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NASB | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. [Ezek 36:25-27] |
Bible Question (short): In the CONTEXT of John chapters. 3 and 4 |
Question (full): It is asked by Doc can anyone see anything in the context of John 3:1-21 that might give us a clear indication that Jesus meant Christian baptism by His use of the word water. Why is it being limited it to John 3:1-21, why not allow 3:22, viz. After these things, Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judea: and there he abode with them and baptized. Is it not a startling coincidence that the only incidence of Jesus baptizing (Though Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples John 4:2) occurs after this dialogue (Chaps. 3-4) and nowhere else in the New Testament: nowhere in the synotics or anywhere else! Remember John's Gospel is very theological and written pedagogically, so I'm sure it follows on intentionally. Also don't forget that the early Church fathers had access to the explication of the scriptures by the apostolic authors, disciples such as Polycarp, Irenaeus, Clement, etc. John's own words: 2Jo 1:12 Having more things to write unto you, I would not by paper and ink: for I hope that I shall be with you and speak face to face Ultimately if scripture does not prove "perspicuous" on John 3:5's 'water'; it remains you cannot prove the early Church's interpretation was wrong and not expounded by the apostles as per 2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle. That is, that John 3:5 water is baptism could properly be part of the 'apostolic doctrine'. Act 2:41-42 They therefore that received his word were baptized: and there were added in that day about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship. I'm sure their teaching and fellowship would have thrown light on many areas of nascent Christian doctrine. Dalcent |