InstaStudy

The Baptizer and the Apostles' Baptism

An exploration of who administered baptism to the apostles, both in water and in the Spirit, and the authority and name associated with this foundational ordinance.

1. The Foretelling of the True Baptizer

1.1 John's Testimony of the Coming One

Verses: Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33
  • John declared he baptized with water, but one greater would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
  • This greater one was Jesus, who alone possesses the power to impart the Spirit.
  • John's baptism was preparatory, pointing to Jesus' ultimate work.

1.2 Jesus as the Sole Giver of the Spirit

Verses: John 7:38-39; Acts 2:33
  • Jesus promised rivers of living water, referring to the Spirit He would give.
  • After His exaltation, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit as He promised.
  • The Holy Spirit is given by Jesus, establishing Him as the ultimate Baptizer.

2. The Command for Water Baptism

2.1 Jesus' Great Commission

Verses: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16
  • Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples, baptizing them.
  • Baptism is an essential part of becoming a disciple.
  • This command was given by Jesus, establishing His authority over the ordinance.

2.2 The Singular Name for Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5
  • The apostles consistently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This practice fulfills the spirit of Jesus' commission by invoking His singular authority.
  • Baptism in Jesus' name signifies identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.

2.3 The Apostles' Own Water Baptism

Verses: John 1:35-42; John 4:1-2
  • Some apostles, like Andrew and Peter, were likely baptized by John the Baptist.
  • Jesus' own disciples also administered water baptism during His ministry.
  • This shows that water baptism was a practice even before Pentecost, preparing hearts for the Spirit.

3. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit for the Apostles

3.1 The Promise of the Spirit

Verses: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5; Acts 1:8
  • Jesus instructed His apostles to wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit.
  • He declared they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.
  • This spiritual baptism would empower them for their mission.

3.2 The Day of Pentecost Experience

Verses: Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:38-39
  • The apostles were all filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.
  • This was the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
  • Peter declared this experience was for all who would believe and be baptized in Jesus' name.

3.3 The Significance of the Spirit Baptism

Verses: Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:5
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is essential for belonging to Christ.
  • It is the one Spirit by which all believers are baptized into one body.
  • There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, referring to the spiritual incorporation into Christ.

4. The Apostles' Continued Practice of Baptism

4.1 Preaching and Baptizing

Verses: Acts 2:37-41; Acts 8:12; Acts 16:30-33
  • After Peter's sermon, thousands were baptized in water.
  • Philip preached and baptized believers in Samaria.
  • Paul and Silas baptized the Philippian jailer and his household immediately upon their belief.

4.2 The Purpose of Water Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • It symbolizes dying with Christ to sin and rising to newness of life.
  • Through baptism, believers are clothed with Christ.

4.3 The Authority Behind Apostolic Baptism

Verses: Colossians 2:9-10; Philippians 2:9-11
  • All the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ, making Him the supreme authority.
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name.
  • The apostles baptized by the authority of this exalted Jesus, whose name represents the full power of God.