Lesson 665

(Lesson 665)(06-13-13) The next time we find a form of the term "baptize" is in Matthew 21:25, I will post Matthew 21:23-27 to provide the context in which this application occurs, "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things."

It is commonly accepted that every New Testament application of the phrase "the baptism of John" is in reference to the water immersions John administered. That notion is simply wrong. The above phrase was spoken by Jesus in reference to the MESSAGE John taught, NOT his water "baptism". Therefore, the usage of the phrase "the baptism of John" might be inclusive of, but is certainly not exclusively limited to water immersion.

The truth of what I've just said is evidenced by the context of the quote, "Why did ye not BELIEVE him?" One cannot believe or disbelieve a water immersion. Water immersion is a simple mechanical action that either occurs or does not. On the other hand, one CAN choose to believe or disbelieve a message, or doctrine. That is precisely what Jesus asked the chief priests and elders, why did you not believe John when he taught the coming of the Messiah.

This lesson teaches us yet another application for the term "baptize", it can also, as established above, be used to define a message, a particular doctrine, or lesson.~