This study only introduces an argument, which needs more research in the Classical and Patristic periods. The argument concerns the description of the first baptizees in Acts 2:41. The book of Acts records the history of the earliest apostolic church. The question of what is normative in the book of Acts vs. what is only descriptive is a lingering question to ask of this book. There seems to be components of the book of Acts that may not be normative for Christians today but simply applied to the first century church. Perhaps, the description of the church community as sharing all of their possessions so that no one was in need may be an example of description, but does not constitute normative practice for the church in all ages and at all times; however, baptism is a normative aspect of the church (Matt. 28:18-20). Therefore, the book of Acts must shape our doctrine and practice of baptism. Most do not debate that the book of Acts reveals the subject or the recipient of baptism. Presbyterians usually look to household baptism texts and conclude that infants of believers ought to be baptized. Baptists appeal to texts in Acts where the subjects of baptism are reported as having believed and then were baptized. The book of Acts has many baptismal accounts to examine, but this post is devoted to one aspect of the first account in Acts 2.
Another assumption I have about the book of Acts is that earlier accounts are expanded, while later accounts are abbreviated. In other words, Luke describes in detail who was baptized in the first few baptismal accounts, while in the later accounts he simply reports that a baptism happened. He does not explain what happens to the baptized members in later accounts, while in the earlier account he explains that baptism leads to membership in the church for example. Read the rest of this entry »
