Acts, some Ephesians and “re”baptism

Acts 19:1-7 Paul finds disciples in Ephesus

Verse 1a: When Apollos had traveled to Corinth, Paul returned to Ephesus (cf. 18:19). 

Verses 1b-2: Paul encounters “certain disciples.” “Acts 19 records the single instance where a group of believers emerged in isolation from authorized churches. In that single case, all of those believers were baptized again.”[i]

 

Doubtless through interaction with these disciples, Paul sees something amiss and asks them a direct question, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” His perception is correct, for the answer shows the understanding of these disciples is defective regarding the Holy Ghost. They had not been instructed; they had “not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” “since ye believed” suggests Paul regards them as true believers, and at the least that they professed to be believers.

 

Verse 3: Paul follows with a second question, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” “Unto John’s baptism” most likely means that they were baptized “in reference to” John’s baptism rather than that they were baptized by John the Baptist. John himself had taught concerning the Holy Ghost (cf. Matthew 3:11, 16-17; Mark 1:8-11; Luke 3:16, 22). Some have suggested that it was Apollos who baptized these “unto John’s baptism.”[ii] However, when Apollos came to Ephesus, he was already instructed in the way of God “more perfectly” by Aquila and Priscilla.

 

Verses 4-5: When he hears their response, Paul presents the true facts concerning John and his baptism. Paul explains to these Ephesian disciples what John did (baptized unto repentance) and what John preached (Christ Jesus). Some read verse 5 as continuing the statement about John the Baptist, that is, when the people heard John’s preaching, they believed on the one who was to come and were baptized in his name. More likely in context, “they” refers to the Ephesians rather than John’s hearers. If so, then their understanding was that their baptism was null and their reaction was to be baptized.

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[i] Principles of Practice In the New Testament Church, David Pyles, 2015, p. 94. http://www.pb.org/PBDocs/PrinPrac.pdf Accessed October 22, 2020 2:15 pm.
[ii] For example: “The disciples whom St Paul found in Ephesus on his return (Acts xix 1 ff) are probably hearers of Apollos who had been attracted by his speaking and teaching in the streets of Ephesus or elsewhere. Baptism, as practised by John Baptist, would be the natural sequel of professed repentance.” “Apollos,” J. H. A. Hart, Journal of Theological Studies, Volume VII, No. 25, October, 1905, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1906, p. 22.