Acts 19:1-7

Introduction:

1. The fundamental place of baptism pushes this question to the top of the list.

2. If one’s baptism is unscriptural, the attending blessings are not secured.

Discussion:

I. Some Popular Views of Baptism

A. Many churches teach it is essential for obedience but not salvation.

B. Others baptize infants to save them from inherited sin.

C. Other churches also sprinkle or pour in place of immersion.

II. The Biblical View of Baptism

A. Biblical baptism:

1. Is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:37-38)

2. Puts the sinful self to death (Romans 6:3-7; Colossians 2:12-13)

3. Places one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:3)

4. Saves us (1 Peter 3:20-21; Mark 16:15-16)

B. These passages contradict the popular positions named above.

III. Faith/Belief and Baptism

A. Faith always precedes baptism (Acts 8:12, 37; Galatians 3:26-27).

B. Faith= “conviction of the truth of anything” (Thayer)

C. This comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17).

IV. Must One Understand Its Meaning?

A. In Acts 18:24-28, Apollos’ understanding of baptism had to be corrected by Priscilla and Aquilla.

B. In Acts 19:1-7, Paul encountered some disciples.

C. Disciples= a learner or follower, not necessarily a Christian.

D. Paul probed their knowledge of the gospel and found it to be deficient (vv. 2-4; Acts 2:37-39).

E. Two key facts emerge from this discussion:

1. Baptism is into something (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12).

2. Paul expected them to know into what they were baptized.

Conclusion:

1. The examples of Apollos and these disciples paint a clear picture.

2. If one was baptized for a wrong reason, with a wrong method (sprinkling or pouring), or into the wrong body (i.e. manmade denominations), his/her baptism is ineffectual making “rebaptism” necessary.