How does Acts 8:37 emphasize the necessity of belief before baptism? Setting the Scene Philip has just explained Isaiah 53 to the Ethiopian official. As they travel, the eunuch sees water and asks to be baptized (Acts 8:36). The spotlight then falls on verse 37. The Text of Acts 8:37 “Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The eunuch replied, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” Key Observations • Philip’s response places a clear condition—believing “with all your heart.” • The eunuch’s confession is explicit: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” • Only after this confession does verse 38 record the baptism. Belief as the Prerequisite • The phrase “If you believe” signals that faith precedes the ordinance. • “With all your heart” rules out casual assent; genuine, wholehearted trust is required. • Baptism, therefore, is not a means to create faith but an outward act for those already convinced of Christ’s lordship. Complementary Scriptures • Mark 16:16—“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Belief still comes first. • Acts 2:41—“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acceptance (belief) precedes baptism. • Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart… you will be saved.” Confession and faith are prerequisites to any public act. Practical Takeaways • Baptism is a believer’s testimony, not a ritual for spiritual seekers still undecided about Christ. • Churches should continue Philip’s practice: hear a clear confession of faith before administering baptism. • Individual believers can rest assured that when their faith is genuine, baptism functions as a joyful confirmation, not a substitute, for saving belief. |
    |