Topical Bible: The Heathen: Baptism to be Administered To

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of Christian theology, the term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who are not part of the Judeo-Christian faith. The question of whether baptism should be administered to the heathen has been a topic of theological discussion, particularly in the context of the Great Commission and the early church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations.

Biblical Mandate for Baptism

The directive to baptize is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This command underscores the universal scope of the Gospel message, extending beyond the Jewish people to include all ethnicities and cultures, often referred to as the "nations" or "Gentiles."

The Early Church and the Gentiles

The Book of Acts provides a narrative of the early church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries. A pivotal moment occurs in Acts 10, where Peter receives a vision that leads him to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. After witnessing the Holy Spirit descend upon Cornelius and his household, Peter declares, "Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!" (Acts 10:47). This event marks a significant turning point, affirming that baptism is not restricted to Jews but is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Paul's Missionary Journeys

The Apostle Paul, known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, further exemplifies the practice of baptizing heathen converts. Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul consistently preached to Gentile audiences, leading many to faith and baptism. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This unity in Christ is symbolized and initiated through the act of baptism.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, baptism signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It is an outward expression of an inward transformation and a public declaration of faith. For the heathen, baptism represents a renunciation of former beliefs and an entry into the Christian community.

Historical Practice

Historically, the church has upheld the practice of baptizing converts from non-Christian backgrounds. The early church fathers, such as Tertullian and Augustine, wrote extensively on the necessity of baptism for salvation and the inclusion of Gentile believers. The spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond was marked by the baptism of countless individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Contemporary Application

In modern times, the mandate to baptize all nations continues to be a central tenet of Christian mission work. Missionaries and evangelists around the world engage in the work of evangelism, leading new believers to the waters of baptism as a testament to their faith in Jesus Christ. The practice remains a vital expression of the church's obedience to Christ's command and its commitment to welcoming all who seek to follow Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 28:19
Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Two Fruitful Years
... became 'disciples indeed,' and then followed baptism, apparently not administered
by Paul ... possession of believers, as truly in heathen Ephesus as in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/two fruitful years.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... they account the baptism, which was administered to them ... of the great difference
between the baptism of John ... to a malefactor, a prostitute, or a heathen, it is ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

On Baptism
... Chapter V.--Use Made of Water by the Heathen Type of the Angel at ... Chapter
XVIII.--Of the Persons to Whom, and the Time When, Baptism is to Be Administered. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on baptism/

Chrysostom and Eudoxia. His Second Banishment, AD 403
... divine honors, which used to be paid to the heathen C??sars. ... of the resurrection in
404, while the sacrament of baptism was being administered to hundreds ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter ix chrysostom and eudoxia his.htm

Baptism.
... to deepen the impression, it was already administered in the ... Baptism, as established
by the Divine Founder of our ... the character of one of the heathen mysteries ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii baptism.htm

Friends, or Quakers.
... living members of his mystical body; and that the baptism with water, administered
by his ... honor of the heroes or false gods of the heathen, originated in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/friends or quakers.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... God be for a longer time blasphemed by the Jews and the heathen: as if ... from heaven,
or of men?" [2265] But the baptism which Peter administered was the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

As to the Charge that they Bring against Us...
... at least, if it has been already administered without, the ... nature by those who live
here after baptism, is cleansed ... In the same way the heathen shall not stand ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 9 35 as.htm

Concerning Baptism.
... he was glad that he had administered this ceremony ... say, That the denying of
infant-baptism belonged to ... [968] From whence idolatries & heathen superstitions did ...
/.../proposition xii concerning baptism.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... xiv.6). Baptism was not to be administered at night ... is difficult to suppose that
a heathen would have ... opinion do not invalidate), that the baptism of proselytes ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm