What Is Baptism?
The Apostles’ Teaching Explained Simply
If you’re new to the Bible or to church, the word baptism might sound religious or complicated. It isn’t meant to be. It is a washing away of our old sins and carnal nature, to put on a new, Christ-following nature!
In the New Testament, baptism was a clear, joyful, life-changing step people took when they decided to follow Jesus. Let’s walk through it simply.
1. What Does “Baptism” Mean?
The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizō, which means:
“to immerse, to dip, to submerge.”
It was not sprinkling or pouring. It meant going completely under water.
When the apostles baptized people in the Bible, they immersed them fully.
Example: John baptized where “there was much water.” John 3:23
2. Why Did the Apostles Baptize People?
After Jesus died and rose again, He commanded His followers to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins.
Jesus said: repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in Jesus' name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem—Luke 24:47
On the Day of Pentecost, people asked the apostle Peter: “What shall we do?”
Peter’s answer was direct and clear: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” Acts 2:38
According to the apostles, baptism was not an optional tradition. It was part of responding to the gospel.
3. What Happens in Baptism?
The apostles taught that baptism is connected to:
• Forgiveness of sins Acts 2:38
• Washing away sins Acts 22:16
• Being united with Jesus in His death and resurrection Romans 6:3–4
Paul explains it like this: When you are baptized, you are buried with Christ — and raised to walk in new life. It is an outward act expressing an inward faith and repentance.
4. How Did the Apostles Baptize?
In the Book of Acts, every recorded baptism was done:
• In water
• By immersion
• In the name of Jesus Christ
Examples:
The consistent pattern was calling on the name of Jesus in baptism.
5. Is Baptism Just a Symbol?
Many people today view baptism as symbolic only, which is not a Biblical description. The apostles spoke about it much more strongly.
Peter wrote: “Baptism now saves you…” 1 Peter 3:21
He clarifies that it is not about physical water alone, but about an appeal to God from a clean conscience through Jesus Christ.
It is faith expressed in obedience.
6. Who Was Baptized?
In the New Testament:
• People who believed the message
• People who repented
• People who chose to follow Christ
Example: “They that gladly received his word were baptized.” Acts 2:41
Baptism followed belief and repentance.
7. Why the Name of Jesus?
The apostles understood that salvation and authority are in the name of Jesus.
Peter declared: “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
So when they baptized, they invoked that saving name.