As we survey the New Testament texts on baptism, we’ll turn our attention to the letters. To start off, let’s focus just on the passages that specifically mention baptism:

Rom 6:3–4; 1 Cor 1:13–17; 10:2; 12:13; 15:29; Gal 3:27; Eph 4:5; Col 2:12; Heb 6:2; 1 Pet 3:21

The first passage is Romans 6, where Paul uses the example of baptism as part of his teaching on the importance of repentance and sanctification. It’s important to note that baptism is not the point of this passage, yet important things are taught about baptism.

In the first chapter of 1 Corinthians, we find a passage that is puzzling to some, where Paul talks about having been sent to preach not to baptize. I think people who haven’t been in missions settings are especially puzzled by this; those who have realize the complications of having the visiting celebrity actually doing the baptisms and the importance of using local people for this act to enhance the connection with the local church. (I wrote more fully on this a while back)

Chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians has a symbolic use of the word baptize, where Paul talks about the Israelites being baptized “into Moses” when they entered the cloud and the sea. Chapter 12 of the same book says that we were all baptized by the Spirit into the body of believers.

The fourth reference in 1 Corinthians makes the head-scratching comment about baptism for the dead. Lots of theories out there about that one.

Galatians 3:27 talks about Christians being clothed in Christ in baptism.

Ephesians 4 tells us that there is only one baptism; it’s surprising how often this unity-inspired comment has led to disagreement and division.

Colossians 2:12 speaks of baptism as a burial and a raising, the same language Paul used in Romans 6. It also emphasizes the role of faith in Christian baptism.

Hebrews 6 speaks of teachings about “baptisms” as being part of the elementary teachings of the church.

1 Peter 3:21 compares the Christian’s experience in baptism with that of Noah and his family on the ark. And I don’t think Peter had even seen the movie!

Next I want to look at some of the passages that may be referencing baptism even though the word isn’t used. Did I miss any direct references?

Over 30 years ago, I studied for three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible. Then I went on and finished a master’s degree in Biblical Studies. I’ve been in full-time ministry for a significant portion of those 30 years. I now do a radio program called “Read The Bible” (Lea La Biblia).

And then I write a blog post about baptism in the gospels… and forget to mention the baptism of Jesus!

Wow. That’s an inauspicious start. The good thing is, we’ve got commenters like Jordan who will graciously point out the error of my ways, even giving me the benefit of the doubt that my omission may have been intentional.

No. I messed up. One of the key events concerning baptism in the gospels is Jesus’ own baptism. It’s in all four gospels, with varying degrees of detail. It’s the moment when he publicly accepted his role as Messiah and was publicly declared to be the Son of God. It was something he did “to fulfill all righteousness.”

It’s really important. And needs to be considered as we study baptism.

Jordan also provided a link to an article about baptism in the Old Testament, along with a disclaimer that he disagrees with many of the conclusions, but appreciates the list of verses. I’ve never emphasized the connection between these Old Testament washings and New Testament baptism, but it’s worth a look.

OK… what else did I miss?

As we begin a discussion on baptism, I want to begin with a biblical review. While there may be hints of baptism in the Old Testament, in a real sense, baptism burst on the scene with the coming of John the Baptist. We know that wasn’t true in a historic sense; when John called people to be baptized, they knew what he meant. It wasn’t new. But it’s new to Scripture.

John’s baptism can be a bit troubling. It certainly was back then, for Jews didn’t typically baptize faithful Jews, at least not in mainstream Judaism. It’s a bit troubling for us. The book of Acts limits John’s baptism to repentance, yet the book of Mark links it to repentance and forgiveness of sins. (Mark 1:4) Things would be neater and tidier if Mark hadn’t said that.

John also talks about Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and with fire, contrasting that with the water John was using. (Matthew 3:11) We’ll look at that statement some more later. It is interesting that Jesus apparently avoided baptizing people by his own hand. (John 4:1-2)

When James and John seek places of honor in the coming Kingdom, Jesus speaks of baptism in a symbolic sense when he answers:

““You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”” (Mark 10:38–40)

He made similar use of the term baptism in Luke 12:50.

At the end of his ministry, Jesus sent out his disciples with a command to baptize:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15–16)

I’m aware of the textual difficulties with Mark 16. That’s another topic I want to touch on. For now, I’ll stick to my practice of dealing with the text as we’ve received it.

There is some debate as to whether or not Jesus refers to baptism in John 3. [“Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5)] I believe the context suggests that it is baptism; again, I’d like to discuss that more fully in a further post.

For now, that’s all that I can think of that the gospels have to say about baptism. Any other texts that you think we need to consider?

photo courtesy of MorgueFile.com

The Pepperdine Lectures this year are focusing on two important topics: the Lord’s Supper and baptism. I’ve written on both of those topics on this blog, but want to revisit the topic of baptism (I’ve got 48 posts tagged “Lord’s Supper,” by the way, so I’m not exactly neglecting that topic)

I’ll be starting next week, so I’m looking for some input to help me choose the directions I’ll take:

• What aspects of baptism do you think have traditionally been neglected?
• What aspects of baptism do you think have traditionally been misunderstood?
• What questions about baptism need to be addressed?
• In what ways are views toward baptism changing (within churches of Christ and among believers in general)?
• What suggestions do you have for this study?

Thanks for your input!