Subject: Explanations of difficult verses |
Bible Note: Post #2 Meanings of the word baptizo "The Didache was written around A.D. 70 and, though not inspired, is a strong witness to the sacramental practice of Christians in the apostolic age. In its seventh chapter, the Didache reads, "Concerning baptism, baptize in this manner: Having said all these things beforehand, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in living water [that is, in running water, as in a river]. If there is no living water, baptize in other water; and, if you are not able to use cold water, use warm. If you have neither, pour water three times upon the head in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." These instructions were composed either while some of the apostles and disciples were still alive or during the next generation of Christians, and they represent an already established custom. The Didache is also called the "teaching of the apostles". Who wrote it? What then are Romans through Revelation? Romans, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and probably Hebrews were all written by Paul, an apostle inspired of God. James, probably written by James, an apostle inspired of God. 1st and 2nd Peter, written by Peter, an apostle inspired of God. 1st, 2nd, 3rd John and Revelation, written by John, an apostle inspired of God. Jude, not an apostle (v 17), but inspired all the same. You yourself confess that the Didache is not inspired. The books of the bible are. Which one do you choose to put your faith in? Hippolytus of Rome said, "If water is scarce, whether as a constant condition or on occasion, then use whatever water is available" This is a small bit of what I found on Hipplolytus. He was an orthodox Father of the Christian Church, a Roman Catholic Saint, and a disciple of Irenaeus. Author of a large body of early ecclesiastical writings, among which is the famous Apostolic Tradition which was highly influential on the developing liturgy of the Roman Church, and a 10 volume series titled Elenchos, or Refutatio Omnium Haeresium (Refutation of All Heresies). Cyprian advised that no one should be "disturbed because the sick are poured upon or sprinkled when they receive the Lord’s grace" Tertullian described baptism by saying that it is done "with so great simplicity, without pomp, without any considerable novelty of preparation, and finally, without cost, a man is baptized in water, and amid the utterance of some few words, is sprinkled, and then rises again, not much (or not at all) the cleaner" Obviously, Tertullian did not consider baptism by immersion the only valid form, since he says one is only sprinkled and thus comes up from the water "not much (or not at all) the cleaner." Emmaus, I have difficulty with a lot of the teachings of the Catholic church and have no faith in what the Didache, Hippolytus, Cyprian, or any other "uninspired" man said or wrote to establish it. I am sorry but when people believe in men more than in God, apostasy occurs. Please take this as it is intended, in brotherly love. |