Bible Dictionary
Baptism, John’s
John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance preparing Israel for the Messiah. It was distinct from Christian baptism, and some who had received it were later baptized in the name of Jesus.
Definition
John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance administered before the New Testament economy was established. It was not Christian baptism, was not administered in the name of the Trinity, and bound its recipients to repentance rather than directly to faith in Christ.
Biblical Usage
John’s baptism prepared people through repentance, but it was distinct from the baptism practiced after Christ’s work. The supplied material states that some who had received John’s baptism were later baptized again by Paul in the name of Jesus.
Historical Background
The baptism practiced by John and by Jesus’ disciples before the crucifixion belonged to the earlier period and is distinguished from the Christian ordinance instituted after the New Testament economy began.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Was not Christian baptism, nor was that which was practised by the disciples previous to our Lord’s crucifixion. Till then the New Testament economy did not exist. John’s baptism bound its subjects to repentance, and not to the faith of Christ. It was not administered in the name of the Trinity, and those whom John baptized were rebaptized by Paul (Acts 18:24; 19:7).