Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7900 The life of the church » 7903 baptism » 7906 baptism, in the Gospels
In the Gospels baptising is based on the symbolic practice in the OT and Judaism of cleansing with water.
Washing was the means of achieving ritual purity
Exodus 30:19-20;Mark 7:3-4The Greek word here translated “wash” is “baptizo”, from which the English “baptise” comes.
Sprinkling with water symbolises spiritual cleansing
Ezekiel 36:25See alsoZechariah 13:1;Hebrews 10:22
Being baptised by John was a confession that cleansing was needed
Matthew 3:11See alsoMatthew 3:6;Mark 1:4-5 ppLuke 3:3;Acts 19:1-4
John promised that the Messiah would cleanse with the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 3:11 ppMark 1:8 ppLuke 3:16See alsoIsaiah 44:3;Ezekiel 36:25-26
Baptism involves both water and the Holy Spirit
John 3:5
The disciples of Jesus Christ baptised like John's
See also
John 3:22-23;John 4:1
Jesus Christ was baptised by John
Matthew 3:13-17 ppMark 1:9-11 ppLuke 3:21-22 ppJohn 1:32-33
2375 kingdom of God2510 Christ, baptism of3242 Holy Spirit, baptism with5098 John the Baptist7416 purification8324 purity
