Question #186

Is an ordained minister the only person who can baptize someone?

Is an ordained minister the only person who can baptize someone?

The Answer:

(This response also applies to Question 197.)

In a short word, no. The scripture gives no qualifications for the person doing the baptism. The commands are all for the one being baptized – he or she must be a penitent believer. Moreover, while “ordination” is often used in the denominational world and required for those who would preach, such a requirement is not found in Scripture.

It is true that the word “ordain[ed]” is used in Acts 14:23 of elders. The American Standard uses the word “appointed” rather than “ordained. Strong’s defines the word used here as:

5500 cheirotoneo { khi-rot-on-eh’-o}

from a comparative of 5495 and teino (to stretch); TDNT - 9:437, 1309; v

AV - ordain 3, choose 1; 4

GK - 5936 { ceirotonevw }

1. to vote by stretching out the hand 2) to create or appoint by vote: one to have charge of some office or duty 3) to elect, create, appoint

It is used in 1 Timothy 2:7 of Paul as a preacher and an apostle. Here again the American Standard translates “appointed.” Strong’s defines the word used here as:

5087 tithemi { tith’-ay-mee}

a prolonged form of a primary theo { theh’-o} (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses); TDNT - 8:152, 1176; v

AV - lay 28, put 18, lay down 12, make 10, appoint 6, kneel down + 1119 + 3588 5, misc 17; 96

GK - 5502 { tivqhmi }

1. to set, put, place 1a) to place or lay 1b) to put down, lay down 1b1) to bend down 1b2) to lay off or aside, to wear or carry no longer 1b3) to lay by, lay aside money 1c) to set on (serve) something to eat or drink 1d) to set forth, something to be explained by discourse 2) to make 2a) to make (or set) for one’s self or for one’s use 3) to set, fix establish 3a) to set forth 3b) to establish, ordain

Other Greek words are used in other passages such as Titus 1:5, which, again, are not translated “ordain” in most versions, though that translation is found in some footnotes.

Most translations follow the American Standard. The King James was influenced by the denominational practices of its day. That practice continues to this day in most denominations. This is perhaps influenced in part by the fact that denominations in general have central governing bodies who pass on the qualifications of those who would serve as preachers among its congregations. Such central governing bodies are not found in the New Testament. Each congregation is autonomous and governed by local elders (also known in scripture as pastors, bishops, and shepherds) who are responsible for seeing that that which is taught the congregation over which they have the oversight is scriptural. They will answer to the Lord in judgment for that oversight. Hebrews 13:17. These elders are free to determine the qualifications and soundness of one that they select to serve as a preacher and evangelist for the congregation.

For a further answer to this question, please see Lesson 4, question h.

One word of caution on Question 197. It is always dangerous to begin an inquiry setting out to prove what you want to prove. This is eisegesis (reading your preconceived conclusion into scripture), not exegesis (searching scripture to see what it teaches). Thy Word Is Truth does not seek to support perceived beliefs; it seeks to find out what the Scripture teaches on the subject under consideration. After all, it is not “my word is truth,” but “THY WORD IS TRUTH”!