What Jesus Said About BaptismSýnishorn

Baptism is a command and was practised in the Early Church

Jesus gave a clear command about baptism. It is clear that as soon as someone becomes a disciple and follower of Jesus, they must be baptised. It was not a suggestion. It was a command. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

As we read the book of Acts, we read again and again that when people heard the gospel and became followers of Christ, they were baptised:

Acts 2:38-41 – Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins… Those who embraced his message were baptised; about three thousand were added to the believers that day.

Acts 8:12 – But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.

Acts 8:36-38 – As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptised?' Then, both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptised Him.

Acts 16:29-33 – Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he 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.' At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptised.

Acts 9:18 – At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptised.