At what point did the early church baptize new converts? Part 2

 

Philip baptized in Samaria.

The Bible records,

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12 KJV

We see by this verse that when the new converts believed the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38).

When the Lord called Philip to preach to the Ethiopian eunuch that was traveling through the desert, we find the man was reading Isaiah 53, the prophecy of Christ and His death.

"And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." - Acts 8:34-35 KJV

By the next verse, we know that Philip preached the gospel to the man - that God revealed Himself in flesh, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We also know that Stephen preached to the man how to obey the gospel - by repentance, baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." - Acts 8:36-37 KJV

"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, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." - Acts 8:38-39 KJV

The Bible shows that new converts were baptized by Philip at the point when they believed the preaching of the gospel.

To be continued…