to be saved is offered, but you must step in to find safety.
Consequent Behavior: A Life Transformed
After their baptism, new believers in Acts were never the same. They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42). They rejoiced, as we see with the Ethiopian eunuch who went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). And they became evangelists, sharing the good news with others. Paul, once a fierce persecutor, began preaching about Christ immediately after his baptism (Acts 9:20). It’s as if a fire had been kindled in their hearts, and they couldn’t help but spread the light.
Conclusion: The Well of Living Water
Water baptism in the Book of Acts is more than just a ritual—it is a life-changing step of obedience. The Scriptures teach us about its element (water), its action (immersion), its purpose (forgiveness), and its effect (a transformed life). In a world that often muddies the waters of faith with conflicting teachings, Acts offers us a clear and beautiful well of truth. We only need to draw from it.
So, if you haven’t yet taken this step, why wait? Much like the Ethiopian eunuch who eagerly asked, “What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36), let your heart be open to this new life. And if you have already obeyed, continue steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching, with joy and a readiness to share the good news with others.
Let the words of Ananias echo in your heart: “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).
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