Lesson 693

(Lesson 693)(07-13-13) The next usage of the term "baptized" is found in Acts 8:38, for context we will verses 36-40, "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea."

This example clearly indicates that the usage of the term "baptized" implies that water was one of the mediums into which Philip baptized the eunuch.

In reality, the eunuch was baptized into two distinctly different mediums during his encounter with Philip, although the first was not verbally described as a "baptism". The first was his being taught, and accepting (being baptized into) the doctrine of Jesus Christ. This is evidenced by the fact that he accepted the doctrine that was taught to him by Philip as he so stated, " I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.".

(It has already been established, by these lessons, that the term "baptized" can also be applied to describe the acceptance of a certain truth, or event to be, or that has already been, accomplished. Refer to Luke 12:50, "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!")

The second "baptism" undergone by the eunuch was accomplished when Philip allowed him to be immersed into water.~