John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was about The Basics of Baptism, taken from Acts 8:26-39, the story of Philip and the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. The Ethiopian, of course, was not of J...
John Mulligan’s lesson on Sunday was about The Basics of Baptism, taken from Acts 8:26-39, the story of Philip and the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. The Ethiopian, of course, was not of Jewish heritage, but had learned about the faith and was reading the book of Isaiah. Philip came to him and helped explain one of the passages to him. This education was significant in the development of the Ethiopian’s faith.
In Acts 8:36-39, as they traveled, the Ethiopian saw some water and asked if he could be baptized. One of the basics of baptism that John mentioned was that it is a conscious choice. The Ethiopian knew and understood what being baptized meant, so he asked for it. It wasn’t an order by Philip.
John also explained that the type of water isn’t important. Whether it’s a lake, an ocean, or a swimming pool, there just needs to be sufficient water for complete submersion. Indeed, there doesn’t even need to be a specific, designated person to do it
Baptism is a passive role. We can’t baptize ourselves; we must submit to another. And of course, we must believe. In Verse 37, Philip said the Ethiopian could be baptized if he “believed with all your heart” and he answered “ I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Baptism is, indeed, an act of great faith.
Lastly, baptism is an act of joy. Verse 39 says that “When they came up out of the water…(the eunuch) went on his way rejoicing.” The heart of baptism is its cleansing nature. It will wash away all our sins. As the hymn says, “Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
Being forgiven for everything? Now that’s something to be joyous about!
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