Some people believe that water baptism was not a Jewish-Israel thing (specifically) because it was to go to "all nations" (Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16).
The people that teach this use it as a basis for saying that water baptism was not "against us...contrary to us". (Col. 2:14)
Water baptism was a Law ordinance as we see in Numbers 8:7 and the "water of purifying". Water baptism is called water "purifying" in John 3:25-26. Water baptism was obviously a sprinkling....
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 10:19+22
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus...Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
John 3:25-26 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
Numbers 8:6-7 Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.
In objection to the overwhelming Biblical support of sprinkling, most people use these arguments to try and prove immersion:
1.) The Greek word for baptism means immerse.
2.) John and Philip baptized in water (both the baptizer and the recipient)
Answer to #1: The Greek word does not mean immerse. I define Bible words with the Bible itself, not dictionaries. God will use a word however He wants and if you don't like it, tough cheese! There was no "immersion" when the Jews crossed over with Moses in the "baptism unto Moses" (1 Cor. 10:1-2). Baptism with the Holy Ghost was a "pouring" (Acts 2:17). Christ was not immersed with anything in His death baptism (Luke 12:50). And since we are talking about Greek, I will also point out that one of the Greek words for baptism is used in Mark 7:1-8 in regards to cups, pots, brazen vessels, and "of tables".....do you think that the Jews "immersed" their tables or sprinkled them? I will let you decide.
Answer to #2: While it is true that the Bible records baptisms in rivers and where there is "much water", it is also records of baptism taking place in the homes of Aninias (Acts 9:17-18, 22:16), Cornelious (Acts 10:47-48), jailer (Acts 16:33), and the households of Crispus and Justus (Acts 18:7-8). I doubt these people had enough water on their property to immerse anyone. Also, in Acts 2 three thousand people got baptized in one day (Acts 2:41). I doubt there was enough water there to immerse everyone. It makes sense to stand in the water to baptize many people (Matt. 3), even if it is by sprinkling, simply because nobody would have to keep refilling a bucket of water. I would say that baptism was done standing in the edge of the water. You can be "in Jordan" like John the Baptist was and only be in the "brink of the water" (see Joshua 3:8-15).
The pro-immersion argument can be summed up by this: "Well, uh, they baptized in Jordan and where there was much water. so ha."
So baptism was definitely part of the Law (Num. 8:7, Lev. 8:4-6, Exod. 40:12, etc.) and was part of the "handwriting of ordinances" as we see in Colossians 2:14.
Colossians 2:
[13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Ephesians 2:
[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
[12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
[12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Since the "dispensation of the grace of God" that was committed to Paul (Eph. 3:1-9, Col. 1:24-28) we do not have to follow the Law ordinances because we are not under the Law but under grace (Rom. 6:14, 7:4, 11:6, 15:16, 16:25, Gal. 3:1-25, 5:1-6, 5:11-23, 6:15, Col. 2:10-23, 1 Tim. 4:1-5). We are still commanded to keep good morals though (Gal. 5:11-23, Rom. 13:8-10).
In the dispensation of grace we are not "subject to ordinances after the commandments and doctrines of men"(Col. 2:20-22). We are warned, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Col. 2:8)
Now let's see, in the dispensation of the grace of God is water baptism "after Christ" or just a tradition of men?
1 Corinthians 1:
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Water baptism is not after Christ under grace (Rom. 6:14, Eph. 3:2). Water baptism was a commandment under the "gospel of the kingdom" that John the Baptist, Christ, and Peter preached (Matt. 3:6-10, 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, 28:19, Mark 1:4-5, 1:14-15, 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, etc.), but not anymore now that we are "under grace" in the "dispensation of grace" preaching the "gospel of grace" and are "justified by...grace" (1 Cor. 1:14-21, 15:1-4, Acts 13:38-39, 16:31, 26:17-18, Eph. 1:7, 1:13, 2:8-9, Acts 20:24, Rom. 3-5, 11:6, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Tim. 1:11-16, 2 Tim. 1:9, Eph. 3:1-9, Rom. 6:14, etc.).
1 Corinthians 1 proves beyond any doubt that water baptism is not for Gentiles in the dispensation of grace. Christ gave Paul no such commandment to baptize which means it is a commandment and doctrine of men and NOT after Christ (Col. 2:8). We are to follow Paul since he is who Christ appointed to be the teacher, preacher, apostle, and pattern for the Gentiles and those that would believe the new gospel of the grace of God after him. He was the one that was revealed "Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" (Rom. 11:13, 15:16, 16:25, 1 Tim. 1:11-16, Gal. 1:11-12, 2 Tim. 1:9-11, 2:7, 2:15, 1 Cor. 11:1-2). Therefore we are not commanded to baptize converts under grace according to Christ (1 Cor. 1:17, 14:37).
The commission of Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20, and Mark 16:15-16 is not the commission to preach the gospel of the grace of God. The gospel of the grace of God requires no works and was first revealed to Paul (Gal. 1:11-12, 2:2, 2:7-8, 1 Cor. 3:9-11, 15:1-4, 1 Tim. 1:14-16).
In regards to the gospel of the kingdom that the 12 apostles preached, Christ said that the end would come when the gospel went to all the world and every creature:
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Peter said that the events in Acts 2 were in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy of the last days before the great and notable day of the Lord.
Acts 2:
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
[19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
[20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
However, Paul preached the "gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24) to "all the world" and "every creature" which absolutely proves that his gospel is not the "gospel of the kingdom".....
Colossians 1:5-6 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
The commission of Matthew 28 and Mark 16 required water baptism, but Paul's commission did not (Acts 26:17-18, 1 Cor. 1:17).
Water baptism is "not after Christ" and is an "ordinance after the commandments and doctrines of men" (Col. 2:8, 2:20-23).
1 Corinthians 1:
The commission of Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20, and Mark 16:15-16 is not the commission to preach the gospel of the grace of God. The gospel of the grace of God requires no works and was first revealed to Paul (Gal. 1:11-12, 2:2, 2:7-8, 1 Cor. 3:9-11, 15:1-4, 1 Tim. 1:14-16).
In regards to the gospel of the kingdom that the 12 apostles preached, Christ said that the end would come when the gospel went to all the world and every creature:
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Peter said that the events in Acts 2 were in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy of the last days before the great and notable day of the Lord.
Acts 2:
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
[19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
[20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
However, Paul preached the "gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24) to "all the world" and "every creature" which absolutely proves that his gospel is not the "gospel of the kingdom".....
Colossians 1:5-6 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
The commission of Matthew 28 and Mark 16 required water baptism, but Paul's commission did not (Acts 26:17-18, 1 Cor. 1:17).
Water baptism is "not after Christ" and is an "ordinance after the commandments and doctrines of men" (Col. 2:8, 2:20-23).
1 Corinthians 1:
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Christ did not tell Paul to baptize converts and we are to follow Paul (Phil. 3:17, 1 Cor. 11:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:7, Rom. 11:13, 1 Tim. 1:16).
1 Corinthians 1:14 says "I thank God I baptized none of you...lest any should say that I baptized in mine own name". This is another verse that proves water baptism is not for Gentiles under grace. For the abuse of a doctrine does not effect the truth of a doctrine.
If it is according to God's truth (John 17:17) then we should do it no matter what men may say, think, or accuse us of (Acts 5:29--"We ought to obey God rather than men"). We give an account of our self to God, not men (Rom. 14, 1 Cor. 3). We do not abandon truth to please men, or else we are not the servant of Christ (Gal. 1:10).
If water baptism were a good thing, good doctrine, or practice that Christ wanted Paul to do, then Paul would not be thankful for NOT doing it just because he was afraid of what men might accuse him of! This is the same guy that said, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)
If Christ wanted Paul to baptize converts then he would not let the potential accusations and slanders of men discourage him from doing what the Lord told him to do.
Therefore the only reason that Paul could say, "I thank God I baptized none of you...lest any should say that I baptized in mine own name" is because Christ could care less if a Gentile under grace was water baptized or not (1 Cor. 1:17). It means nothing.
In response to this, some people say that water baptism was not a Jewish-Israel thing (specifically) because it was to go to "all nations" (Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16).
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Christ did not tell Paul to baptize converts and we are to follow Paul (Phil. 3:17, 1 Cor. 11:1-2, 2 Tim. 2:7, Rom. 11:13, 1 Tim. 1:16).
1 Corinthians 1:14 says "I thank God I baptized none of you...lest any should say that I baptized in mine own name". This is another verse that proves water baptism is not for Gentiles under grace. For the abuse of a doctrine does not effect the truth of a doctrine.
If it is according to God's truth (John 17:17) then we should do it no matter what men may say, think, or accuse us of (Acts 5:29--"We ought to obey God rather than men"). We give an account of our self to God, not men (Rom. 14, 1 Cor. 3). We do not abandon truth to please men, or else we are not the servant of Christ (Gal. 1:10).
If water baptism were a good thing, good doctrine, or practice that Christ wanted Paul to do, then Paul would not be thankful for NOT doing it just because he was afraid of what men might accuse him of! This is the same guy that said, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)
If Christ wanted Paul to baptize converts then he would not let the potential accusations and slanders of men discourage him from doing what the Lord told him to do.
Therefore the only reason that Paul could say, "I thank God I baptized none of you...lest any should say that I baptized in mine own name" is because Christ could care less if a Gentile under grace was water baptized or not (1 Cor. 1:17). It means nothing.
In response to this, some people say that water baptism was not a Jewish-Israel thing (specifically) because it was to go to "all nations" (Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16).
The people that teach this use it as a basis for saying that water baptism was not "against us...contrary to us". (Col. 2:14)
However, that logic falls apart in light of real study of the scriptures. For it is prophesied in Isaiah 2 and Micah 4 that in the earthly kingdom of Christ, the Law will go to all nations.
Isaiah 2:
[1] the word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
[2] And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
[3] And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
[4] And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Micah 4:
[1] But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
[2] And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
[3] And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
The Law ordinances were against the Gentiles according to Colossians 2:8-23 and it was a "middle wall of partition" according to Ephesians 2:11-17. However, the Law WILL GO TO ALL NATIONS in the earthly kingdom of Christ. (see this post and the scriptures given on the kingdom for a more thorough look at that http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-gospel-of-kingdom.html)
Not to mention that the commission that Christ gave Peter in Matt. 24 and 28 to go to "all the world" and "all nations" also included the Law.
Christ taught the Law:
Matthew 5:
[17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
[18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
[19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
[20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:
[16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
[17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Matthew 23:
[1] Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
[2] Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
[3] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Matthew 24:20-21 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Christ told the apostles to teach everything that He commanded them to the other nations...
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The Law was to go to all nations and all the world under the gospel of the kingdom (Isa. 2:1-4, Micah 4:1-3, Matt. 5:17-20, 19:16-17, 23:1-3, 24:20-21) and yet it was still against us and contrary to us (Col. 2:14, Eph. 2:11-17). So the point about water baptism not being against us does not hold water. The same commission that sent water baptism to all the world is the same commission that sends the Law to all the world, and it was against us.
Another thing, the gospel of the kingdom of Matthew 24, 28, and Mark 16 is also called "the gospel of the CIRCUMCISION" proving that water baptism is an association of Israel.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:1-2 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Galatians 2:7-8 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
The reason that the "gospel of the kingdom" that Peter preached is also called "the gospel of the circumcision" is because the kingdom is for Israel and the Gentiles have to come through Israel's rise and bless Israel in order to take part in it (see Isa. 60-61 and the scriptures given in my post "The Gospel of the Kingdom"). Water baptism was part of the gospel of the circumcision and an association with Israel, it was not part of the gospel of the grace of God (1 Cor. 1:14-17).
For more information on the water baptism issue and the gospel of the kingdom, see these posts....
The Gospel of the Kingdom
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-gospel-of-kingdom.html
Mid-Acts Dispensational water baptism debate.
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/mid-acts-dispensational-water-baptism.html
What is "baptism into Christ"?
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-is-baptism-into-christ.html
--Eli Caldwell
However, that logic falls apart in light of real study of the scriptures. For it is prophesied in Isaiah 2 and Micah 4 that in the earthly kingdom of Christ, the Law will go to all nations.
Isaiah 2:
[1] the word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
[2] And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
[3] And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
[4] And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Micah 4:
[1] But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
[2] And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
[3] And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
The Law ordinances were against the Gentiles according to Colossians 2:8-23 and it was a "middle wall of partition" according to Ephesians 2:11-17. However, the Law WILL GO TO ALL NATIONS in the earthly kingdom of Christ. (see this post and the scriptures given on the kingdom for a more thorough look at that http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-gospel-of-kingdom.html)
Not to mention that the commission that Christ gave Peter in Matt. 24 and 28 to go to "all the world" and "all nations" also included the Law.
Christ taught the Law:
Matthew 5:
[17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
[18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
[19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
[20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:
[16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
[17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Matthew 23:
[1] Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
[2] Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
[3] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Matthew 24:20-21 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Christ told the apostles to teach everything that He commanded them to the other nations...
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The Law was to go to all nations and all the world under the gospel of the kingdom (Isa. 2:1-4, Micah 4:1-3, Matt. 5:17-20, 19:16-17, 23:1-3, 24:20-21) and yet it was still against us and contrary to us (Col. 2:14, Eph. 2:11-17). So the point about water baptism not being against us does not hold water. The same commission that sent water baptism to all the world is the same commission that sends the Law to all the world, and it was against us.
Another thing, the gospel of the kingdom of Matthew 24, 28, and Mark 16 is also called "the gospel of the CIRCUMCISION" proving that water baptism is an association of Israel.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:1-2 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Galatians 2:7-8 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
The reason that the "gospel of the kingdom" that Peter preached is also called "the gospel of the circumcision" is because the kingdom is for Israel and the Gentiles have to come through Israel's rise and bless Israel in order to take part in it (see Isa. 60-61 and the scriptures given in my post "The Gospel of the Kingdom"). Water baptism was part of the gospel of the circumcision and an association with Israel, it was not part of the gospel of the grace of God (1 Cor. 1:14-17).
For more information on the water baptism issue and the gospel of the kingdom, see these posts....
The Gospel of the Kingdom
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-gospel-of-kingdom.html
Mid-Acts Dispensational water baptism debate.
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/mid-acts-dispensational-water-baptism.html
What is "baptism into Christ"?
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-is-baptism-into-christ.html
--Eli Caldwell
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