Lesson 685

(Lesson 685)(07-05-13) The next three appearance of a form of the term "baptize" are found in John 3:22-36, "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Today's lesson is another very clear example wherein the term "baptize" describes, not only an immersion into water, but also, the introduction to a doctrinal message that was, is being, or is to be taught. This is very important in that there is much misunderstanding as to what is meant by the phrases "baptized into Christ" or "baptized in the name of Christ", both of which imply an acceptance of His doctrine as fact, therefore placing their faith in it.

This quote establishes that Jesus did indeed "baptize" however, the baptism He administered DID NOT imply water as the medium into which that baptism is, or was, to occur. The scholars, who translated this quote, whom in most applications implied water as the medium into which a "baptizO" is to occur, obviously confronted a dilemma when trying to translate this particular text when that same term defined the doctrine that Jesus taught as well as the water immersions John the Baptist administered. They even saw fit to clarify that Jesus DID NOT baptize with water, "John 4:2, "(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

It is clearly evident that when the term "baptizeth" was referenced to something Jesus did, it was in regard to His teaching His doctrine and NOT to the water baptisms administered by John.

This example is evidence that the transliteration of the term "baptizO" does not adequately describe all the intents implied by its many applications in the bible text.

The body of this quote is a very important study within itself in that it defines the difference in John's divine purpose and that Jesus.

Again, I would be happy to answer any questions anyone might have concerning this matter.~