Question #84
Does Acts 2:38 refer to water baptism?
How do we know Peter was referring to water baptism in Acts 2:38?
The Answer:
The reason for this question is not clear. If it is meant to separate water baptism from the remission of sins, it fails. First, no commentator that I have read has ever suggested a reference to any baptism other than water baptism in Acts 2:38. Certainly the Jews were familiar with water baptism because they knew the baptism of John (Mark 1:4-5), which was certainly a water baptism, and the baptism of Jesus (John 4:1-3). Jesus himself was baptized in water (Matthew 3:13-17). Water baptism is the only baptism that is “for the remission of sins” or to “wash away” sins. If it is supposed that the baptism of Acts 2:38 is a reference to the baptism of the Spirit several things must be noted. First, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was not a command. Acts 2:38 is a command in response to the inquiry regarding the conditions of salvation. Second, even those who believe in a present day baptism of the Holy Spirit do not relate it to the remission of sins. They contend that it is a “second blessing” that comes to one after remission of sins. For a fuller discussion of the different baptisms of scripture and the “one baptism” of Eph. 4:3-6, see the answer to Question 9. Other questions dealing with baptism are Question 14, Question 20, Question 27, Question 60, and Question 81.
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