InstaStudy

The Apostles' Path to New Birth: Understanding Water Baptism

This study explores the biblical understanding of water baptism as essential for salvation and examines how the Apostles themselves fulfilled this command to enter the Kingdom of God, focusing on the authority and name by which it is administered.

1. The Divine Command for New Birth

1.1 Jesus' Teaching on Water and Spirit

Verses: John 3:5; Mark 16:16
  • Water baptism is a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God.
  • It is an integral part of being 'born again'.
  • Faith and baptism are linked for salvation.

1.2 The Great Commission's Instruction

Verses: Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38
  • Disciples are commanded to baptize all nations.
  • Baptism is for the remission of sins.
  • It is to be done in a specific divine 'name'.

2. The Name and Authority of Baptism

2.1 The Fulfillment of Matthew 28:19

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5
  • The Apostles consistently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • The 'name' of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is Jesus.
  • Jesus embodies all divine titles and authority.

2.2 The Power in the Name

Verses: Colossians 3:17; Philippians 2:9-11
  • All things are to be done in the name of Jesus.
  • This name is exalted above every other name.
  • It carries divine authority for salvation and new life.

3. The Apostles' Own Baptismal Experience

3.1 John's Baptism vs. Christian Baptism

Verses: Acts 19:1-5; Matthew 3:11
  • John's baptism was for repentance, not for the remission of sins in Jesus' name.
  • Those baptized by John often needed to be re-baptized in Jesus' name.
  • The Apostles likely received John's baptism, but this was insufficient for the new covenant.

3.2 The New Covenant Requirement for All Believers

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Galatians 3:27
  • The command to be baptized in Jesus' name was for 'all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call'.
  • The Apostles, as believers, would also need to fulfill this command.
  • They 'put on Christ' through baptism as a public declaration.

3.3 Who Baptized the Apostles?

Verses: John 4:1-2; Acts 10:48
  • While the Bible doesn't explicitly state who baptized each Apostle, they understood and practiced water baptism in Jesus' name.
  • They would have been baptized by fellow disciples or by each other, fulfilling the command they preached.
  • The focus is on the act and the name, not the specific administrator's identity.

4. The Dual Experience of New Birth

4.1 Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:6
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins and burial with Christ.
  • The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate, subsequent experience of receiving divine power.
  • Both are essential components of the full new birth experience.

4.2 The Spirit as God's Indwelling Presence

Verses: Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 6:19
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ.
  • It is God Himself dwelling within believers.
  • This indwelling is the seal and guarantee of salvation.

5. One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

5.1 The Singularity of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5
  • There is one God, and He is Lord.
  • Jesus is that one God manifested in flesh.
  • There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

5.2 The Unity of the Salvation Plan

Verses: Ephesians 4:5; Acts 4:12
  • There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
  • Salvation is found in no other name than Jesus.
  • The plan of salvation is consistent for all, including the Apostles.