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The Resolution of Matthew 28:18 and Acts 2:38
In an effort to do that which is pleasing to God
in a spirit of love for Him, as we come to the act of
water baptism we are faced with a decision about which
formula or words we would have spoken over us during
the ceremony. Someone giving only casual thought to
this, but with a heart perfectly willing to obey God,
might just go to their local fellowship, and whatever
the preacher says during the ceremony would suffice for
them. But as we closely study God's word we find that
there is great treasure to be found in paying attention
to detail.
Just as an example think of the matter of Noah's
attention to detail when considering the specifications
given him by God for the construction of the Ark. This
vessel would prove to be the salvation of himself, the
seven other men and women onboard, and all the animals
through which life on earth would continue. If Noah had
skipped the addition of the pitch covering of the Ark
would it have had a successful journey? There was a
specific reason for each specification of the construction
of the Ark that God gave to Noah.
The Biblical Method Of Water Baptism
In the Bible's presentation of water baptism as
practiced by the Church born or empowered on the
Day of Pentecost, we see that upon each occasion when new
believers were baptised, they did so "...in the name of Jesus".
Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5
It is critically important that you read these
accounts in the context of the chapters in which they are
written. This gives the Holy Spirit opportunity to reveal
truth to you, giving you understanding as opposed to mere
facts. Please take the necessary time required to do this.
And may God bless your reading of His word!
The Question Raised About Matthew 28:19
After determining this fact that the appointed Apostles
of Christ baptized new believers in Jesus's name a question
comes to the minds of many about today's tradition of Churches
baptizing "...in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost." They begin to think on the scripture
Matthew 28:19 which reads;
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
They begin to see a difficulty in reconciling
this scripture with the ones we just saw in the book
of Acts, with Acts 2:38 being the precedent setting
verse of Scripture of water baptizing "...in the name
of Jesus Christ". To add to this question, they are
faced with the unfortunate position expressed to them
by pastors or other ministers of the gospel who choose
to baptize "...in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost" who make the error of pitting
God's word against itself as they seek Biblical
justification for what they are doing.
Such pastors say to those who point out
that the Apostle's baptized only "...in the name of
Jesus Christ", that Matthew 28:19 is the "correct" method
because it was spoken by the Lord Himself. The awful mistake
that is committed by pitting God's word against itself,
is that it implies the following-
- "Matthew 28:19 is the `right' method."
Implication: Acts 2:38 is wrong. This would
imply that there is an error in God's word.
This would also imply that there is
contradiction in God's word.
- "The Lord Jesus spoke Matthew 28:19 therefore that
method must be right."
Implication: The Apostles, (namely Peter)
was in error when he spoke Acts 2:38. That
there is a strife or contradiction between
the words of Jesus, verses the words of the
Apostles.
As we read these implications above we instantly see
the error of that thought pattern. It is impossible
that God's word could be in error. It is equally impossible
that the inspired words of the chosen Apostles of Christ
would be in opposition to His own teaching. Why is this an
impossibility you ask? The answer is, because of the presence
of the Holy Ghost in the writers of the New Testament.
The Word Of God Given By The Holy Spirit Is Perfect
What those who declare Peter's inspired words
written in Acts 2:38 to be inferior to those of
Christ's in Matthew 28:19 forget, is the awesome
event that had just happened to Peter the very day
he spoke them! Read again, dear friend from the
beginning of Acts chapter two, and see the fulfillment
of the promise Christ made just prior to His ascension
in Acts chapter one;
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth. (KJV)
This power of the Holy Ghost to be witnesses of the
Gospel, was Messiah's promise to the disciples as He stood
with them atop Mount Olivet just prior to His ascension.
And this promise was fulfilled as is recorded at the beginning
of Acts chapter two! The Holy Ghost (who is God) descended
upon the 120 in the upper room and all were baptized in the
power of the Holy Spirit of God, Hallelujah! Understand then
that when Peter lifted up his hand and spoke on that day to
those assembled before him at Jerusalem, that he was not
speaking in his own power -- no! Peter was baptized and
overflowing in the power of the Holy Ghost, and it was the
words God *Himself had given Peter to speak that day which
he uttered.
Also, remember what Jesus taught His disciples earlier
when He spoke of the purpose of the soon coming Holy Spirit
in their lives upon His return to Heaven-
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name, he
shall teach you all things, and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I
have said unto you. (KJV)
So you see, it is impossible that there could be
contradiction between the words of Christ (Matthew
28:19) and those of Peter (Acts 2:38) because it is
by *one Spirit of God that both were given. The same may
be said of the Apostle John, whom the Spirit overcame on
the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10) as he wrote the words of
the Book of Revelation. The same is true for every writer
of the New Testament, and it is impossible that one would be
contrary to another as is taught by those who would pit
Matthew 28:19 against Acts 2:38.
The Consistancy Of The Gospels
Therefore in seeking an understanding of this deeper
meaning of the practice of the Apostles in water baptizing
"in the name of Jesus Christ", we begin to look for a
greater meaning to be revealed from a comprehensive look
at all of God's word surrounding the matter. We realize that
Peter, Paul and all the Apostles who baptized were doing so
under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, and could not
have been in error. We see this confirmed many times in the book
of Acts, and sealed by this scripture from Colossians;
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all
in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God and the Father by him. (KJV)
Taking a close look at Matthew 28:19 we begin to
see the treasure and monumental implications of Christ's
words. We begin to see His awesome divinity revealed
to us, and the awesome nature of One God declared.
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
One of the first things noticed upon a closer
look is that the word "name" is singular, not
plural. What is that name? Father is not a name, is
it? No, it is a position or title of ancestry. Son
is not a name, is it? No it is the same relative assignment
of position or title. Holy Ghost is not a name is it? No,
it is the Spirit of God.
Where in scripture then, can we find the absolute
and unquestionable name in which we may confidently
act by word or deed as taught by Colossians 3:17?
We find His name in Acts 4:10 through 12-
Acts 4:10-12
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the
people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus
Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom
God raised from the dead, even by him doth
this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought
of you builders, which is become the head of
the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Friend, Jesus is the name. And this is exactly what
the Apostle Peter realized as he was baptized in the
Holy Ghost in Acts chapter 2, and proclaimed this truth
in the instruction he gave concerning water baptism. It
came directly from the Spirit of God who spoke through
him that day.-
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, 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.
Peter realized that Jesus Christ was "...the
Word made flesh" (John 1:14), and that He was very
God. Peter knew that Jesus was Emmanuel, or "God
with us" (Matthew 1:23). He realized that "...in
him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily"
(Colossians 2:9). Not 1/3- not part- but all the Godhead.
This is an awesome, mind boggling truth to comprehend.
The theme of the Bible is that there is one God and
that the Lord Jesus is "the way" (John 14:6), and that the one
God has been revealed to us in Jesus of Nazareth to accomplish
our salvation (Acts 4:12).
This unity of the Godhead, is revealed in Matthew 28:19
and it is fulfilled in Acts 2:38. There is nothing contrary
between the two but a perfect harmony as that latter fulfills
the former. The proper name to be baptised in is that of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and I highly recommend this method to you, in honor
and love for Him. Make sure you insist on the use of His name
in your water baptism ceremony, on that wonderful day when you
proclaim your faith to the world by doing so. And God bless you!
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