Pass It On

If you believe…Acts 8:37

Many people question the reason to be baptized in water. Again, we turn to the book of Acts to learn what the early disciples did for our answer. Phillip was led by the Spirit to the chariot of the Ethiopian. Who was reading from the prophet Isaiah as he traveled home from Jerusalem. Reading the Bible is a good book to read while traveling.

Led by the Spirit, Phillip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Verse 30. The traveler responded, verse 31: “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And so begins God’s servant’s explanation of the prophecy of Jesus Christ. 

With understanding, comes action, verse 36: “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Perhaps the Ethiopian had witnessed the baptism of the 3000 while attending Pentecost or perhaps Phillip explained baptism to him, the Bible does not say. Nevertheless, he asked the right question. 

Led by the Spirit, Phillip gives the right answer, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” Verse 37. He gave the right response: “I believe that Jesus is Christ the Son of God.” The rest is history.

This is the reason to be baptized: you believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. If you do, then be baptized. If you don’t then don’t. It is just that simple. Those who have declared their confession of belief and have been baptized are among those who now understand what they read in the Bible. And, they can now explain the Scriptures to someone else who is searching for truth.