InstaStudy

The Apostles and the New Birth: Born of Water and Spirit

An exploration of the biblical requirements for the new birth, focusing on the apostles' understanding and practice of water baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit, as taught in the scriptures.

1. The Divine Mandate for New Birth

1.1 Jesus' Declaration to Nicodemus

Verses: John 3:3-7
  • Jesus emphasizes the necessity of being "born again" to see and enter the kingdom of God.
  • He clarifies that this new birth involves both "water and the Spirit."
  • This teaching establishes a fundamental requirement for salvation.

1.2 The Great Commission's Instruction

Verses: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16
  • Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples, baptizing them.
  • He linked belief and baptism to salvation.
  • The command to baptize is a direct instruction from the Lord.

2. The Apostolic Practice of Water Baptism

2.1 Peter's Call on the Day of Pentecost

Verses: Acts 2:38-39
  • Peter, inspired by the Spirit, instructed the crowd to repent and be baptized.
  • He specified baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."
  • This was the initial response to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

2.2 Philip's Ministry in Samaria

Verses: Acts 8:12; Acts 8:14-16
  • People believed Philip's preaching and were baptized, both men and women.
  • They were baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus."
  • The apostles later came to lay hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit, indicating water baptism preceded the Spirit's reception.

2.3 Paul's Conversion and Baptism

Verses: Acts 9:17-18; Acts 22:16
  • Ananias was sent to Paul (Saul) to restore his sight and for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • Paul was immediately baptized after this encounter.
  • Ananias instructed Paul to "wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

2.4 The Household of Cornelius

Verses: Acts 10:44-48
  • The Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his household while Peter was preaching.
  • Peter then commanded them to be baptized "in the name of the Lord."
  • This demonstrates that even after receiving the Spirit, water baptism was still a necessary step.

3. The Significance of the Baptismal Name

3.1 The Authority of Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • Salvation is found in no other name than Jesus.
  • All actions done in the church, including baptism, are to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • This name carries divine authority and power.

3.2 Fulfilling the Great Commission

Verses: Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38
  • Repentance and remission of sins are to be preached in Jesus' name.
  • The apostles understood "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19) to be fulfilled by baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ, as Jesus is the manifestation of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
  • The singular "name" in Matthew 28:19 points to the one name that represents the Godhead.

4. The Transformative Experience of Water Baptism

4.1 Burial and Resurrection with Christ

Verses: Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
  • Water baptism symbolizes a spiritual death to sin and a new life in Christ.
  • It is a burial with Christ and a resurrection to walk in newness of life.
  • Through baptism, believers are identified with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

4.2 Cleansing and Remission of Sins

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21
  • Baptism is for the remission (forgiveness) of sins.
  • It is a washing away of sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
  • It is an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

4.3 Entering the New Covenant

Verses: Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5
  • Through baptism, believers "put on Christ" and become part of His body.
  • There is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."
  • It is an essential step in obedience and covenant relationship with God.