Great Commission — Baptize
During his ministry, Jesus trained his disciples to baptize those who repented and believed. (John 3:22; 4:1-3). Therefore, it is certain that Jesus would have ensured that his first disciples were baptized at the beginning of his ministry in Galilee.
Jesus commands his disciples to continue the practice of baptizing new disciples.
Baptism—literally “immersion”—is in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The new disciple has come to know God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The authority to baptize is given to every disciple, not just to a select few. Jesus didn’t baptize, he trained his disciples to baptize (John 4:2). Paul was baptized by Ananias, an ordinary disciple (Acts 9:10). At Cornelius’ house Peter didn’t baptize, he instructed the believers who came with him to baptize Cornelius and those who believed (Acts 10:48). Paul didn’t baptize many of the Corinthians because he trained others to baptize (1 Corinthians 1:14).
The New Testament can hardly conceive of a disciple who is not baptized. Baptism occurs when someone repents, is forgiven and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Great Commission series so far:
