Bible Reading Blog
“The Proper Doctrine of Christ”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Acts 18-19
“And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’ (Acts 19.3-4)
Apollos taught boldly about Jesus in the synagogues at Ephesus (Acts 18.24). However, he only knew the baptism of John, which the text implies made his teaching incomplete (18.25). Because of this, Aquila and Pricilla took him aside and explained to him the way more accurately (18.26). We’re not told precisely what they taught him, but it must have been in relation to baptism’s role under Jesus. This is further explained when Paul returned to Ephesus in Acts 19 where he found some disciples who had only received John’s baptism (Acts 19.3). Paul explained that John’s baptism was for repentance and was intended to turn people towards belief in Jesus (19.4). They understood this to mean they needed to be baptized again into the name of the Lord Jesus (19.5).
Throughout this episode, the reception of the Holy Spirit is emphasized (19.2, 6) because the Holy Spirit is promised to believers as a fulfillment of Jesus’ work (Mark 1.4-8; Acts 2.17, 38-39; 5.32). As new covenant understanding matured, the process of baptism and reception of the Holy Spirit became a single process, as foreseen in Acts 2.38. However, it was necessary in some cases for the Holy Spirit to be given miraculously, which was accompanied by spiritual gifts to confirm God’s approval (ex. 8.14-16; 10.44-48; 11.15-18). Such is the case here, as God affirmed that this was the proper way to accept Jesus (19.6). Believe in him as Lord and be baptized in his name.
Why all the fuss about whose baptism it was if people are already believing and teaching Jesus? In both episodes, there was misunderstanding that needed correction so that all could be right with Jesus. This emphasizes the import of being baptized with understanding. Baptism is the sign of our covenant with Jesus today (Romans 6.3-14; Colossians 2.11-12) and was directed by Jesus in his parting words (Matthew 28.18-20). But as Peter would say, it’s not simply getting in the water that saves, but “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Peter 3.21). If someone does not understand (1) their need for salvation and (2) accept that only submission to Jesus will do that, then the act of baptism will not save them. They must obey the command of Jesus to be baptized and observe all that he has commanded (Matthew 28.18-20) to truly follow Jesus and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5.32).
It is popular to state that everyone is on their own spiritual journey. This is not inaccurate. However, it can downplay the role of proper Christian doctrine and practice. Faith in Jesus is constrained by belief in the Lordship of Jesus and our commitment to obey his teaching. So, we must believe in the proper doctrine of Christ and appreciate the urgency it is intended to create. Its why Aquilla and Priscilla pulled Apollos aside. It’s why Paul had the Ephesian brethren ‘rebaptized’. We must align ourselves with the proper doctrine of Jesus by accepting what he says we must do, trusting his power to give us salvation.
