BIBLICAL BAPTISM

How did the early Christians baptize new converts? Let’s look carefully at the Bible itself, free of denominational interpretations, traditions, or later man-made theology, and see what it says about the method of baptism. Let's use scripture to confirm scripture.

1. Baptism in the Bible was by immersion in water

The word baptize comes from the Greek baptizō, which means “to dip, immerse, or submerge.” Scripture shows that baptism was a full immersion in water:

John 3:23 – “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came and were baptized.”

“Much water” was needed, not just sprinkling or pouring.

Mark 1:9-10 – “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened…”

Jesus Himself was immersed and came up out of the water.

Acts 8:38-39 – “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water…”

Again, both went down into the water and came up out of the water.

2. Baptism in the Bible was always in the Name of Jesus Christ

Every recorded baptism in the book of Acts (the history of the New Testament Church) was done in the name of Jesus Christ / the Lord Jesus. — not once in the wording “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 2:38 – “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 8:16 – “For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 10:48 – “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”

Acts 19:5 – “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 22:16 – “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

3. Why the Name of Jesus?

Because Jesus is the revealed name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and because He commanded us to.

Matthew 28:19 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Note: Jesus said “in the name” (singular), not “names.” The apostles obeyed this by baptizing in the one revealed name — Jesus.

John 5:43 – “I am come in my Father’s name…”

John 14:26 – “…the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…”

Matthew 1:21 – “…thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Colossians 2:9 - “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

The one saving name revealed for baptism and salvation is Jesus.

4. Baptism in Jesus’ Name is tied to Salvation and Remission of Sins. Salvation is found in the name of Jesus, not in titles.

Acts 2:38 – “…be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

Luke 24:47 – “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Acts 4:12 – “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

Why it matters

1. It’s commanded in the Bible (obedience).

2. The name of Jesus is the only saving name.

3. Baptism in His name is for the remission of sins.

4. It’s the apostolic pattern — no other method is recorded.

5. It ties directly to the revelation of who Jesus is (the fullness of God).