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NASB | Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
Bible Question:
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! While I agree with the things you wrote in reply to Andrew, you did not address the original question at all. 'Apparently the apostles baptized in the name of Jesus. Was this a revelation from the Holy Spirit after Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?' Were the actions of the apostles mistakes? Were they 'abbreviating' the 'formula?' Or, just maybe, the Holy Spirit led them to baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? It DOES seem that the Spirit led Paul to write: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17 NASB It also seems that the leaders of the Jews were aware that this name was dangerous to their religious tradition: "And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus." Act 4:18 NASB. Please note that I am not denouncing the Trinitarian method, nor denying the command of the Lord in Matthew 28. I am not 'Jesus-only' or 'Oneness.' I am simply stating that baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is Biblical and valid. Sadly, mere humans seem to have a penchant for going a step or two (or more!) further than the leading of the Spirit of God. This applies equally to the 'Jesus-ONLY' camp and the 'Trinitarian Formula-ONLY' camp. The zeal of both of these camps leads them beyond the simplicity of Scriptural teaching, IMHO. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: Dear Charis, I am not denying that Jesus told them to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost after his resurrection. But like I wrote unto Joe, Jesus had already taught his disciples to baptize while he was here on earth. Because Jesus had not yet resurrected, the disciple baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Now, because Jesus said this again unto them after his resurrection, does this mean that it is impossible that Jesus opened up their understanding about baptism. Therefore the Holy Spirit had to lead them to do this. Did not the Holy Spirit bring the teachings of Jesus back to the disciples rememberance? The Bible states that the Holy Spirit will lead us unto ALL truth. Did not Jesus say that he is the TRUTH, the life and the way. Therefore it seems to me that the Holy Spirit leads us to the truth about Jesus. Look at the name that the disciples baptized in before Jesus resurrection and look at what name the disciples baptized in after his resurrection. Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Therefore I stand firm in the Apostles doctrine. If a man is baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; it is the same as being baptized in the name of Jesus. The only difference is the Apostles understanding of Jesus before and after his resurrection. Did not Jesus himself say that he and the Father are one. Col 2:9 confirms that the Fater, Son and Holy Ghost dwell in Jesus. Can anyone deny this? Col 2:9 FOR IN HIM DWELLETH ALL THE FULLNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY. Andrew Jr |