Yesterday, I erroneously stated that the usage of the term "baptized" applied in Acts 10:48, "And he" Peter "commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." I was probably mistaken by implying that Peter told Cornelius and his family to be "baptized" in water. Although it is possible that Peter could have been been referring to water, by his usage of the phrase, "be baptized in the name of the Lord" it is more probable that he was exhorting Cornelius and his family to continue in their devotion to Christ Jesus, in the same sense that Paul arose and was "baptized" after Ananias had by laying his hands upon Paul and praying, caused Paul to be "baptized" in the Holy Ghost.
The context within which this usage is applied leaves open the possibility that Peter could have been referring Cornelius and his family to a water "baptism", that scenario is highly unlikely since the phrase "in the name of", as it is generally applied in the New Testament, refers to the doctrine proposed by the person identified, in this case, Jesus.
My synopsis about this matter will become more clear when we address the usages of the term "baptize" in Corinthians where Paul is addressing those who have identified themselves with the person who "baptized" them, instead of being wholly identified with Christ, as of course, they should have been all along.
The next two applications of a variation of the term "baptize" appears in Acts 11:16. For context we will quote Acts 11:1-18, "And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."
The first of these usages certainly refers to the water "baptisms" administered by John. The second refers to the "baptism", immersion into, or granting of, the power of the Holy Ghost.
In this quote, Peter was recounting what had occurred at the home of Cornelius, and the circumstances that led him to go there. He assures his Jewish brethren that God had bestowed His grace upon the Gentiles also, and that they too, had been "baptized" by, or into the Holy Ghost.~
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