The apostles baptized three thousand Believers in one day. Take a few seconds to think about that number.
On the Day of Pentecost, Apostle Peter preached Christ to the people at Jerusalem. Then, he explained the reason for the happenings, and the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, and so on. Next, he baptized 3000 believers.
Subsequently, Apostle Luke says it like this:
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Acts 2:41
Today we will continue with our Book of Acts Bible Study. Our main reference is Acts 2:41.
First thing first. Who did the apostles baptize? They baptized the people who gladly received the Word of God (Acts 2:41).
What’s the Reason for Water Baptism?
This scripture didn’t say they were believers. They accepted and “gladly received” the Gospel. But this in no way means that they will believe it. Hopeful they will.
Recall, this is the birth of the Apostolic Church. Therefore, the three thousand people who received water baptism were not Christians before baptism. They were not Believers before.
The apostle baptized three thousand persons. However, when they heard Peter’s sermon they needed guidance. They didn’t know what to do.
Therefore they asked: “Men and brethren, what shall we do” (Acts 2:37)?
If they were already saved, why did Peter baptize them? If you have salvation you don’t need baptism. Do you recall the reason he gives for baptism?
Therefore, he preached: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
If they needed the removal of sin, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the urgency to put on Christ, how come they were Believers already?
The teaching that “Baptism is only for believers who are already saved” is devilish. It attempts to distort the truth and simplicity of the Gospel.
Water baptism saves us. Not the opposite!.
If you accept such teachings you have missed the reason for water baptism.
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”.
(Mark 16:16)
They were not saved before baptism.
Third, “Water baptism is one’s public profession of faith in Christ”, is a fallacy. It’s not biblical in this context.
It does speak into the spiritual realm. But it doesn’t to humans. There are no Scriptures for such teachings. There is no scriptural reason for a public baptism. Private baptism is just as effective. It could still save us.
But it’s our manner of baptism that aids in determining our eternity. Is it in obedience to Jesus’ instructions or not?
Many biblical baptisms have public settings by their very nature and function. That’s majoring in the minor. Water baptism professes no faith whatever.
Conclusion
3000 Souls Added to the Church
And if it’s done in ignorance does it justify your faith?
If this is the public profession of your faith in Christ, no wonder you are powerless and spiritually ineffectual.
“Water baptism is one’s public profession of faith in Christ.” Why?
Water baptism is never a public profession of anything. They need to return to basics. They fail to comprehend the reason for the Baptism of John.
That also means they don’t understand the reason for the baptism of Jesus either.
If your opinions are not running parallel to the Word of God, they mean nothing, “nada.
In one day, the apostles added three thousand people to the Church. They physically baptized them in water.
These Church leaders didn’t do New Converts Class. The people just accepted and received the Word of Truth, then were baptized in water.
Peter Baptized 3000 Then What did They do?
Water baptism was the start for the three thousand new converts.
Then, “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Therefore, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is a great starting point for you too. It will change your life now and your future.
Even if a person receives and accepts the Gospel of Salvation, but does not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God such a one cannot be saved.
This is the base motive for salvation: your faith in the Lord God through Jesus Christ. You can only access God through Christ.
[F]ear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
The Lord Added to the Church Daily
And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had a need.
[T]hey, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:43-47)
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Leroy A. Daley is an author, blogger, YouTuber, and Bible teacher. Globally, he's helped hundreds of Christians understand the Bible better. He has been studying and teaching the Bible for more than forty years. He is passionate about the Lord and spends quality time with the Word of God every day.
His Books are available for purchase wherever books are sold.
