Baptism

Before You Begin

Open Your Bible

Pray before beginning this study. Ask the Lord to give you understanding as you read His Word. Keep your Bible open, read each passage in its context, and allow the Scriptures to guide your conclusions.

Theme

Following Jesus Christ in Obedience

Baptism is discussed throughout the New Testament and appears repeatedly in the preaching of the apostles. As you study these passages, pay close attention to what the Bible says, why people were baptized, and how they responded to the gospel message.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38

Read the Scriptures

What Does the Bible Teach About Baptism?

Baptism appears throughout the ministry of Jesus Christ and the preaching of the apostles. As you read these passages, notice when baptism was preached, who was baptized, and how they responded to the gospel. Allow God's Word to guide your understanding rather than tradition or personal opinion.

Jesus Commanded Baptism

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:19

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Baptism was included as part of that commission, demonstrating its importance in the life of every believer.

The First Gospel Response

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38

When the people asked what they should do after hearing Peter's message, his response included repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the promise of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Consider why this was the apostles' first recorded answer after the resurrection and ascension of Christ.

The Samaritans Responded

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:12

As the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem, those who believed responded through baptism. Notice how belief was accompanied by action as people obeyed the message they had received.

The Ethiopian Eunuch

And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Acts 8:38

After hearing the Scriptures explained, the Ethiopian desired to be baptized without delay. His response demonstrates the eagerness of someone who believed the gospel and desired to obey God's Word.

Saul of Tarsus

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 22:16

After encountering Jesus Christ, Saul did not postpone his response. Ananias encouraged him to arise and be baptized, calling upon the name of the Lord. Consider the urgency expressed in this passage.

Buried with Christ

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead... even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

Paul describes baptism as identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It illustrates the believer's new life in Christ and points to the transforming work of God.

Understand the Truth

Observe the Pattern in Scripture

As you compare these passages, notice the consistent pattern found throughout the Book of Acts. The apostles preached Jesus Christ, people believed the gospel, and baptism followed as part of their response. Rather than relying upon isolated verses, take time to consider the testimony of the entire New Testament.

The purpose of this study is to encourage you to search the Scriptures carefully. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom as you continue reading His Word and seek to follow Him with a willing and obedient heart.

Examine Your Heart

Reflect on God's Word

Take time to reflect on the passages you have studied. Ask the Lord to help you understand His Word and to give you a heart that is willing to obey whatever He reveals. The purpose of this study is not merely to gain knowledge but to grow in faithful obedience to Jesus Christ.

What Have I Learned?

What have these passages taught me about baptism and its place in the New Testament?

What Pattern Do I See?

As I read through the Book of Acts, what pattern do I observe in the way people responded to the gospel?

How Should I Respond?

Is there a step of obedience God is calling me to take as I continue following Jesus Christ?

Write It Down

Record Your Journey

Today I Learned...

The Scripture That Stood Out to Me

How I Desire to Walk in Obedience

Prayer

A Prayer for Obedience

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your Word as our guide. Help me to approach the Scriptures with humility and a willing heart. Give me wisdom to understand what You have revealed and courage to obey Your truth. May my desire always be to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and to honor You in every area of my life. Continue to lead me by Your Spirit as I seek to walk according to Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dig Deeper

Continue Reading

Take time to read these passages in their entirety and observe what each teaches about baptism, obedience, and following Jesus Christ.

Acts 2

The Day of Pentecost and Peter's response to the crowd.

Acts 8

The Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch.

Acts 10

Cornelius and his household receive the gospel.

Romans 6

Buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.

Walk in Obedience

The Promise of the Father

Throughout the Book of Acts, those who responded to the gospel were also given a wonderful promise from God.

Jesus promised that His followers would be filled with power from on high through the gift of the Holy Ghost. This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost and continues to be proclaimed throughout the New Testament.

What does the Bible teach about receiving the Holy Ghost?

Continue to the Holy Ghost Return to Start Here