, I believe the phrase "receive the Holy Spirit" to
be a metonymy for receiving a miraculous gift from the
Spirit
2) As an apostle, Paul had the ability to impart spiritual
gifts - Ro 1:11; 2Ti 1:6
3) Assuming the "disciples" to have been baptized into
Christ, he desired to give them gifts from the Spirit
(such as the gifts of tongues and prophesy, cf. 1Co 12:10)
b. Their answer sparks another question from Paul
1) They had not heard about a "Holy Spirit"
a) They must not have known much of John's own teaching,
for he taught concerning the Holy Spirit - cf. Mt 3:11
b) They clearly could not have been properly baptized into
Christ, for it is a baptism into the name of the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit! - cf. Mt 28:19
2) So Paul inquires into their baptism
a) He learns that it was John's baptism
b) Some have suggested that these 12 may have been
converted by Apollos before Apollos himself learned the
truth - cf. Ac 18:24-25
C. THE TWELVE ARE "RE-BAPTIZED"...
1. Paul explains that while John did teach a baptism of repentance,
he directed people to believe on Jesus who would come after him
- Ac 19:4
2. The twelve are then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus - Ac 19:5
a. This would be the baptism commanded by Jesus - Mt 28:18-20
b. And the baptism expected of all would-be disciples of Jesus
- Ac 2:38; 22:16
3. Following their baptism, Paul laid hands on them and the Spirit
imparted gifts of tongues and prophesy - Ac 19:6-7
[This was the beginning of a very successful period for Paul's ministry
in Ephesus (cf. Ac 19:8-10). Again we see the normal response of one
who wished to become a disciple of Jesus (faith and baptism, Mk 16:16).
The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" raises an interesting
question concerning "re-baptism": Under what circumstances should one be
baptized again? Here are some thoughts regarding this question...]
II. IS "RE-BAPTISM" EVER NECESSARY?
A. OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE TWELVE DISCIPLES...
1. They had been previously "baptized"
2. Their baptism, however, was lacking in some way
a. Even though it was immersion
b. Even though it was "for the remission of sins" - Mk 1:4
c. But their baptism was not in the name of Jesus - Ac 2:38;
10:48; 19:5
1) That is, by His authority
2) Which would have been a baptism into the name of the
Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son - Mt 28:19
3. Because their first baptism lacked an essential element,
"re-baptism" was necessary!
4. May we not conclude that if one's baptism lacks some essential
element, then "re-baptism" is necessary?
B. WHEN "RE-BAPTISM" IS APPROPRIATE...
1. There are four "essential elements" of Bible baptism
a. The proper mode: a burial (immersion) - Ro 6:3; Col 2:12
b. The proper authority: in the name of Christ - Ac 19:5
c. The proper purpose: remission of sins - Ac 2:38; 22:16
d. The proper subject: penitent believer - Ac 2:38; 8:37; Mk 16:16
2. When one of these "essential elements" was lacking, "re-baptism"
was commanded
a. In Ac 19:1-5, the proper authority was lacking
b. Even though their previous baptism had the right mode,
purpose, and subject
3. Some cases where "re-baptism" would seem appropriate
a. If we were baptized by sprinkling or pouring (for the proper
mode is immersion)
b. If we were baptized by the authority of anyone other than
Jesus (for the proper authority is Jesus Christ)
c. If we were baptized as a public confession faith, thinking
that we were already saved (for the proper purpose is the
remission of sins)
d. If we were baptized but were not penitent believers (for a
proper subject is one who believes "with all their heart")
1) E.g., when one is baptized just because their friends are
doing it
2) E.g., Because their spouse, fiance, or parents are
pressuring them to do it (and they do it to please them,
not God)
4. Let me be sure to clarify:
a. When one is baptized because their "first" baptism lacked an
essential element...
1) It is not really "re-baptism!"
2) For that person is finally being baptized scripturally for
the first time!
b. When one has been scripturally baptized once...
1) There is never a need to be baptized again!
2) Once we have clothed ourselves with Christ in baptism:
a) The blood of Christ continually cleanses us of our sins
b) As we repent and confess our sins to God in prayer - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9
CONCLUSION
1. The example of "The Twelve Disciples Of John" certainly illustrates
that one can...
a. Be religious and have undergone some baptismal experience
b Yet still not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ!
2. One can rest assured that they are a true disciple of Jesus when their
baptism had...
a. The right mode - immersion
b. The right authority- Jesus Christ
c. The right purpose - remission of sins
d. The right subject - penitent believer
-- Lacking any of these "essential elements", one should consider
being baptized again in order to "make your calling and election
sure"
3. If we desire to truly be the disciples of Jesus Christ, then let's be
sure...
a. We proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, as preached by His
apostles in the first century
b. We personally have responded to that gospel in the same manner as
those who heard the good news preached in its purity and simplicity
Might you need to be "re-baptized"...?
