Lesson 2753

(Lesson 2753)(07-08-19) Acts 10:44-48
     “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

   As I wrote yesterday, today, we will dig deeper into the lessons contained in Acts 10:44-48 wherein Peter’s question to the Gentiles assembled at the house of Cornelius, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”,  seems to be totally out of context with most all other New Testament references to water baptism as a whole, and water baptism in particular, as that term is applied in circumstances such as what developed at the house of Cornelius.
    Before we jump into this discussion, let me first say that, out of a years long and very intensive study of all things concerning water baptism, it’s origin and purpose; I have NEVER found ANY biblical command that could lead one to believe that water baptism was/is to be incorporated into Christian doctrine. However, let me also make it clear that the bible does indeed make references to water baptism on several occasions. That said, other than references to those kinds of water baptisms that John the Baptist administered, the New Testament mentions, including the one in today’s lesson, are confusing and appear to be out of place with the core of what was being taught as Christian doctrine at the time. 
    The phrase “forbid water”, as Peter applied it in the question, is a positive indication that Peter was, as written, calling for Cornelius and the others to be subjected to a water baptism. That command is confusing to say the least, and at most, horribly out of sequence when we consider what water baptism was originally intended to represent and what purpose it was to serve. Water baptism was/is a requirement under Jesus law, to be administered by a rabbi as a seremonial cleansing ritual that was to be administered prior to repentance of sins. Therefore, for the purpose and appropriate timing of a water baptism to be completely changed without any clue as to why, to me, simply makes on sense. ~
NOTE: Since this lesson is running long, we’ll continue tomorrow.