Baptism in the New Testament Randy Broberg 6/14/2011
Theme Verse Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. 2
The Greek verb "baptizo" (baptize) means "to dip, plunge, or submerge. to wash see, e.g., Luke 11:38 and Mark 7:3 4 a refer to washing hands before eating never refers to pouring or sprinkling Can there be modes of dipping (is dipping a mode of dipping? Is sprinkling a mode of dipping? 1 Corinthians 10:2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,
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Mikveh just south of Temple Mount 5
Born of Water John 3:5-10 Jesus answered, I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, You must all be born from above. The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus replied, How can these things be? Jesus answered, Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you don t understand these things?
Why Jews Baptized The concept of immersion in water in rabbinic literature is referred to as a new birth [Yeb. 22a; 48b; 97b; Mass. Ger. c.ii]. Mikveh in Jerusalem near Temple
Jews performed ritual immersion ("mikveh ) for purification purposes and initiation of converts. Whom Jews Baptized
Whom Jews Baptized The person being baptized made special preparations by undressing completely and made a fresh profession of faith before the designated "fathers of the baptism" [Kethub. 11a; Erub 15a]. The candidate would totally immerse himself in the water. Immersion was accompanied by exhortations and benedictions [Maimonides Hilkh. Milah iii.4; Hilkh. Iss, Biah Xiv.6]. A convert would reaffirm his acceptance of the Torah by declaring, "I will do and I will hear" [Deuteronomy 29:9-14]. Jewish baptism was to be performed in the presence of witnesses in whose name he was immersed [Yebam. 47b].
How Jews Baptized According to Jewish law Immersion is required for both men and women when converting to Judaism. There are six descending orders of ritual baths in the Mishnah [Oral Laws of how to accomplish the written Law] and the highest order is that of a spring or flowing river, called Living Water.
How Jews Baptized The deep pools they built for Mikveh were called Mikvaot, sometimes in or near synagogues, are distinguished from cisterns by their size, large surface area and steps. found very early at Jericho, at a synagogue at Gamla, at Herodium and Masada (all pre-70 AD) and at the recently discovered synagogue at Sepphoris. there were many on the Temple Mount [Mid. 2:5]. The Temple itself contained immersions baths in various places for the priests to use, even in the vaults beneath the court [Commentary to Tam. 26b; Tam. 1:1]. archaeologists found 48 different mikvaot near the Monumental Staircase leading into the Temple. Jericho Mikvaot
How Jews Baptized basic restrictions on the Mikveh: Only water used. The water can not be flowing except for a natural spring, river or ocean. The water cannot be manually drawn. The Mikveh must contain approximately 200 gallons of water. Modern Day Jewish Mikveh
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Essene Baptisms at Qumran The Jewish Essene community immersed their disciples. At Qumran are deep pits and channels which could collect rain pouring into the wadis. At Qumran, there are several references to immersion requirements. The uninitiated cannot enter the water, however, unless they have already turned away from wickedness (CD 10.10-13; 1QS 5.13). As with the later Rabbis, for those at Qumran water seems to have no magical properties to wash away sin, unless one has already become righteous through correct behavior. Interestingly, initiation at Qumran does not include a particular ceremony of immersion above and beyond the immersion that all members of the community perform. Ritual immersion seems a privilege for those who have already rendered themselves pure by instruction, council, righteous acts (1 QS 4.25-36; 5.13; 7).
Essene Mikveh at Qumran 15
How John Baptized John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. Mark 1:9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 16
How John Baptized Jordan River
Why John Baptized Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. See also Luke 3:3 Acts 13:24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 18
Why John Baptized But to some Jews the destruction of Herod's army seemed to be divine vengeance, and certainly a just vengeance, for his treatment of John, surnamed the Baptist. For Herod had put him to death, though he was a good man and had exhorted the Jews to lead righteous lives, to practice justice towards their fellows and piety towards God, and so doing to join in baptism. In his view this was a necessary preliminary if baptism was to be acceptable to God. They must not employ it to gain pardon for whatever sins they committed, but as a consecration of the body implying that the soul was already thoroughly cleansed by righteousness. Josephus's Antiquities (18.116-118). 19
Whom John Baptized Matthew 3:6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Consider whether this baptism acted as a substitute for circumcision or not, since those who were called to baptism were already circumcised. 20
The Baptism of Jesus Disciples John 3:22,26 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified--behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!" John 4:1-2 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 21
Jesus Death as Baptism Matthew 20:22-23 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father. See also Mark 10:38-39 Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 22
Other Influences: Hebrew And Pagan Anointing Ceremonies
Background: Pagan Religious Practices Cultus: The worship or veneration of a deity, and correct observance of religious obligations. Roman religion was one of cultus (cult) rather than pietas (piety). For the Romans it was more important to observe the correct rituals: the gods were venerated by the strict observance of rituals to make them favorably disposed, irrespective of the ethics and morals of the worshippers. From: A Dictionary of Roman Religion Use of Shallow bowls of holy water used in ritualistic washings or for pouring of libations. Roman practice of publicly acknowledging a child, and agreeing to raise it, not expose it.
Other Influences: Pagan Water Pouring Rituals
Baptism of Water vs Spirit Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. See also Luke 3:16 and Mark 1:8 John 1:33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, "Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' Acts 8:16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 26
Water vs Spirit Baptism Acts 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Acts 10:47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? Acts 11:16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, "John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 27
Baptism of John vs Christian Baptism Acts 18:25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. Acts 19:3-4 And he said to them, "Into what then were you baptized?" So they said, "Into John's baptism." Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." 28
When Christians Baptized Acts 8:38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Acts 9:18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' 29
How Christians Baptized Acts 8:36, 38 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Mikveh on Temple Mount 30
How:
How: in the Name of Jesus Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 32
Why: Union with Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 33
Why: Union with Christ s Body the Church 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 34
Why Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Union with Christ s Burial 35
Why: Union with Christ s Burial & Resurrection Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 36
Why Christians Baptized? Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 37
Why Christians Baptize 1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 38
Whom Christians Baptized Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 39
Whom Christians Baptized Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Acts 16:15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us. Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. 40
Paul Not Sent To Baptize 1 Corinthians 1:13-17 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other., For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 41
Baptism For the Dead? 1 Corinthians 15:29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 42
Baptisms Compared Old Testament Jewish Mikveh Essenes John the Baptist New Testament When 1. After being unclean 2. Before Entering Temple Conversion to Judaism 1. Initiation rite 2. Daily washing After Repent-ance After faith How Immersion Immersion Immersion Immersion Immersion Why Purification New Birth Purification Remission Of Sins New Birth / Union with Christ Whom Jews No babies Gentiles converts No babies Jewish Initiates No babies Repentant Jews No babies Believing adults No babies 43
One Baptism Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 44