Understanding Baptism According to Scripture
In the Bible, a number of baptisms are mentioned: the baptism of water, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the baptism into Christ, the baptism into death, and the baptism of fire. Water baptism may serve various purposes — repentance, forgiveness, or an appeal to God for a clean conscience. It also represents a public identification with the Name invoked. Though Scripture lists multiple baptisms, Paul declared there is "one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5), which can be confusing unless these baptisms are seen as layered dimensions of the same spiritual process.
The Apostles understood baptism as the rite whereby a person publicly acknowledges their identification with Lord Jesus Christ and His body. The Apostle Paul even re-baptized disciples who had not yet received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1–6). Much of what is written in the Bible contradicts traditional theology, and baptism is no exception. Either we accept what the Scriptures declare or deviate from the apostolic expression of faith.
John's Baptism
Luke 3:16 – John baptized with water, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:6, 11 – John's baptism was for repentance and confession of sins.
Baptism to Fulfill Righteousness
Matthew 3:14–15 – Jesus submitted to John's baptism to fulfill all righteousness.
Baptism as an Appeal for a Clean Conscience
Hebrews 10:22, 1 Peter 3:20–22 – Water as a symbol; baptism not for cleansing flesh, but for a good conscience toward God.
Mark 16:16 – Belief and baptism lead to salvation.
Whose Name Is Glorified?
1 Peter 4:16 – Christians glorify God through suffering in the name of Christ.
Name Invoked at Baptism
1 Corinthians 1:13–15 – Baptism not into Paul’s name, but Christ’s.
Acts 2:38, 8:12, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5, 22:16 – All invoke Jesus' name.
Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27 – Baptized into Christ and His death.
1 Corinthians 6:11 – Washed and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.
James 2:7 (AMPC, YLT14) – Name invoked in baptism is blasphemed.
[Note on Greek word ἐπικληθὲν (epiklēthen)] – Meaning: to invoke, appeal, or surname; implies the baptismal invocation.
Baptism into the Body
1 Corinthians 12:13, 10:1–4 – Baptized into one body, into Moses (symbolic), into Christ.
Ephesians 4:4–6 – One baptism, one Lord, one faith.
2 Corinthians 4:6–7 – Treasure of divine knowledge in vessels of clay.
Baptism of Death
Mark 10:38–39, Romans 6:3–4, Colossians 2:9–15 – Baptized into Christ’s death; raised with Him by faith.
Baptism by Fire – Final Judgment
1 Corinthians 11:32, 3:15 – Judgment as purification.
1 Peter 4:17–18 – Judgment begins in God’s house.
Revelation 20:14–15 – Lake of fire as second death.
Note: The apostles never baptized using the exact formula from Matthew 28:19. They baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. While baptisms today often use the trinitarian phrasing, the biblical pattern consistently invokes the name of Jesus, who embodies the fullness of deity (Colossians 2:9).
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Baptismal Chart
Baptismal Formulas — Scriptural, Historical, and Creedal
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Thecla’s Self-Baptism in the Acts of Paul and Thecla
In the Acts of Paul and Thecla, an apocryphal but early Christian text dating to around the late 2nd century, Thecla does indeed baptize herself in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, affirming the apostolic formula outside of canonical Scripture. Here's a closer look:
Background:
The Acts of Paul and Thecla was widely circulated among early Christians, especially among women and ascetics. Although not considered canonical, it was valued for its portrayal of female discipleship, martyrdom, and devotion to Christ.
Thecla was a noblewoman who heard Paul preach about chastity and resurrection.
She broke off her engagement, followed Paul, and faced persecution for her faith.
At one point, she is thrown into a pool of deadly seals (sea lions) — a setup for martyrdom.
The Baptism Scene (Chapter 33, various translations):
“Then Thecla said: In the name of Jesus Christ I baptize myself on the last day.”
Or in other versions:
“In the name of Jesus Christ, I immerse myself for the resurrection.”
Theological Significance
Reinforces Apostolic Practice:
Even in a non-canonical text, we see:
Baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ”
Not in the triune titles
Reflects widespread usage of Jesus’ name for baptism in the early Christian communities
Highlights Gender and Faith:
Thecla’s act is unique because it’s self-baptism, but the invocation of Jesus' name remains central.
Her immersion affirms both faith and martyrdom, showing baptism as death-to-self and hope in resurrection.
Implications for Baptismal History
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Conclusion
The Acts of Thecla, while not Scripture, provides early independent confirmation that:
The Jesus Name formula was still in wide use long after the apostles.
The trinitarian formula had not yet displaced it across all Christian circles.
Faithful believers like Thecla understood baptism not as ritualized words, but as identification with Jesus Christ through His name.
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