Lesson 2736

(Lesson 2736)(06-21-19) Acts 8:13
    “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”

   Yesterday I expressed my concern about the application of the term “baptized” as it appears in Acts 8:12-13. I’m going to keep today’s commentary short so as not to over complicate the issue.
    The application of the term “baptized” as it is applied in today’s quote appears to be referring to a water baptism (immersion) that was administered to those who believed Philip’s preaching AFTER they had repented and, obvioulsy, “believed” in the Lord Jesus Christ. The performance of a water baptism performed after repentance stands directly opposite to ALL the water baptisms that were referenced in the gospels before the Death of Jesus. All of those baptisms occurred before, toward, or “UNTO” repentance. As was earlier stated, all the baptisms that were administered to those who believed Philip’s preaching, occurred After they had repented.~
   
    NOTE: There is more to be said on this subject, as well as how it relates to the baptism of and receiving of, the Holy Ghost. That study will shed more light on my theory that the quoted text may have been altered to promote the contention that water baptism is a required step toward eternal salvation. We will dig into it even farther with tomorrows lesson. ~