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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Household baptisms

There are three clear statements of “household baptism” in the New Testament, as well as two that are implied. Paedobaptists have long sought to assert “household baptism” as proof of “infant baptism”. The second does not logically follow the first. Further, contextual statements in each case provide evidence against rather than support for infant baptism. Below is a chart of these biblical occasions.

SUGGESTED HOUSEHOLD BAPTISMS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Stated


Household
Book Chapter Verse
Text
Evidence against
Lydia
Acts 16:15
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Household of Lydia consisted of brethren who could be comforted (v. 40)
Philippian jailer
Acts 16:33-34
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
The household of the jailer heard the word of the Lord (v. 32) and believed it and rejoiced (v. 34)
Stephanas
1 Corinthians 1:16
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
The house of Stephanas was the firstfruits of Achaia, who addicted themselves to the ministry (1 Cor. 16:15)

Implied


Household
Book Chapter Verse
Text
Evidence against
Cornelius
Acts 10:47-48; 11:14
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Received the Holy Ghost;
Spoke in tongues; Magnified God
Crispus
Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
The house members believed on the Lord


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