Baptism According To Luke-Acts Research Paper
Arielle Huettner
Research Paper: Baptism According to Luke-Acts
10 December 2014
Baptism According to Luke-Acts
Introduction
A religious sacrament marked by the symbolic application of water to the head or immersion of the body into water and resulting inadmission of the recipient into the community of Christians; this is the definition of baptism according to The Free Dictionary Online1. In order to understand how Luke presents baptism in the book of Acts and how baptism is a part of God’s plan of salvation we must dig deep into the confines of the scripture and rely on the teachings to lead us into an ultimate educated discussion that will teach us that Paul took on several meanings of the word Baptism and in each situation …show more content…
meant something different and deeper than simply being surrounded by the spirit. While many believe baptism isn’t necessary, I will attempt to show both sides of the viewpoint as well as why I believe it is important to recognize baptism.
Research Methodology
For my study I will move through my research in order to show that Baptism according to Luke is encompassed in stages and different perspectives depending on the deepening of the baptism through a several steps. First and foremost I will study the Biblical text. This would be my most important resource throughout my research. Next I will explore what others have said in regards to the study. I will finalize by interviewing a few people of the ministry to find what else I can discover about the subject.
What does the book of Luke say about Baptism?
The book of Luke begins by speaking about John the Baptist who paved the way for the Lord to come. Many people believe that by being baptized means you have accepted Christ as your savior but the reality is that you can be baptized and repent of your sins without ever accepting Christ. However, you cannot accept Christ without being baptized and repenting of your sins. Through the use of the following verses I will attempt to explain what each reference to baptism meant for Luke in perspective to the events that were happening during that time.
Baptized in water
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3 In accordance with this scripture it is very clear that when Luke speaks on about baptism through water he is telling us that in order to truly repent of our sins we must be baptized in the water. This type of baptism comes to us as purely ceremonial. This is to show the community that you repent of your sins.
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Luke 3:7 This verse also speaks on the ceremonial water baptism. I include this verse, however, to show how John turned away those who were doing the baptism, not because they felt in their hearts it was right and just but because it was trending. Ultimately what John did here was to reinforce the fact that the baptism was for the sole purpose of repentence of your sins; not to be done simply because everyone else was doing it.
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" Luke 3:12 Here again we see John reaffirming the need to be remorseful for your sins and to repent. In this case, these tax collectors came to John asking what they should do to fix their actions and John informs them of a course of action to take in order to fix the wrongs that had been committed. These men were very remorsefull for their actions and sought help in order to repent for the sins they had committed. Again, this shows how being baptized by the water is purely symbolic of the actions that you must take to be completely repentant.
Baptized of the Spirit
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened Luke 3:21 This verse is truly remarkable in the study of baptism and its purpose. Here we see Jesus himself being baptized not just with the symbolic water but for the first time by the literal spirit. In this verse Jesus used baptism not to repent of His sins but to fully qualify himself in front of God and community that He is the Son of God, the Messiah. Through this baptism Jesus was eternally purified, not just baptized. All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. Luke 7:29-30 This verse compliments Luke 3:21 by showing that all those who were baptized and cleansed of their sin through the water by John believed in what Jesus had claimed in the river that day. Those that had not been baptized rejected the notion.
John 's baptism--was it from heaven, or of human origin?" Luke 20:4 In this verse Jesus challenges the followers of John the Baptist. Basically stating that since He was baptized of the water and of the spirit and since John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah and they were followers of John the Baptist then they must believe in his proclamation. So, to say now that you do not believe would be contradictory to following John the Baptist. Ultimately showing them the conclusion through slights of tongue that John the Baptists gifts were given to him by God.
But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Luke 11:38 This verse justifies why people would follow John the Baptist in the first place. In ancient Jewish culture the act of washing ones self-prior to the on take of a meal was considered the act of purification. So for John the Baptist to claim that it also cleansed your soul of sin would not have been horribly far-fetched.
Baptism under fire and through persecution
But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Luke 12:50 In this verse Jesus is not speaking of being baptized of water or of the Holy Spirit. Both of those acts had already occurred. No, in this verse Jesus is speaking on being baptized by fire. Jesus was referring to being purged into the eternal fires of His sufferings; literally submerged into them. Luke uses the baptism by fire through persecution to describe Jesus’s intense suffering as a necessity in order to achieve eternal purging. Consider this; similarly to water baptism, with fire Jesus will be completely submerged, left there for a moment and then will reemerge never to be submerged again. This was a foretelling of when Jesus died for three days, then rose again; affirming that He will never die again. Therefore the justice of God would be ultimately satisfied.
John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 Here John the Baptist sums up the entire process in a matter of two sentences. Stating that Jesus will come and be baptized by the Holy Spirit through water and then He will be baptized by fire through persecution in order to save us from our sins.
Luke did not limit himself to one explanation of baptism or its importance. He understood that the meaning of a baptism depended on what you were being baptized with. The coming of Jesus to be baptized by John only solidified the lessons John had been preaching. We become baptized by the Holy Spirit through water to solidify our relationship with Christ who was not only baptized by the Holy Spirit through water but also by fire through persecution.
What does the book of Acts say about Baptism?
One of the biggest points that the book of Acts makes in regards to baptism is the distinction between Messianic baptism and New Covenant baptism. There is John’s Messianic baptism through water which he committed in the name of the Messiah and then there is the New Covenant baptism that is performed using the Holy Spirit and this form allows you access to the Messiah in the name of the Lord.
Messianic Baptism references
Acts references the Messianic Baptism in several instances. In this section I will attempt to show the different instances where the importance of baptism is exemplified and supported through the book of Acts.
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 In this verse Peter is appealing to the people to look at Jesus in a new life, to consider him as the Son of God, as the Messiah. He advises them to be baptized of the water. This verse justifies and speaks on a Messianic Baptism or a water baptism in the name of Christ in order to receive the Holy Spirit.
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 This verse supports the Messianic Baptism as it describes a moment when three thousand people were baptized in the Holy Spirit through water after they had accepted the Lord as their savior.
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. Acts 8:12-13 Once again we experience a moment in the book of Acts where the proclamation of the good news of Jesus caused hundreds, if not thousands to repent of their sins and be baptized in water. The miracle of this verse is that the people mentioned had been falsely lead by another prior to the coming of Philip to proclaim the word of Jesus, yet the word was so profound that they followed without question and repented of their …show more content…
sins. “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Acts 10: 47-48 This verse addresses that even the uncircumcised Gentiles had a right to be baptized by the Holy Spirit through the symbolization of water. That no one can deny those who seek to repent of their sins can ultimately be denied the right given to them through Jesus Christ.
New Covenant Baptism
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:5 This verse speaks specifically to the Holy Spirit entering the believers soul on the prerogative of Jesus; showing us the importance of acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Savior in Baptism. Supporting the idea that you can be baptized of the water without being baptized of the Holy Spirit but you cannot be baptized of the Holy Spirit without the ceremonial repentance act of baptism through the symbolism of the water.
Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ' Acts 11:16 In this verse we learn that now that you have been baptized of the Spirit you could not under any circumstances be denied to be baptized using the lesser form of water baptism. Again we see that New Covenant baptism or baptism of the Holy Spirit stands alone over the Messianic baptism with water.
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul 's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, Acts 9:18 Again in this instance Saul was baptized of the Holy Spirit, without water. When Saul came out from the darkness and confronted the light he was baptized by the Holy Spirit. He had accepted Christ and Christ had in return accepted Saul as a servant.
Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8 In this verse their faith came through the hearing of the word. They believed, not with their eyes but with their hearts and therefore were baptized of the Holy Spirit and not of the water; showing, once again, the fact that you can be baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized with water.
Because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:16 In this verse we see that the people had been baptized in the water but because they have not yet repented or accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior they were only baptized in the water and had not yet been accepted by Christ because they themselves had not accepted Christ and received enlightenment through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This shows the scriptural support of the understanding that you can be baptized of the water without being baptized of the Holy Spirit. Until one truly repents you cannot be baptized of the Holy Spirit.
Through the verses I sought to show how the difference between the Messianic baptism and the New Covenant Baptism are important in understanding the importance of baptism in the Bible. It is important to understand that being baptized is not about having water poured over you but rather to accept Christ as Lord and Savior and to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
God’s Salvation in Baptism according to Luke
Is Baptism necessary for God’s Salvation? The Bible has verses that contradict each other which has caused a rift in the separation of the Churches. The topic of Baptism and its necessity has been no exception. There are verses that support the notion that baptism is necessary for God’s Salvation and there are verses in opposition of this thought.
Support
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 This verse shows support of the necessity of Baptism for God’s Salvation. According to this verse, it is necessary to be baptized of the water in order to be baptized of the Holy Spirit which is necessary to reach the kingdom of Heaven.
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. ' Acts 22:16 This verse also supports the notion that baptism is a necessary act towards true fulfillment; however, the speculation with this verse is whether or not it speaks on the baptism of the symbolic water or simply just ensuring you are baptized of the Holy Spirit.
Opposition
Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43 In this verse they were baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized of water. This suggests that being baptized by the water is an unnecessary act. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. ' Acts 11:14 Again, this verse works in opposition of the idea that you need to be baptized with water in order to reach Salvation through Christ. This family was baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized with water.
Understanding the importance of Baptism In order to understand the importance of baptism you need to understand who the word was spoken to. Initially the word was spoken to God’s chosen people or the Jews. It wasn’t until the women at the well that Jesus began His movement with the Gentiles. The Jewish culture was exceptionally important to look in his exploration of the act of baptism. He consistently supported the Jewish culture in his quest to tell the Gospel. Luke accurately and faithfully recorded the life of Jesus as His movement went through the Jewish culture. Luke understood better than any of the other Gospels that Jesus was born Jewish.
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:14-17 In this verse the Lord pours out His spirit upon His people suggests that even in the Jewish followers Baptism was an important aspect of conversion.
Understanding Repentance as it relates to Baptism
Baptism was not what caused repentance but was instead a physical expression that one had already repented and was publicly showing this. Along the same lines it is not enough to simply say you are sorry. You also have to put your words to action and fix the way you have been living your life; change the path you have been walking on.
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” Luke 3:7-14 In this verse Luke shows us that just being baptized and repenting of your sins are not enough. You have to change your ways to show that you are truly repentant of your sins. John advised each group that it was not their job that was causing them to be sinful but the act of taking more than they needed and not giving back anything that was sinful. This foretold the commandment that Jesus would later give us Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
Why get baptized? So the question remains, if people have been baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized by water, as I have shown throughout my paper through numerous examples, why should we get baptized by water at all? Why not just accept Christ and be baptized of the Holy Spirit only. The fact remains that while Jesus never specifically demands the act of baptism by water He does request the act of baptism through water of us. If the Lords request is not enough, think about the chance to evangelize. Those that see you profess in front of the entire world that you belong to Christ will often be inspired to follow suit in their faith.
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. Acts 16:30-34 In accordance with this scripture we see how sharing your experience of being baptized by the Holy Spirit through the act of Baptism through water ultimately brings a stronger relationship with your new life and
happiness.
Conclusion
Ultimately the majority of my research was biblically centric. I felt that this study is relatively straight forward and presented numerous times throughout the Bible. Luke views the Bible in several different ways; either through water to receive the Holy Spirit or through prosecution by fire. The later of those was experienced by Christ so that we could be saved by Him. Baptism is an important symbol in representing your acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Bibliography
Armstrong, John H. Understanding Four Views on Baptism. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.
Beasley-Murry George R. Baptism in the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1962.
David S. Dockery, “Baptism,” in Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, ed. Joel B. Green and Scot McKnight (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1992)
Dunn, James, D.G. Baptism in the Holy Spirit. London: SCM Press, 1970.
Longnecker, Richard N. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Luke-Acts. Zondervan, 2009.
NIV Bible. Zondervan, 2012.
Witherington, Ben. Troubled Waters. Rethinking our Theology of Baptism Baylor, 2007
Research Paper: Baptism According to Luke-Acts
10 December 2014
Baptism According to Luke-Acts
Introduction
A religious sacrament marked by the symbolic application of water to the head or immersion of the body into water and resulting inadmission of the recipient into the community of Christians; this is the definition of baptism according to The Free Dictionary Online1. In order to understand how Luke presents baptism in the book of Acts and how baptism is a part of God’s plan of salvation we must dig deep into the confines of the scripture and rely on the teachings to lead us into an ultimate educated discussion that will teach us that Paul took on several meanings of the word Baptism and in each situation …show more content…
meant something different and deeper than simply being surrounded by the spirit. While many believe baptism isn’t necessary, I will attempt to show both sides of the viewpoint as well as why I believe it is important to recognize baptism.
Research Methodology
For my study I will move through my research in order to show that Baptism according to Luke is encompassed in stages and different perspectives depending on the deepening of the baptism through a several steps. First and foremost I will study the Biblical text. This would be my most important resource throughout my research. Next I will explore what others have said in regards to the study. I will finalize by interviewing a few people of the ministry to find what else I can discover about the subject.
What does the book of Luke say about Baptism?
The book of Luke begins by speaking about John the Baptist who paved the way for the Lord to come. Many people believe that by being baptized means you have accepted Christ as your savior but the reality is that you can be baptized and repent of your sins without ever accepting Christ. However, you cannot accept Christ without being baptized and repenting of your sins. Through the use of the following verses I will attempt to explain what each reference to baptism meant for Luke in perspective to the events that were happening during that time.
Baptized in water
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3 In accordance with this scripture it is very clear that when Luke speaks on about baptism through water he is telling us that in order to truly repent of our sins we must be baptized in the water. This type of baptism comes to us as purely ceremonial. This is to show the community that you repent of your sins.
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Luke 3:7 This verse also speaks on the ceremonial water baptism. I include this verse, however, to show how John turned away those who were doing the baptism, not because they felt in their hearts it was right and just but because it was trending. Ultimately what John did here was to reinforce the fact that the baptism was for the sole purpose of repentence of your sins; not to be done simply because everyone else was doing it.
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" Luke 3:12 Here again we see John reaffirming the need to be remorseful for your sins and to repent. In this case, these tax collectors came to John asking what they should do to fix their actions and John informs them of a course of action to take in order to fix the wrongs that had been committed. These men were very remorsefull for their actions and sought help in order to repent for the sins they had committed. Again, this shows how being baptized by the water is purely symbolic of the actions that you must take to be completely repentant.
Baptized of the Spirit
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened Luke 3:21 This verse is truly remarkable in the study of baptism and its purpose. Here we see Jesus himself being baptized not just with the symbolic water but for the first time by the literal spirit. In this verse Jesus used baptism not to repent of His sins but to fully qualify himself in front of God and community that He is the Son of God, the Messiah. Through this baptism Jesus was eternally purified, not just baptized. All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. Luke 7:29-30 This verse compliments Luke 3:21 by showing that all those who were baptized and cleansed of their sin through the water by John believed in what Jesus had claimed in the river that day. Those that had not been baptized rejected the notion.
John 's baptism--was it from heaven, or of human origin?" Luke 20:4 In this verse Jesus challenges the followers of John the Baptist. Basically stating that since He was baptized of the water and of the spirit and since John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah and they were followers of John the Baptist then they must believe in his proclamation. So, to say now that you do not believe would be contradictory to following John the Baptist. Ultimately showing them the conclusion through slights of tongue that John the Baptists gifts were given to him by God.
But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Luke 11:38 This verse justifies why people would follow John the Baptist in the first place. In ancient Jewish culture the act of washing ones self-prior to the on take of a meal was considered the act of purification. So for John the Baptist to claim that it also cleansed your soul of sin would not have been horribly far-fetched.
Baptism under fire and through persecution
But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Luke 12:50 In this verse Jesus is not speaking of being baptized of water or of the Holy Spirit. Both of those acts had already occurred. No, in this verse Jesus is speaking on being baptized by fire. Jesus was referring to being purged into the eternal fires of His sufferings; literally submerged into them. Luke uses the baptism by fire through persecution to describe Jesus’s intense suffering as a necessity in order to achieve eternal purging. Consider this; similarly to water baptism, with fire Jesus will be completely submerged, left there for a moment and then will reemerge never to be submerged again. This was a foretelling of when Jesus died for three days, then rose again; affirming that He will never die again. Therefore the justice of God would be ultimately satisfied.
John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 Here John the Baptist sums up the entire process in a matter of two sentences. Stating that Jesus will come and be baptized by the Holy Spirit through water and then He will be baptized by fire through persecution in order to save us from our sins.
Luke did not limit himself to one explanation of baptism or its importance. He understood that the meaning of a baptism depended on what you were being baptized with. The coming of Jesus to be baptized by John only solidified the lessons John had been preaching. We become baptized by the Holy Spirit through water to solidify our relationship with Christ who was not only baptized by the Holy Spirit through water but also by fire through persecution.
What does the book of Acts say about Baptism?
One of the biggest points that the book of Acts makes in regards to baptism is the distinction between Messianic baptism and New Covenant baptism. There is John’s Messianic baptism through water which he committed in the name of the Messiah and then there is the New Covenant baptism that is performed using the Holy Spirit and this form allows you access to the Messiah in the name of the Lord.
Messianic Baptism references
Acts references the Messianic Baptism in several instances. In this section I will attempt to show the different instances where the importance of baptism is exemplified and supported through the book of Acts.
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 In this verse Peter is appealing to the people to look at Jesus in a new life, to consider him as the Son of God, as the Messiah. He advises them to be baptized of the water. This verse justifies and speaks on a Messianic Baptism or a water baptism in the name of Christ in order to receive the Holy Spirit.
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:41 This verse supports the Messianic Baptism as it describes a moment when three thousand people were baptized in the Holy Spirit through water after they had accepted the Lord as their savior.
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. Acts 8:12-13 Once again we experience a moment in the book of Acts where the proclamation of the good news of Jesus caused hundreds, if not thousands to repent of their sins and be baptized in water. The miracle of this verse is that the people mentioned had been falsely lead by another prior to the coming of Philip to proclaim the word of Jesus, yet the word was so profound that they followed without question and repented of their …show more content…
sins. “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Acts 10: 47-48 This verse addresses that even the uncircumcised Gentiles had a right to be baptized by the Holy Spirit through the symbolization of water. That no one can deny those who seek to repent of their sins can ultimately be denied the right given to them through Jesus Christ.
New Covenant Baptism
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:5 This verse speaks specifically to the Holy Spirit entering the believers soul on the prerogative of Jesus; showing us the importance of acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Savior in Baptism. Supporting the idea that you can be baptized of the water without being baptized of the Holy Spirit but you cannot be baptized of the Holy Spirit without the ceremonial repentance act of baptism through the symbolism of the water.
Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ' Acts 11:16 In this verse we learn that now that you have been baptized of the Spirit you could not under any circumstances be denied to be baptized using the lesser form of water baptism. Again we see that New Covenant baptism or baptism of the Holy Spirit stands alone over the Messianic baptism with water.
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul 's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, Acts 9:18 Again in this instance Saul was baptized of the Holy Spirit, without water. When Saul came out from the darkness and confronted the light he was baptized by the Holy Spirit. He had accepted Christ and Christ had in return accepted Saul as a servant.
Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8 In this verse their faith came through the hearing of the word. They believed, not with their eyes but with their hearts and therefore were baptized of the Holy Spirit and not of the water; showing, once again, the fact that you can be baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized with water.
Because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:16 In this verse we see that the people had been baptized in the water but because they have not yet repented or accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior they were only baptized in the water and had not yet been accepted by Christ because they themselves had not accepted Christ and received enlightenment through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This shows the scriptural support of the understanding that you can be baptized of the water without being baptized of the Holy Spirit. Until one truly repents you cannot be baptized of the Holy Spirit.
Through the verses I sought to show how the difference between the Messianic baptism and the New Covenant Baptism are important in understanding the importance of baptism in the Bible. It is important to understand that being baptized is not about having water poured over you but rather to accept Christ as Lord and Savior and to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
God’s Salvation in Baptism according to Luke
Is Baptism necessary for God’s Salvation? The Bible has verses that contradict each other which has caused a rift in the separation of the Churches. The topic of Baptism and its necessity has been no exception. There are verses that support the notion that baptism is necessary for God’s Salvation and there are verses in opposition of this thought.
Support
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 This verse shows support of the necessity of Baptism for God’s Salvation. According to this verse, it is necessary to be baptized of the water in order to be baptized of the Holy Spirit which is necessary to reach the kingdom of Heaven.
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. ' Acts 22:16 This verse also supports the notion that baptism is a necessary act towards true fulfillment; however, the speculation with this verse is whether or not it speaks on the baptism of the symbolic water or simply just ensuring you are baptized of the Holy Spirit.
Opposition
Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43 In this verse they were baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized of water. This suggests that being baptized by the water is an unnecessary act. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. ' Acts 11:14 Again, this verse works in opposition of the idea that you need to be baptized with water in order to reach Salvation through Christ. This family was baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized with water.
Understanding the importance of Baptism In order to understand the importance of baptism you need to understand who the word was spoken to. Initially the word was spoken to God’s chosen people or the Jews. It wasn’t until the women at the well that Jesus began His movement with the Gentiles. The Jewish culture was exceptionally important to look in his exploration of the act of baptism. He consistently supported the Jewish culture in his quest to tell the Gospel. Luke accurately and faithfully recorded the life of Jesus as His movement went through the Jewish culture. Luke understood better than any of the other Gospels that Jesus was born Jewish.
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:14-17 In this verse the Lord pours out His spirit upon His people suggests that even in the Jewish followers Baptism was an important aspect of conversion.
Understanding Repentance as it relates to Baptism
Baptism was not what caused repentance but was instead a physical expression that one had already repented and was publicly showing this. Along the same lines it is not enough to simply say you are sorry. You also have to put your words to action and fix the way you have been living your life; change the path you have been walking on.
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” Luke 3:7-14 In this verse Luke shows us that just being baptized and repenting of your sins are not enough. You have to change your ways to show that you are truly repentant of your sins. John advised each group that it was not their job that was causing them to be sinful but the act of taking more than they needed and not giving back anything that was sinful. This foretold the commandment that Jesus would later give us Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
Why get baptized? So the question remains, if people have been baptized of the Holy Spirit without being baptized by water, as I have shown throughout my paper through numerous examples, why should we get baptized by water at all? Why not just accept Christ and be baptized of the Holy Spirit only. The fact remains that while Jesus never specifically demands the act of baptism by water He does request the act of baptism through water of us. If the Lords request is not enough, think about the chance to evangelize. Those that see you profess in front of the entire world that you belong to Christ will often be inspired to follow suit in their faith.
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. Acts 16:30-34 In accordance with this scripture we see how sharing your experience of being baptized by the Holy Spirit through the act of Baptism through water ultimately brings a stronger relationship with your new life and
happiness.
Conclusion
Ultimately the majority of my research was biblically centric. I felt that this study is relatively straight forward and presented numerous times throughout the Bible. Luke views the Bible in several different ways; either through water to receive the Holy Spirit or through prosecution by fire. The later of those was experienced by Christ so that we could be saved by Him. Baptism is an important symbol in representing your acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Bibliography
Armstrong, John H. Understanding Four Views on Baptism. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.
Beasley-Murry George R. Baptism in the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1962.
David S. Dockery, “Baptism,” in Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, ed. Joel B. Green and Scot McKnight (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1992)
Dunn, James, D.G. Baptism in the Holy Spirit. London: SCM Press, 1970.
Longnecker, Richard N. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Luke-Acts. Zondervan, 2009.
NIV Bible. Zondervan, 2012.
Witherington, Ben. Troubled Waters. Rethinking our Theology of Baptism Baylor, 2007