Category: Musings on Baptism
But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Thy saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Thy name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized (Acts 9:13-18).
When Saul, on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, was confronted with the risen Christ and sent to Ananias, immediately after hearing of the grace of Jesus and regaining his sight, Paul was baptized. Again, we see no delay between his conversion and his baptism.
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days (Acts 10:44-48).
This is an important passage for the discussion of baptism. Once again, we see the coming of the Holy Spirit and baptism seperated in time. In fact, here the Holy Spirit comes before baptism. (More evidence that baptism and Holy Spirit are not in a cause/effect relationship). Notice, however, that these Gentiles believed the gospel, exalted God, and manifested the gift of the Holy Spirit. What more could they possibly need? They are saved, right? They have the Spirit. They love Jesus Christ. That's it, Peter's work is done here.
Not so fast. Peter determines that one thing is still missing. These folks have not been baptized. Why bother with baptism at this point? Wouldn't it be an empty ritual now that they enjoy all of the benefits of Christ without it? Despite our struggle to comprehend it, Peter insists that they all be baptized. Why?