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
Was water baptism "against us" (Col. 2:14)?
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/was-water-baptism-against-us-col-214.html
Mid-Acts Dispensationalists, those of us who understand that water baptism is not part of God's revelation and command to Gentiles under grace often get asked, "Why did Paul baptize?"
This is a good and valid question that should be addressed. Since Paul was not told to baptize, why did he baptize? (1 Cor. 1:17)
This question must be answered from the Bible. Why did Paul baptize since he did not receive it from Christ?
If Paul did not receive water baptism from Christ, who did he get it from?
The answer to that question is Aninias. The believer of the gospel of the kingdom, a devout man according to the Law.
Acts 9:
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
[19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Acts 22:
[12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
[13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
[14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
[15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
[16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Paul received the practice of water baptism from Aninias. He did not receive it from Christ according to 1 Corinthians 1:17, "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." If Christ had told Paul to baptize his converts, then he would have bee sent to baptize.
Paul was sent to teach the Gentiles works meet for repentance, but apparently water baptism was not one of those works.
Acts 26:
[17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
[19] Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
[20] But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Works were not required for salvation (Titus 3:4-7, 2 Tim. 1:9-11, Eph. 1:13, 2:8-9, Rom. 3:24-27, 4:4-5, 10:1-4, Phil. 3:9, Gal. 2:16-3:28, etc.) but they were part of Paul's sending according to Acts 26:19-20.
"...I send thee....I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision....but shewed first unto them....that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance."
"Christ sent me not to baptize..."
Therefore water baptizing was not shewing people works meet for repentance--not after the dispensation of Grace. Christ sent Paul to instruct the Gentiles in works meet for repentance, but NOT to baptize. Water baptism is not a work meet for repentance, we are now under grace....
Ephesians 3:2-3 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery...
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
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,
"According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust......Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." (1 Tim. 1:11+16)
Paul never told us to baptize. That is plain and simple. Water baptism was for the holy nation and royal priesthood under the gospel of the circumcision (1 Pet. 2:5-10, 3:21, Gal. 2:7-8). The Gentiles that would believe the gospel of the kingdom were told to get water baptized (Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20, Mark. 16:15-16) just as they would follow all the teaching Christ gave the apostles (Matt. 28:20) such as keeping the law, selling all, and enduring to the end of the Great Tribulation without denying the Lord:
"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." (Matt. 28:19-20)
Christ commanded to
#1). Believe on His name (John 1:12-13, 3, 5, 6, etc.)
#2). Get water baptized confessing your sins (John 1:33, Matt. 3:5-10, Mark 1:4-5, 16:15-16, Luke 3:3, 7:29-30, Acts 2:38)
#3.) Sell all (Matt. 6:19-34, 19:16-24, Mark 6:7-9, 10:17-23, Luke 9:1-4, 12:15-34, Acts 2:44-45, 3:1-6, 4:32-37, 5:1-11)
#4.) Endure to the end of the persecution in the Great Tribulation by your own faith without denying the Lord (Matt. 10:22-33, 24:1-51, Heb. 6:4-8, 10:38-39, 1 John 5:4, Rev. 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:8, 3:12, 3:21, 12:17, 14:12, 15:2, 18:3)
#5.) Maintain good works (Matt. 19:16-19, John 5:29).
Those are Christ's commandments under the "gospel of the circumcision" (Gal. 2:7-8). Those who would follow those requirements would enter into Christ's earthly kingdom. However, since Israel fell and was diminished and the revelation of the mystery was dispensed to Paul (Rom. 11:1-15, 11:25, Eph. 3:1-9) with the "mystery" "gospel of the uncircumcision" (Eph. 6:19, Acts 20:24, Gal. 1:11-12, 2:7-8, 1 Tim. 1:11-16, 1 Cor. 15:1-4). Christ revealed the mystery of the "one new man" "body of Christ" to Paul (Rom. 16:25, Col. 1:24-28) and Israel had been temporarily set aside until the fulness of the Gentiles comes and they are raptured out of the world (Rom. 11:25-28, Phil. 3:20-21).
In the dispensation of grace we are not under the ordinances of the gospel of the kingdom. Our salvation involves no works on our part whatsoever (Rom. 3:27, 4:4-5, 5:1, 10:1-4, 1 Cor. 1:17, Acts 13:38-39, 16:31, Eph. 1:13, 2:8-9, 2 Tim. 1:9, Titus 3:4-7). Christ's commandments changed in the new dispensation. Believers are now kept saved by the faith of Christ whether we are faithful to the end of our lives or not (Rom. 3:22, Gal. 2:16-20, 3:22-23, Eph. 3:12, Phil. 3:9, 2 Tim. 2:11-13). When we get saved we become known of God (Gal. 4:9), and then He predestinates us to be conformed to the image of Christ at the rapture and nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:29-39, Phil. 3:20-21).
Another strong proof that water baptism was not a practice that Paul received from Christ is 1 Corinthians 1:14-15,
"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."
When it came to God's will and commandments, Paul never cared what people accused him of. He would not compromise the truth to please men, nothing would move him from what Christ gave him to do (Acts 20:24, Gal. 1:10). However, Paul would drop water baptism like a hot rock to avoid people falsely accusing him (1 Cor. 1:14-15). If water baptism was something that Christ wanted Paul to carry out, Paul would not be thankful for doing LESS of it just because he was afraid of what others might say about him (1 Cor. 1:14-15) "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." This proves that water baptizing is not God's will since the apostle to the Gentiles was willing to dump it based on the false accusations of others. This especially disproves that water baptism was not part of the gospel, because when it came to the gospel Paul did not care about pleasing anybody and would do exactly what Christ told him--it did not matter what people might say about him (Acts 15:2, Gal. 1:10).
So why did Paul water baptize?
Answer: to avoid contention with the apostles and followers of the gospel of the circumcision/gospel of the kingdom (Acts 10:47-48, 22:16).
The devout man according to the Law, Aninias, immediately wanted Paul to be water baptized. As soon as Paul received his sight and was filled with the Holy Ghost, Aninias said, "now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized".
Acts 9:
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 22:
[12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
[13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
[14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
[15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
[16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Aninias did not have the revelation of the mystery (it is questionable how much of it Paul even knew at this point) and he was still following the gospel of the kingdom and the Law. That is why Aninias wanted Paul baptized in a hurry. This is similar to what happened with Peter in Acts 10 when God made known to him that He no longer required him to keep the Law and that Gentile would be saved by grace through faith without works.
Acts 10:
[9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
[10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
[11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
[12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
[17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
Acts 10:
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
[29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Peter had just been made known that the "middle wall of partition" (Eph. 2:14) had been broken down. Peter realized from his vision from God that he should "not call any man common or unclean" and that "God is no respecter of persons". However, Peter did not receive the revelation that Gentiles would be saved upon the hearing of faith. Peter still thought that one had to "work righteousness" to be "accepted" of God. That is no longer true, not according to Paul's gospel (Titus 3:4-7). Which is why God poured out the Holy Ghost on the Gentiles BEFORE water baptism and laying on of hands. The 12 apostles believed that water baptism and laying on of hands was a requirement to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38, 8:14-17). However, Christ revealed to Paul that the "gospel of the grace of God" did not require works before the Holy Ghost is given:
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 3:
[13] Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Paul taught that the believer was sealed with the Holy Ghost when he trusts Christ believing the gospel. Peter did not have that revelation and that is why he and his friends were "astonished" that the Holy Ghost was given to the Gentiles before water baptism and laying on of hands.
Aninias, Peter, and the circumcision believed that nobody could be saved without water baptism (some also taught circumcision was a requirement--Acts 15:5).
That is clearly why Paul baptized. When it came to salvation Paul would not compromise on the gospel (Acts 15, Gal. 1) but when it came to smaller matter Paul would try and please people.
Acts 16:
[1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
[2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
[3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Galatians 2:
[3] But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
[4] And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
[5] To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Notice that Paul would practice an ordinance to avoid contention, but not if it was a matter of salvation and adding works to the gospel. After the meeting in Acts 15 Paul started practicing some ordinances that the believers of the gospel of the kingdom kept, not for salvation, but to help keep fellowship. Paul started circumcising (Acts 16:3), baptizing (Acts 16:15, 16:33, 18:8 ), vowing (Acts 18:18), keeping feasts (Acts 18:21), imparting the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:6), and went along with the Law practices in the temple so that an offering could be made (Acts 21:18-26). Paul did not do these things for salvation, but to help the weaker brethren and those that did not understand his ministry (1 Cor. 8:1-13, 9:16-22, Rom. 14:1-23). Peter found the teaching given to Paul "hard to be understood" in 2 Peter 3:15-16.
That is clearly the Bible answer to why Paul baptized. Paul did not receive it from Christ (1 Cor. 1:14-17, Acts 22:16) and we are not to observe it in this dispensation of grace.
Paul said in Colossians 2,
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 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."
Paul said in Colossians 2:20-22
"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, after the commandments and doctrines of men?"
Water baptism is after the tradition of men and not after Christ. It is part of man's religion but is not a Bible commandment under grace. We are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, we should not be subject to man's ordinances, commandments, and doctrines. These things are "dung" (Phil. 3:8) and it would be wrong to participate in them. In the same context of Colossians 2 it says in verses 10-12 that we have been circumcised spiritually by Christ taking away our sins and the Holy Ghost baptizing us into Him--an operation of God. These spiritual things make us "complete in Christ" and Paul's point is that we should not practice the physical ordinances since we have the REAL thing.
Colossians 2:
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
[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;
We have spiritual completion in Christ as members of His body. We do not need the ordinances of water baptism and circumcision and we should not practice them because we have been spiritually baptized and circumcised. That is the point of Colossians 2. We did not receive Christ through physical circumcision and baptism, traditions and doctrines of men, we received Him by faith without the ordinances (Col. 2:6-14).
--Eli Caldwell
So why did Paul water baptize?
Answer: to avoid contention with the apostles and followers of the gospel of the circumcision/gospel of the kingdom (Acts 10:47-48, 22:16).
The devout man according to the Law, Aninias, immediately wanted Paul to be water baptized. As soon as Paul received his sight and was filled with the Holy Ghost, Aninias said, "now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized".
Acts 9:
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 22:
[12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
[13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
[14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
[15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
[16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Aninias did not have the revelation of the mystery (it is questionable how much of it Paul even knew at this point) and he was still following the gospel of the kingdom and the Law. That is why Aninias wanted Paul baptized in a hurry. This is similar to what happened with Peter in Acts 10 when God made known to him that He no longer required him to keep the Law and that Gentile would be saved by grace through faith without works.
Acts 10:
[9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
[10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
[11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
[12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
[17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
Acts 10:
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
[29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Peter had just been made known that the "middle wall of partition" (Eph. 2:14) had been broken down. Peter realized from his vision from God that he should "not call any man common or unclean" and that "God is no respecter of persons". However, Peter did not receive the revelation that Gentiles would be saved upon the hearing of faith. Peter still thought that one had to "work righteousness" to be "accepted" of God. That is no longer true, not according to Paul's gospel (Titus 3:4-7). Which is why God poured out the Holy Ghost on the Gentiles BEFORE water baptism and laying on of hands. The 12 apostles believed that water baptism and laying on of hands was a requirement to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38, 8:14-17). However, Christ revealed to Paul that the "gospel of the grace of God" did not require works before the Holy Ghost is given:
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 3:
[13] Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Paul taught that the believer was sealed with the Holy Ghost when he trusts Christ believing the gospel. Peter did not have that revelation and that is why he and his friends were "astonished" that the Holy Ghost was given to the Gentiles before water baptism and laying on of hands.
Aninias, Peter, and the circumcision believed that nobody could be saved without water baptism (some also taught circumcision was a requirement--Acts 15:5).
That is clearly why Paul baptized. When it came to salvation Paul would not compromise on the gospel (Acts 15, Gal. 1) but when it came to smaller matter Paul would try and please people.
Acts 16:
[1] Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
[2] Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
[3] Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Galatians 2:
[3] But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
[4] And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
[5] To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Notice that Paul would practice an ordinance to avoid contention, but not if it was a matter of salvation and adding works to the gospel. After the meeting in Acts 15 Paul started practicing some ordinances that the believers of the gospel of the kingdom kept, not for salvation, but to help keep fellowship. Paul started circumcising (Acts 16:3), baptizing (Acts 16:15, 16:33, 18:8 ), vowing (Acts 18:18), keeping feasts (Acts 18:21), imparting the baptism with the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:6), and went along with the Law practices in the temple so that an offering could be made (Acts 21:18-26). Paul did not do these things for salvation, but to help the weaker brethren and those that did not understand his ministry (1 Cor. 8:1-13, 9:16-22, Rom. 14:1-23). Peter found the teaching given to Paul "hard to be understood" in 2 Peter 3:15-16.
That is clearly the Bible answer to why Paul baptized. Paul did not receive it from Christ (1 Cor. 1:14-17, Acts 22:16) and we are not to observe it in this dispensation of grace.
Paul said in Colossians 2,
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 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."
Paul said in Colossians 2:20-22
"Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, after the commandments and doctrines of men?"
Water baptism is after the tradition of men and not after Christ. It is part of man's religion but is not a Bible commandment under grace. We are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, we should not be subject to man's ordinances, commandments, and doctrines. These things are "dung" (Phil. 3:8) and it would be wrong to participate in them. In the same context of Colossians 2 it says in verses 10-12 that we have been circumcised spiritually by Christ taking away our sins and the Holy Ghost baptizing us into Him--an operation of God. These spiritual things make us "complete in Christ" and Paul's point is that we should not practice the physical ordinances since we have the REAL thing.
Colossians 2:
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
[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;
We have spiritual completion in Christ as members of His body. We do not need the ordinances of water baptism and circumcision and we should not practice them because we have been spiritually baptized and circumcised. That is the point of Colossians 2. We did not receive Christ through physical circumcision and baptism, traditions and doctrines of men, we received Him by faith without the ordinances (Col. 2:6-14).
--Eli Caldwell
I was wondering though why Paul in Acts 19 baptized those disciples again with the baptism of Jesus?
ReplyDeleteHere’s a good article http://kjbstudy.blogspot.com/2016/04/did-paul.html
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