How can we ensure our baptism aligns with the example in Acts 8:38? Setting the Scene in Acts 8:38 “Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:38) What We Observe in This Single Verse • Immediate response: the eunuch acts as soon as he understands the gospel (cf. Acts 8:35–36). • Personal faith: he is the one requesting baptism after believing. • Public confession: he is willing to be identified with Christ in front of Philip and any onlookers (see Acts 8:37 in many manuscripts, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”). • Full immersion: they “went down into the water,” indicating complete submersion. • Proper authority: Philip, a recognized gospel preacher, performs the act. Steps to Ensure Our Baptism Matches This Pattern 1. Believe the gospel first • Mark 16:16—“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” • Acts 2:41—“Those who welcomed his message were baptized.” Salvation precedes the water; baptism is the outward testimony of an inward faith. 2. Repent and confess Christ openly • Acts 2:38—“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ.” • Romans 10:9—“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Repentance and confession guard against empty ritual. 3. Use the biblical mode—immersion • Romans 6:3-4—baptism pictures burial and resurrection, best represented by going down and coming up out of water. • Colossians 2:12—“having been buried with Him in baptism.” Full immersion most clearly mirrors the gospel symbolism. 4. Submit to the right authority and formula • Matthew 28:19—baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” • Acts 10:48—Peter “ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” A qualified believer or minister administers baptism invoking the Trinitarian name, affirming allegiance to Christ. 5. Act promptly, yet thoughtfully • Acts 22:16—“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Delaying until some later milestone risks disobedience; rushing without understanding risks superficiality. Follow the eunuch’s balance: swift obedience rooted in clear understanding. Living Out the Meaning Afterward • Walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). • Clothe yourself with Christ daily (Galatians 3:27). • Join and serve a Bible-teaching church (Acts 2:41-42). • Remember your public pledge when temptation calls (1 Peter 3:21). Aligning our baptism with Acts 8:38 means matching the eunuch’s faith-filled, obedient plunge into the water—an unmistakable declaration that Jesus is Lord, witnessed on earth and recorded in heaven. |
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