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Did Jesus Water Baptize His Apostles?

This study explores the biblical record concerning water baptism, focusing on Jesus' personal ministry, His command to His followers, and the consistent practice of the apostles in the early church.

1. Jesus' Personal Ministry and Baptism

1.1 Jesus' Primary Focus on Preaching and Teaching

Verses: Mark 1:38; Luke 4:43
  • Jesus' main mission was to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God.
  • He sent His disciples to preach and teach, demonstrating the priority of the message.

1.2 The Scriptural Record of Jesus Not Baptizing

Verses: John 4:1-2
  • The Bible explicitly states that Jesus Himself did not personally baptize anyone.
  • His disciples performed baptisms under His authority, but He did not engage in the physical act.

2. The Command for Baptism

2.1 The Great Commission to Baptize

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20
  • Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them.
  • This command was given to the apostles as a directive for their future ministry and the church.

2.2 The Universal Scope of the Baptismal Command

Verses: Mark 16:15-16
  • Baptism is presented as a universal requirement for those who believe the gospel.
  • It is directly linked to belief and salvation, indicating its importance in the plan of God.

3. The Apostolic Practice of Baptism

3.1 Peter's Command on the Day of Pentecost

Verses: Acts 2:38
  • Peter instructed the crowd to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
  • He specified baptism 'in the name of Jesus Christ,' establishing the apostolic formula.

3.2 Philip's Ministry in Samaria

Verses: Acts 8:12; Acts 8:16
  • Believers in Samaria, both men and women, were baptized after believing Philip's preaching.
  • They were baptized 'in the name of the Lord Jesus,' confirming the consistent practice.

3.3 Paul's Ministry in Ephesus

Verses: Acts 19:3-5
  • Paul encountered disciples who had only been baptized unto John's baptism.
  • Upon hearing the full gospel, they were re-baptized 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.'

3.4 Cornelius' Household

Verses: Acts 10:47-48
  • Even after receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptized.
  • They were commanded to be baptized 'in the name of the Lord,' further solidifying the apostolic pattern.

4. The Significance of the Name in Baptism

4.1 The Authority and Power of Jesus' Name

Verses: Colossians 3:17; Acts 4:12
  • All actions done in the church, including baptism, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

4.2 Reconciling Matthew 28:19 with Apostolic Practice

Verses: Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38
  • The apostles, who received the Great Commission directly, consistently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • The 'name' of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is revealed and embodied in Jesus Christ.

4.3 The Fullness of the Godhead in Christ

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • To baptize in Jesus' name is to invoke the full authority and identity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

5. The Purpose and Necessity of Water Baptism

5.1 For the Remission of Sins

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16
  • Water baptism is presented as an act of obedience for the washing away of sins.
  • It is a vital step in receiving forgiveness and cleansing through Christ's sacrifice.

5.2 Identification with Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Verses: Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism symbolizes our spiritual death to sin and our new life in Christ.
  • It is a public declaration of our faith, identifying us with His redemptive work.

5.3 A Prerequisite for Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5-6
  • Repentance and water baptism are often presented as preceding the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • It is part of the complete biblical pattern for salvation and receiving God's Spirit.