Lesson 3645

 (Lesson 3645)(12-28-21) Acts 34-43

    “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”

    Today’s lesson centers on what Peter said referring to John the Baptist and what John “preached”. 

    “That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John ”PREACHED”.

    The New Testament contains many references to “the baptism of John”. There is also, however, much confusion as to what all is implied by that phrase. For example, as written in today’s quote, “the baptism of John” was not only a ritual immersion in water, but also the message that John taught. If “the baptism of John” was not also implicative of a message as well as physical water immersion, it could not have been preached. One CANNOT “preach” a water baptism.

    In today’s quote, Peter clearly referred to the “baptism of John” as the message John brought, “throughout all Judea”. John himself said, “I indeed baptize you with water”, meaning that he did indeed oversee ritual water baptisms according to the old law of the Jews. But his primary “baptism” was an immersion, of those who heard him, into the knowledge that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was soon to come.

    This subject will appear again as our study continues. Maybe this lesson will help us to better understand what is meant by the phrase as it is applied in future lessons.~