As we survey New Testament texts on baptism, we find numerous passages in the book of Acts. (A search in Accordance shows 27 mentions of baptism or baptize) Specifically, we find many examples of baptisms, with a bit of teaching around them.
Chapter 1 repeats the contrast between John’s baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit that Jesus was going to bring about. (I won’t do much discussion of my views on what it means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, having discussed that topic earlier on this blog)
Chapter 2 includes the announcement of Christian baptism by Peter (“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.”) as well as the first baptisms. (about 3000 people)
In Chapter 8, we see numerous people baptized in Samaria and the baptism of an Ethiopian man by the side of a desert road. Verse 37, which may or may not have been part of the original text, gives us “the good confession” which is often repeated at baptisms:
And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
In Chapter 9, we see the conversion of Paul. Luke tells the story of Paul’s baptism here, then quotes Paul telling the same story in Chapter 22.
Chapter 10 sees the conversion of Cornelius and his family. The New Testament never says that Cornelius was the first Gentile convert, but many believe that to be the case. Either way, his conversion became a test case for the early church.
Acts 16 shows us some conversions in Philippi, including Lydia and the unnamed jailer along with their households.
Chapter 18 tells us about some conversions in Corinth. It also has the story of Apollos, a Christian preacher who was preaching John’s baptism. The story tells us of his doctrine being corrected; no mention is made as to whether or not he himself was rebaptized.
In contrast, a group of believers in Ephesus are rebaptized in Chapter 19, for the same reason: they had been baptized with John’s baptism and hadn’t received the Holy Spirit.
That’s a quick overview of Acts, which by far gives us more information about baptism than any of the other books. (at least in sheer quantity of texts)
Did I miss anything major this time?
Tim, I read your link on baptism in the Holy Sprit. Haven’t read Douglas Jacoby’s article. Richard Rogers got his idea from Jim McGuiggan. If you go to Jim’s web site you can read more about Jim’s point of view. Also you can read Jim’s point of view in his commentary on 1Corinthians. Since the article on baptism in the Holy Spirit was back in 2009 I decided to comment here on it. Also I look forward to reading Jacoby’s article.