lycanthrope

I was baptised when I was 13 yo by a full immersion into water but yet looking back I dont think there is any bible verse supporting a full 'head to toe' immersion into water baptism, the bible verses that says John baptize Jesus says:

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him."

Why do protestants come to the conclusion that verse must mean a full body immersion baptism?

S.C.Carlson

The usual argument is that the Greek verb baptizo (βαπτίζω) means "dunk."

Stephen

FreedFromOz

I think it comes from a translation of the greek word "baptizo" meaning to dip or immerse.

When I was young, I always had it explained that when the bible was translated into english (the King James Version), the translators didn't want to be too specific on what the word meant so they left it as baptized, so as not to offend the king because full immersion baptism was not the tradition at the time. I'm not sure if that was just a convenient story or not.

The following link seems to have a pretty good explanation of the word and how dip or immerse is really a secondary meaning.
http://www.acns.com/~mm9n/Baptism/100.htm

lycanthrope

Thanks everyone

Just another question, does modern baptism differs from baptism during early Christianity?

nickpecoraro

I have always wondered why the Jews who wrote the NT invented baptism.

There is no Baptism in the OT.

nickpecoraro

lycanthrope

I remember before I was baptised I had to undergo some bible study group first for a time. Now looking back, it kinda smacks like those ancient Mystery religion's preliminary rites leading to baptism...

rfmwinnie

That is not entirely accurate. Jews have a ritual immersion that did exist at the time of the temple and remains of them have been found. Jews had to ritually wash before going to the temple and at other times. This washing was a full immersion.

Having been to a Jewish mikvah for a ritual immersion it was very evident to me (a former Christian) what the similarities were - I went when I converted to Judaism and was astonished at how like a baptism it was in many ways (very different too). Some of the ways it is different - it's private because you are naked, you take a bath before entering the mikvah waters and you scrupulously clean every inch of your body including your hair, your finger nails, everything, you have to be dunked 3 times and every bit of hair ect. has to go under. Most of the time women do this after their period but men go sometimes. There are even mikvahs for dishes.

A link to a first century mikvah picture that has been excavated is here

dog-on

"Jews" did not write the NT, maybe that is why...

mountainman

Dear Lycanthrope,

Apparently apostle Mr. Thomas did not baptise with water but used oil instead. Perhaps this related to the annointment business?

Best wishes,

Pete

Ben C Smith

The Didache has a great chapter on baptism. Didache 7.1-4:

1 But concerning baptism, thus shall you baptize. Having first recited all these things, baptize in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit in living water [that is, in flowing water]. 2 But, if you do not have living water, then baptize in other water; and if you cannot do so in cold, then do so in warm. 3 But if you have neither, then pour water on the head thrice in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. 4 But before the baptism let the one baptizing and the one that is being baptized fast, and any others also who are able; and you will order the one being baptized to fast a day or two before.

IOW, we prefer cold, running water, but any water will do in a pinch.

Ben.