Looking for what the Bible says about baptism? You're in the right place. This page brings together key Scripture and principles on baptism from across many different books of the Bible, along with practical commentary and everyday applications that can transform your life. Because this commentary is excerpted from Study and Obey's verse-by-verse book studies, every verse here has already been interpreted in its full context. As you study God's Word on baptism, we encourage you to reflect on how to apply what God is teaching you. Enjoy!

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Why Was Jesus Baptized?

John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Simply put, he told people to repent of their sins. If they were willing to do so, they could be baptized as a public symbol of their faith in God and the new direction in their life.

This baptism was just with water, not the Holy Spirit. That water was a sign of their repentance and the cleansing they received for God as a result of it. When we are baptized it is a sign of what the Holy Spirit has done in our hearts. For them it was a sign of their repentance and God's forgiveness.

Mark 1:7 — "And he preached, saying, 'After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.'"

He realized that he didn't deserve to even be associated with Jesus as a slave, much less as a peer.

Mark 1:9 — "In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan."

At the start of His ministry, Jesus went to John to be baptized.

Reflect: Since baptism was associated with repentance, why did Jesus do it?

Jesus did not tell us, but here are some possible reasons.

• To identify with us as a man - Jesus was not an elitist. He didn't come as a master, a boss, or a noble. He came as one of us. Many of the things he did demonstrated his humanity for all to see.
• To connect with John's ministry - This was a way to show respect for John for his service and make a connection for John's disciples to begin following Jesus.
• To make a public statement that He intended to follow God - His baptism was a public statement of His submission to God and plan to follow God fully.
• To be an example to us - If even Jesus, who never sinned, was baptized, how much more should we!

Mark 1:10-11 — "And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'"

All three members of the Trinity were present. This event would have been a pleasant reminder to Jesus of His Father's approval, as well as the Holy Spirit's. But more than that it was evidence to all the people that Jesus was truly the Son of God. They couldn't very well claim that Jesus was just a man when God said this out loud in front of so many people. God was pleased with Jesus and His baptism and if we give our lives to God He is pleased with us too!

— From our Bible study on Mark 1:1-11

Baptism by Immersion

John's baptism was done by immersion in water. His baptism was a two-fold symbol. John was not the first to baptize. The Jews and other nations/religions at times used it to initiate people into their group. It was a mark of identification. John's baptism was a mark of identification, not into the Pharisaic religious order, but of true belief in the coming Messiah. Secondly, his baptism was for the repentance of sins. It was a sign of repentance and the cleansing that would come from God for those who repent.

Luke 3:16 — "John answered them all, saying, 'I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'"

John's baptism can be described as a ceremonial symbol of purification for those who repent of their sins and a mark of identification for those who believed the Messiah was coming and desired to follow Him. This was a transitional baptism between the forms sometimes practiced during that time in history and Christian baptism after faith in Christ, which would be commanded at the end of Jesus' earthly ministry.

Matthew 28:19-20 — "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

The word baptism means to immerse or submerge. Also this is how John's and Jesus' ministries were performing baptisms. Notice that John chose a place to baptize because there was "much water there." This would not be necessary if he was sprinkling. While the main point of this passage is not to teach immersion it does show that is the way it was done. Why would we change it?

We can also learn more about Jesus' method of discipleship. He and His disciples were doing ministry, but Jesus didn't ignore them. He was "spending time with them." He didn't just write lessons for them to study. He spent time with them. This allowed Him to see their life and observe their actions. Baptism is only one step in the process of discipleship. Churches and ministries should seek not only to increase baptism counts, but to transform lives through follow up and discipleship.

Application: If you desire to make disciples, remember that you need to spend time with them, not just teach them or baptize them.

— From our Bible study on John 3:22-36

Repent and Be Baptized

Acts 2:38 — "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

I have often been asked whether this verse means that baptism is necessary for salvation.

One of the first rules of Biblical interpretation is that we should always interpret individual verses within the whole of Scripture. The Bible teaches that faith alone brings justification (Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16, Romans 4:4-5). Faith is not just an intellectual assent. Even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). Good works and religious rituals do not save (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus also told the thief on the cross that today they would be together in paradise (Luke 23:43). That would be true even though the man never had the chance to be baptized.

So what does this verse mean? The question centers around the meaning of the word "for." In English, this has multiple meanings. It can mean "in order to get." One example would be, "Take ten dollars for the pizza." You need the ten dollars to get the pizza. But it does not always mean that. In another example, "Take a Tylenol for your headache." That does not mean that you should do this in order to get a headache, but that you should do it "because you have" a headache.

The Greek word "eis," translated "for," can mean "in order to get" or "because of" or "in view of" or "as a result of." One example of "eis" meaning the result of an action is seen in Matthew 12:41.

Matthew 12:41 — "For they repented at [eis] the preaching of Jonah."

This means that they repented because of Jonah's preaching, not "in order to get" Jonah's preaching. In many other cases in Acts, Peter or other apostles preach about receiving forgiveness because of faith and forgiveness without mentioning baptism (Acts 3:17-26, Acts 4:8-12).

Thus, looking at all of Scripture, the most reasonable interpretation of Acts 2:38 is that people should first repent. Then they should be baptized because their sins have been forgiven. Baptism is an outer symbol of what God has already done in their heart.

Application: If you have placed your faith in Jesus but have never been baptized, you should get baptized. Also, do not place your confidence for salvation in any good work, whether baptism or going to church or prayer.

— From our Bible study on Acts 2:37-47

Immediate Obedience

Acts 8:36 — "And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, 'See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?'"

After Philip shared, the Ethiopian wanted to be baptized immediately. Philip wisely encouraged that. He struck while the iron was hot. When you share the gospel, include a call to action. Ask the listener to make a response.

Philip agreed and baptized him immediately. From this, we learn that attending a baptism course is not a biblical prerequisite for baptism. At the very least, a conversation is very important. We see that they did have a conversation so Philip understood this man's condition.

Many churches require attendees to go through a course because they want to build their scriptural foundation and assess their readiness for baptism. This can be very productive. It is not unbiblical or wrong to have a course, but it is extrabiblical, meaning it is a tradition that is not commanded. Churches should be flexible and not legalistic.

Reflect: What are your thoughts on immediate baptism versus going through a baptism course first?

— From our Bible study on Acts 8:26-39

Acts 9:18 — "And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized."

He didn't beat around the bush. He got straight to it! The first step was to be baptized and publicly declare himself to be a follower of Jesus.

It is amazing that Saul was baptized before he ate food. He hadn't eaten in three days. That is a wonderful example of prioritizing the things of God over himself.

— From our Bible study on Acts 9

Baptism Doesn't Guarantee Salvation

Acts 8:12-13, 18-19 — "But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed... Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”"

Outwardly, Simon claimed to believe. He was even baptized. But it wasn't real saving faith. He wanted the power to do miracles to increase his own reputation and business success.

His story shows us that there is a type of belief that does not save. Baptism does not magically change a person's heart. Someone could get baptized for the wrong reason. Simon believed in God's power because of the signs. He was infatuated by the signs. Their power and flashiness attracted him.

John Piper illustrated it this way: "Suppose you have a one-year-old child sitting on your lap and suddenly in the window, there is a beautiful bird and you hold out your hand to point at the bird and say, 'Look, look at the bird.' What does the child look at? He looks at your hand and the sign you are making with your fingers. He might even try to imitate the sign by putting out his index finger. He sees the sign. He is excited because you are excited. He joins in imitating the sign as best he can. But the problem is he never sees the bird. The whole point of the sign is missed. That is what happened to Simon the magician here in Acts 8. He saw the signs that Philip was doing. They were better than his own magical signs. He got excited about them. He followed Philip around and wanted to imitate them. But he never saw the bird in the window. He never saw the ugliness of his own sin, the need for repentance, and the glory of Christ in the gospel who forgives and makes new and clean."

Reflect: What first drew you to Christ? What is the difference between saving faith and non-saving faith? Is your faith saving faith?

— From our Bible study on Acts 8:9-25

The Spirit Comes First

Acts 10:44 — "While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word."

Therefore, we can conclude that Cornelius and the Gentiles with him believed in their hearts as they heard Peter share. The Holy Spirit did not wait for an altar call or a public confession of faith. Neither did He wait for them to be baptized. At the moment when they believed in their hearts, He came upon them. It is a clear reminder that God sees the heart.

It is a reminder that salvation is not earned through mighty deeds, good works, public statements of faith, or even baptism. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Romans 10:9 — "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

The heart belief comes first, and wherever that is genuine, a profession of faith will follow.

Application: If you are a Gentile, this occasion is something of a liberation day. It is the birthday of the Gentile church. Take a moment and thank God that He made salvation available to you.

Baptism immediately followed their conversion. Baptism would be a major public step for them in confessing their belief in Christ and staking their identity in Him. Throughout Acts, we see the importance of baptism. If you were saved, you got baptized. It was as simple as that.

Reflect: How important is it for believers to publicly confess their faith? Is it possible for real believers to keep their faith secret and just trust God in their hearts?

— From our Bible study on Acts 10:24-48

One Baptism, One Spirit

Paul found a group of disciples in Ephesus, but they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Evidently, they had heard the message from John the Baptist and believed it, repenting of their sins. But they were not yet fully aware of Jesus and the salvation offered through Him.

There are cases where people in Acts believed in Jesus but did not immediately receive the Holy Spirit. The Samaritans in Acts 8 are one example. This was a transitional period in which confirmation by the apostles was necessary to verify the inclusion of a new group of people into the church.

This example in Acts 19 is not the same situation. These people had not heard of salvation by faith in Christ, and though their hearts were ready, they had not yet placed their faith in Jesus for salvation. In this passage, they do, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

Reflect: Do believers now receive the Holy Spirit at salvation?

After the transitional period in Acts, all believers receive the Holy Spirit when they are saved.

1 Corinthians 12:13 — "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

This verse tells us that "all" have "one Spirit." Everyone in the church has the Spirit.

— From our Bible study on Acts 19

Whole Households Believed and Were Baptized

Acts 16:14-15 — "One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' And she prevailed upon us."

Lydia's heart had already been prepared by the Lord. She was ready, immediately believing in Jesus and being baptized. Lydia had a significant influence on her family, who also believed.

After being saved, she didn't wait to jump in and serve. She immediately offered her home to the mission team. They accepted, and she hosted them.

Application: Be like Lydia. Don't wait to serve God until a better time in the future. Think about what resources, gifts, or abilities you have. How can you use those right now for serving the body of Christ?

— From our Bible study on Acts 16

Acts 16:33 — "And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family."

I love what happens next. The jailer gave medical treatment to Paul and Silas. Their wounds were cleaned. Paul then baptized the man and his family. After that, the jailer takes Paul into his home and gives him a nice meal. Isn't it beautiful?

From this, we learn a couple of things about salvation. Salvation comes through believing in the "Lord Jesus." There is no other person who can save. At the same time, one person's belief often has a big impact on those close to them. Just as Paul said, when the jailer believed, his whole household followed him and were baptized.

Application: This is especially applicable for parents. Your kids are watching you. If they see a real, sincere, personal relationship with God, they will tend to follow you.

Reflect: How can you serve the body of Christ? What unique resources, opportunities, or giftings do you have?

— From our Bible study on Acts 16:16-40

Buried and Raised With Christ

Romans 6:4 — "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

This theme of identifying ourselves together with Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection continues through the rest of the chapter. It's like the guy walking on the rope over Niagara Falls. If we were in the wheelbarrow being pushed by him, his death would be our death, his victory would be ours. So when we trust in Christ figuratively we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection.

So what does it mean that we were baptized into Christ's death? It means that our old self has been crucified. It means that we are dead to sin. We are no longer to be slaves of sin. We are freed from the power and consequences of sin. The moment we make the decision to repent of our sins and trust in Christ, we face the same turning point in our own lives. At that point we no longer belong to Satan. We belong to Christ.

Application: Two main questions for us: first, have you been baptized? Second, are you living a new life?

Walk is a very ordinary word. It denotes everyday activity. It shows there is a destination. It takes effort, but it is very doable. Walking in newness of life shows us that our lives have been transformed. We are an entirely new person, like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. The old has gone the new has come.

Reflect: When people look at you, can they tell you are a new person? Has anyone told you that you have changed since becoming a Christian?

— From our Bible study on Romans 6:1-14

1 Peter 3:21 — "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Verse 21 is yet another reminder that physical water baptism doesn't save us. It is only through appealing to God for forgiveness and asking Him to cleanse our spirits (appeal for a good conscience) can save us.

Reflect: We have been baptized with water, but has your soul been cleansed? Have you been washed in the blood? Does your everyday life reflect this?

— From our Bible study on 1 Peter 3:8-22

We hope you enjoyed this Bible study on baptism. May God use His Word to speak into your life and give you strength to follow it. Please take some time to reflect on the questions below and consider leaving a comment with your key takeaway or insight.

Reflection Questions

• Have you been baptized? If so, are you living a new life? Can others see that change in you>
• Since baptism was associated with repentance, why did Jesus do it?
• What are your thoughts on immediate baptism versus going through a baptism course first?
• What first drew you to Christ? What is the difference between saving faith and non-saving faith? Is your faith saving faith?
• Do believers now receive the Holy Spirit at salvation or only after baptism?
• What impact did baptism have on your life? Now, how can you serve the body of Christ with the gifts God has given you?
• Can anyone baptize others or only a pastor? Why?

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