Acts 2- example of the Holy Spirit baptising a whole group in the church at Jerusalem. They were empowered first, as already saved believers. Water baptism not being the topic.
Then later some are baptised in full immersion in water. The 'addition of souls' not being eternal salvation.. but members added to the church at Jerusalem.
Then later some are baptised in full immersion in water. The 'addition of souls' not being eternal salvation.. but members added to the church at Jerusalem.
and also acts 8,12: But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
10,44: While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them who heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to tarry certain days.
and 19,1: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Received you the Holy Spirit when you believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were you baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.
not as an example how baptising with the Holy Spirit looks like. I understand these events as an act to show the sourrounding world, that it has come what was told before from the Lord Jesus (acts 2); to show the jewish that the samaritians are also saved (acts 8), to show the jewish people that the gentiles are saved too (acts 10) and to show to the disciples of John the baptist that Jesus is the messaja (acts 19).
I understand water baptism as Paul describes it in Roman 6, 3-6 Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we should no longer serve sin.
like an identifcation with the death and ressuraction of our Lord Jesus.
And verses like acts 2, 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
shows me that receiving the word of god, ( I understand with this, to be saved and getting the batising with the Holy Spirit. It reminds me to John 1,12: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Becoming a christian is getting the Holy Spirit and be born again. In one Moment. The water baptism is according my understanding then an witness for before the seen and unseen world, that ones belonges to Jesus Christ and should follow automaticly (without long time of teaching) the event of be born again.