Believers are Baptized

In the early church, the gospel's progression moved quickly outside Jerusalem's borders to neighboring communities. This was largely attributed to the influx of persecution the church was experiencing from those who were hardened to the gospel message. In the eighth chapter of Acts, we see Philip, a disciple of Jesus who, among those scattered after the death of Stephen, boldly proclaims Jesus to everyone he encountered. As Philip went along the Holy Spirit led him to an Ethiopian man hungry to understand the gospel message.

Acts 8:35 NASB1995 | Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.

We see many people step out into the waters of baptism almost every Sunday morning when the church gathers, but why are Jesus's followers commanded to enter the waters of baptism after belief? What does it represent? This week, we will look to answer all these questions by unpacking the act of baptism.