"Real" baptism

[Salty]

I was reading my Wycliffe Bible Commentary and came across Acts 8:38. The commentary says " One of our earliest post-Biblical Christian writings, the Didache (c. A.D. 125), says that baptism should be performed in running water if it is possible. (bold is Salty's emphasis)

Thoughts?

Salty

 

[OldRegular]

I was reading my Wycliffe Bible Commentary and came across Acts 8:38. The commentary says " One of our earliest post-Biblical Christian writings, the Didache (c. A.D. 125), says that baptism should be performed in running water if it is possible. (bold is Salty's emphasis)

Thoughts?

Salty

There are some churches that still practice this Baptism!

 

[SaggyWoman]

In the river.

 

[Zenas]

Here is what the Didache says:

And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

Not bad instructions, but I wonder how many of us fasted one or two days before being baptized.? :smilewinkgrin:

 

[SaggyWoman]

I wonder if the guy Phillip baptized fasted before he was baptized?

 

[Marcia]

Maybe it says to use running/"living" water because Jesus said he is the living water, so it's a better representation.

 

[Revmitchell]

What craziness. How do all those instructions effect the symbolization of Baptism? (Rhetorical question none need reply)

 

[donnA]

I don't see that theres any biblical support for any of it. So why should we do something not even biblical.

 

[Jerome]

Why do they prefer cold water for baptism?

Notice you also have to recite the Didache teachings before baptism:

thus baptize ye: having first recited all these precepts

 

[Salty]

I don't see that theres any biblical support for any of it. So why should we do something not even biblical.

Is it Biblical to use a baptistery? To be like Jesus, we should only be baptized in a river.

Actually, I like the ideal of fasting (24 hours ?) before your baptism.
Suppose those who wanted to be baptized, say at the Sunday pm service, arrive at the church at 6 pm Sat so they - as a group with the pastor could fast, study and pray for those 24 hours.

Salty

 

[Aaron]

Mode is neither the focus nor the essence of the rite.

 

[sag38]

I like the fasting too especially when it comes to a large candidate. The lighter they are the easier it is to baptize them.

 

[Jerome]

Get your Didache-sanctioned baptistry here.

 

[Jon-Marc]

Running water? That leaves out church baptismals, lakes, ponds and only means rivers. It also means that my baptism wasn't legitmate. :BangHead: Oh well, I'll take my chances--especially since baptism doesn't save anyone. :saint:

 

[donnA]

fasting 24 hours before baptism is not biblical, therefore can not be required.
the ethiopian wasn't baptized in running water, therefore the requirement for running water is not biblical.

 

[Salty]

fasting 24 hours before baptism is not biblical, therefore can not be required.
the ethiopian wasn't baptized in running water, therefore the requirement for running water is not biblical.

Does the Bible require fasting before Baptistm NO

Does the Bible forbid fasting before Baptistm NO

Therefore it would be up to the local church.

Salty

 

[donnA]

if the church had unbiblical requirements for a person seeking to obey scripture then I go elsewhere.

 

[Zenas]

fasting 24 hours before baptism is not biblical, therefore can not be required.
the ethiopian wasn't baptized in running water, therefore the requirement for running water is not biblical.

Donna, are you sure the Ethiopian wasn't baptized in running water? All my bible says is that they both went down into the water and they came up out of the water. It doesn't say whether it was a pond, creek, spring, or watering trough.

 

[Salty]

if the church had unbiblical requirements for a person seeking to obey scripture then I go elsewhere.

So a church should not have you go thu a membership class before joining and or being baptized. and of course you would insist on being baptized in a river. And while being baptized (before going under) the pastor should not ask you to say anything, and of course the church should not require you to wear a black baptismal gown (for modesty sakes)...

 

[Amy.G]

Running water? That leaves out church baptismals,

Well, the water was running before the baptismal got full! So, I think you're ok. :laugh: