Lesson 689

(Lesson 689)(07-09-13) Today's lesson will refer back to Acts 2:36-42 with an emphasis on clarifying the use of the term , "baptized" as it is applied in verse 41, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

I believe this usage also disallows water as the medium into which those who believed Peter's message were "baptized".

The disciples that Peter and the other Apostles made during the Pentecost celebration, became disciples by repenting of, or turning away from the old law and tradition, and subsequently accepting, having their sins remitted by, or being "baptized" into the new law of faith in the divine virgin conception, life, death, burial and resurrection, of Jesus, the Son of God, one third of the Holy Triune.

Verse 41 says, in essence, that after these were immersed into, or had taken on the doctrine of Jesus Christ (converted), they were added to the number of who had already believed, the total addition being near five thousand.

Verse 42 tells us, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." This passages implies that the "apostles' doctrine" was the what remained with those new converts, not the memory of a water "baptism".

One should note also that there is no reference to a water source anywhere within this passage. I bring that out because in almost every reference to a baptism that requires, or refers to water as the medium, contains some information as to the water source.~