The "Re-Baptism" in Acts 19

by Paul Good

Paul having just started his third journey went to Ephesus. He finds Twelve “disciples,” who were disciples of John the Baptist. He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. Their answer was that they had not heard about a Holy Spirit. So, Paul inquires into their baptism, and learns that it was John’s baptism.

Paul explains that while John did teach a baptism of repentance, he directed people to believe on Jesus who would come after him. (Acts 9:4). He then commands them to be baptized in the “name of Jesus Christ” (Matthew 28:18-28; Acts 2:38).

The example of “The Twelve Disciples of John” does raise an interesting question concerning “re-baptism”. Under what circum- stances should one be baptized “again?” Here are some thoughts along that line.

Is “Re-Baptism” Ever Necessary?

They had been previously baptized, however, their baptism was lacking in some way. Even though it was immersion, and though it was “for the remission of sins,” their baptism was not in the “name of Jesus” (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 19:5) - that is by His authority. Because their first baptism lacked an essential element, “re-baptism” was necessary! We may then conclude that if an earlier baptism lacks some essential element, then “re-baptism” is necessary!

When “Re-Baptism” Is Appropriate

The four “essential elements” of Bible baptism are: 1)The proper mode (a burial or immersion) (Romans 6:3; Colossians 2:12), 2) the proper authority (“the name of Christ” (Acts 19:5), 3) the proper purpose (remission of sins) (Acts 2:38; 22:16), 4) the proper subject (a penitent believer (Acts 2:38; 8:37; Mark 16:16) When one of these “essential elements” was lacking, “re-baptism” was commanded. In Acts 19:1-5, the proper authority was lacking, even though their previous baptism had the right mode, purpose, and subject.

Some cases where “re-baptism” would seem appropriate:

If a person was baptized by sprin- kling or pouring, because the proper mode is immersion.
If a person was baptized by the authority of anyone other than Jesus, for the proper authority is Jesus Christ.
If a person was baptized as a public confession of faith (thinking that they were already saved), for the proper purpose is the remission of sins.
If a person was baptized but was not a penitent believer, for a proper subject is one who believes “with all their heart”. Thus, when one is baptized just because their friends are doing it, or because their spouse, fiancé, or parents are pressuring them to do it, their baptism is not valid.

Let me be sure to clarify: When one is baptized because their “first” baptism lacked an essential element, it is not really “re-baptism.” In the strictest sense, that person is finally being baptized scripturally for the first time!

The example of The Twelve Disciples Of John certainly illustrates that one can be religious - have undergone some baptismal experience… and still not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ! Let each of us examine our baptism to make certain it is all that the Lord requires and so is truly that baptism “which now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21).

Notes taken from “Conversions In The Book of Acts” by Mark A. Copland