by Richard Mansel

Previously, we began studying proofs that baptism means "immersion." Since Greek authorities agree that "bapto" means "to dip or immerse," the word must be used the same way in other, non-Biblical, literature. If so, coupled with the verification of Greek authorities, this further validates the fact that baptism means immersion.

Polybius, born in 205 B.C., wrote about catching a fish with a large spear, "And even if the spear fell into the sea, it is not lost, for it is compacted of both oak and pine, so that when the oaken part is immersed by the weight, the rest is buoyed up, and is easily recovered." / 1

Polybius wrote about the Roman army marching through the river Tebia, "They passed through with difficulty, the foot soldiers immersed as far as to the breast."/ 2

Josephus, born AD 37, wrote about a boy who was drowned by his companions. He said, "Continually pressing down and immersing him while swimming, as if in sport, they did not desist till they had entirely suffocated him."/ 3

Josephus, writing in another place, "And there, according to command, being immersed by the Gauls in a swimming-bath, he dies." / 4

Strabo, born in 60 B.C., wrote of Alexander's army, "... they marched the whole day in water, immersed as far as to the waist." / 5

Achilles Tatius, 450 A.D., "But suddenly the wind shifts to another quarter of the ship, and the vessel is almost immerged." / 6

Dion Cassius, 155 A.D., "And others, leaping into the sea, were drowned; or, struck by the enemy, were baptized." /7

Diodorus, wrote in about 60 - 30 B.C., "The river, rushing down with the current, increased in violence, submerged many, and destroyed them attempting to swim through with their armor." /8

It is crucial that when we read the New Testament we know what the words mean. We learned that the Jews had the Mikveh, which was done by immersion. Likewise, the Greeks understood "bapto" as immersion. Therefore, the inescapable conclusion is that they understood baptism as immersion, and when they were immersed they became "children of God" (Acts 2:38).

We must not transfer the definitions of our day back to Scripture. The Greek language had different words for sprinkling, pouring, and immersion. If the writers of the New Testament had meant one or the other they would have used the proper words (Hebrews 11:1).

God's Word does not have a controversy as to the meaning of "bapto." We need to follow suit today. Simply stated, if the word baptism meant immersion when the New Testament was written, then it is mandatory that we teach and practice the same meaning today. Otherwise, we are following men rather than God.

I can stand on the courthouse steps and claim to be the Governor until the police arrest me, but I will never be the Governor. Likewise, if baptism is immersion and I insist it is sprinkling, I can profess it the remainder of my life and it will never be so. God has already spoken (Psalm 119:89; 2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Once again, Acts 22:16 says, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (NKJV). Realizing that my sins are "washed away" when I am baptized and baptism is immersion, I must practice baptism by immersion or I have not had my sins washed away.

Next, we will examine the final proof and show that baptism means immersion contextually in the New Testament.

/ 1. History, Book xxxiv, chapter 3,7.
/ 2. History, Book iii, chapter 72,4.
/ 3. Jewish Antiquities, book xv, ch. 3,3.
/ 4. Jewish Wars, book iii, ch. 8,5.
/ 5. Geography, book xiv, ch. 3, 9.
/ 6. Story of Clitophon and Leucippe, book iii, ch. 1.
/ 7. Roman History, book xxxvii.
/ 8. Historical Library, book xvi, ch. 80.

The Didache was once dated to the third century but many scholars now date it to the late first century. I don't think we can ignore its witness to the practice of baptism:

Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism. And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

(Note: By living water is indicated moving water.)

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