Baptism

Baptism - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

BAP'TISM, n. [Gr. to baptize.]

1. The application of water to a person, as a sacrament or religious ceremony, by which he is initiated into the visible church of Christ. This is usually performed by sprinkling or immersion.

2. The sufferings of Christ. Matt.xx22.23.

3. So much of the gospel as was preached by John, the Baptist. Acts 18.

Baptize - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

BAPTI'ZE, v.t. [See Baptism.] To administer the sacrament of baptism to; to christen. By some denominations of christians, baptism is performed by plunging, or immersing the whole body in water, and this is done to none but adults. More generally the ceremony is performed by sprinkling water on the face of a person, whether an infant or an adult,and in the case of an infant,by giving him a name, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which is called Christening.

Baptized - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

BAPTI'ZED, pp. Having received baptism; christened.

1. A confession of faith in Christ;
2. A cleansing or washing of the soul from sin;
3. A death to sin and a new life in righteousness. The mode and subjects of baptism being much-controverted subjects, each one can best study them in the works devoted to those questions. The command to baptize was co-extensive with the command to preach the gospel. All nations were to be evangelized; and they were to be made disciples, admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion, by baptism. (Matthew 28:19) It appears to have been a kind of transition from the Jewish baptism to the Christian. The distinction between John’s baptism and Christian baptism appears in the case of Apollos, (Acts 18:26,27) and of the disciples at Ephesus mentioned (Acts 19:1-6) We cannot but draw from this history the inference that in Christian baptism there was a deeper spiritual significance.

Definition

In the New Testament, the terms “baptize” and “baptism” usually refer to ritually bathing a Christian with water to show that he has been cleansed from sin and has been united with Christ.

Translation Suggestions

• Christians have different views about how a person should be baptized with water. It is probably best to translate this term in a general way that allows for different ways of applying the water.
• Depending on the context, the term “baptize” could be translated as “purify,” “pour out on,” “plunge (or dip) into,” “wash.” For example, “baptize you with water” could be translated as “plunge you into water.”
• The term “baptism” could be translated as “purification,” “a pouring out,” “a dipping,” “a cleansing.”
• Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: How to Translate Unknowns)

(See also: John (the Baptist), repent, Holy Spirit)

Bible References

• Acts 2:38
• Acts 8:36
• Acts 9:18
• Acts 10:48
• Luke 3:16
• Matthew 3:14
• Matthew 28:18-19

Examples from the Bible stories

• __24:3 When people heard John’s message, many of them repented from their sins, and John baptized them. Many religious leaders also came to be baptized__ by John, but they did not repent or confess their sins.
• __24:6 The next day, Jesus came to be baptized__ by John.
• __24:7 John said to Jesus, “I am not worthy to baptize you. You should baptize__ me instead.”
• __42:10 “So go, make disciples of all people groups by baptizing__ them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
• __43:11 Peter answered them, “Every one of you should repent and be baptized__ in the name of Jesus Christ so that God will forgive your sins.”
• __43:12 About 3,000 people believed what Peter said and became disciples of Jesus. They were baptized__ and became part of the church at Jerusalem.
• __45:11 As Philip and the Ethiopian traveled, they came to some water. The Ethiopian said, “Look! There is some water! May I be baptized__?”
• __46:5 Saul immediately was able to see again, and Ananias baptized__ him.
• __49:14 Jesus invites you to believe in him and be baptized__.

Word Data

• Strong’s: G09070