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 7:3-4 The Greek word here translated “wash” is “baptizo”, from which the English “baptise” comes.
Sprinkling with water symbolises spiritual cleansing
Ezekiel 36:25 See also Zechariah 13:1; Hebrews 10:22
Being baptised by John was a confession that cleansing was needed
Matthew 3:11 See also Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:4-5 pp Luke 3:3; Acts 19:1-4
John promised that the Messiah would cleanse with the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 3:11 pp Mark 1:8 pp Luke 3:16 See also Isaiah 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 pp Mark 1:9-11 pp Luke 3:21-22 pp John 1:32-33
2375 kingdom of God 2510 Christ, baptism of 3242 Holy Spirit, baptism with 5098 John the Baptist 7416 purification 8324 purity
