Apostolic (Acts 2

The topic of Christian baptism has been the subject of debate for centuries and one that in all probability will continue. There are individuals that hold that Matthew 28:19 are the words of Jesus and therefore require baptism in that particular form, thereby adhering to a literal reading of the text. Yet, when this is contrasted with the practice outlined in Acts of the Apostles, a different view emerges in light of Acts 2:38 and number of other passages in the Book of Acts. The...
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The topic of Christian baptism has been the subject of debate for centuries and one that in all probability will continue. There are individuals that hold that Matthew 28:19 are the words of Jesus and therefore require baptism in that particular form, thereby adhering to a literal reading of the text. Yet, when this is contrasted with the practice outlined in Acts of the Apostles, a different view emerges in light of Acts 2:38 and number of other passages in the Book of Acts. The difficulty lies in how Matthew 28:19 is to be treated and interpreted. This then raises some fundamental and important questions, such as, is the problem that Matthew 28:19 is wrongly seen and viewed as a reference to a baptismal formula? Or is it that it is incorrectly understood as a Trinitarian formula? While accepting Matthew 28:19 as a genuine and authentic passage, is it really instructing individuals to literally or physically baptize people in water or is it explaining or expanding rights that an individual either acquires or is able to access or is it a reference to a community as a whole that acquires such a right or some other theological phenomenon. Perhaps, it is not a reference to baptize people at all in water, since the right was already given to baptize people in water in John 4:1 under Jesus' authority, approval, and command. Therefore, this book and polemical study will address a variety of matters that relate to Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. In addition to this, there will be numerous references to baptisms in the name of Jesus from the Day of Pentecost to the present era. True baptism must be premised upon the notion that it was taught by Christ (Matthew 28:19) and administered by the Apostles (Acts 2:38).