A Closer Look at Ephesians 1:13

[Wansvic]

Ephesus (located in Asia) – Population comprised of Jew and Gentile believers.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was written to the church in 60 A.D. In the letter Paul reminded the Ephesians that they trusted in Jesus after hearing the word of truth the gospel of their salvation. He goes on to say, in him also after you believed you were sealed with the Holy Ghost. This comment can be seen as relating to what is recorded in the biblical record specific to the Ephesians. (Ephesus disciples)

Previously, in the year 53 A.D. during Paul’s third mission campaign he instructed Ephesians concerning the need to believe on Jesus and to be re-baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus. They trusted that Jesus was indeed the messiah and obeyed Paul’s instructions. Paul then laid hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:1-6) This is a direct parallel to what Paul stated in Ephesians 1:13.

The Acts record continues with Paul joining the newly converted disciples and persuading others as well concerning the kingdom of God. This went on for 3 months. (Acts 7 & 8) Paul departed from the synagogue when others refused to accept the truth he shared. Paul took the disciples who had believed and obeyed “The Way” (Acts 19:1-6) and disputed daily in the school of Tyrannus for 2 years. (Acts 19:9)

This enabled all in Asia (Jews and Gentiles) to hear the word of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 1:1-2)

It is also noteworthy that during Paul’s stay the record shows others believing his message, confessed, (sins) and showed their deeds. (Acts 19:17-18) This is an implication of repentance and the requirement of those seeking water baptism as noted in Luke 3:8, Matt 3:8, and Acts 26:20.


Acts 19:1-10
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye 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 which 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 Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.

8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Ephesus (located in Asia) – Population comprised of Jew and Gentile believers.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was written to the church in 60 A.D. In the letter Paul reminded the Ephesians that they trusted in Jesus after hearing the word of truth the gospel of their salvation. He goes on to say, in him also after you believed you were sealed with the Holy Ghost. This comment can be seen as relating to what is recorded in the biblical record specific to the Ephesians. (Ephesus disciples)

Previously, in the year 53 A.D. during Paul’s third mission campaign he instructed Ephesians concerning the need to believe on Jesus and to be re-baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus. They trusted that Jesus was indeed the messiah and obeyed Paul’s instructions. Paul then laid hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:1-6) This is a direct parallel to what Paul stated in Ephesians 1:13.

The Acts record continues with Paul joining the newly converted disciples and persuading others as well concerning the kingdom of God. This went on for 3 months. (Acts 7 & 8) Paul departed from the synagogue when others refused to accept the truth he shared. Paul took the disciples who had believed and obeyed “The Way” (Acts 19:1-6) and disputed daily in the school of Tyrannus for 2 years. (Acts 19:9)

This enabled all in Asia (Jews and Gentiles) to hear the word of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 1:1-2)

It is also noteworthy that during Paul’s stay the record shows others believing his message, confessed, (sins) and showed their deeds. (Acts 19:17-18) This is an implication of repentance and the requirement of those seeking water baptism as noted in Luke 3:8, Matt 3:8, and Acts 26:20.


Acts 19:1-10
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye 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 which 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 Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.

8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

What do you make of Paul saying that everyone in the Province of Asia had abandoned him? In light of everything that you've laid before us, how do we explain what Paul told us in his final letter . . . 2nd Timothy?

 

[reneweddaybyday]

Previously, in the year 53 A.D. during Paul’s third mission campaign he instructed Ephesians concerning the need to believe on Jesus and to be re-baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In Acts 19, I do not believe Paul instructed the believers to be re-baptized in water.

The Ephesian believers had only been instructed concerning the baptism of John (water baptism). And we can follow the sequence if we go back to Acts 18.

In Acts 18:19-21, we see Paul came to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla. Paul went into the synagogue and taught. The Jews wanted Paul to stay, but he left and traveled to Caesarea, Jerusalem, and Antioch. Aquila and Priscilla remained in Ephesus.

Then in Acts 18:24, we see Apollos arrived at Ephesus and taught. Apollos was a great speaker and a great believer being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John (Acts 18:25). Again ... the baptism of John is water baptism.

Aquila and Priscilla approached Apollos and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly (Acts 18:26) (i.e. they taught Apollos concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit). Apollos then left and went to Achaia (Acts 18:27).

Then Paul returned to Ephesus while Apollos was at Corinth.

Now read Acts 19:2-4

Act 19:

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye 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 which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.


The Ephesian believers had already been baptized in water ... there was no need for them to be re-baptized in water. There was need for them to have expounded unto [them] the way of God more perfectly (i.e. the baptism of Holy Spirit).

It is also noteworthy that during Paul’s stay the record shows others believing his message, confessed, (sins) and showed their deeds. (Acts 19:17-18) This is an implication of repentance and the requirement of those seeking water baptism as noted in Luke 3:8, Matt 3:8, and Acts 26:20.

There is no implication that they needed to be re-baptized in water.

In agreement there was need of repentance ... but what the record shows in Acts 19:18-19 is that there was an incident concerning the seven sons of Sceva who had attempted to cast out devil spirits in the name of Paul (not in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in Whom even the devils are subject - Luke 10:17). The seven sons of Sceva did not know the Lord Jesus Christ and were wounded and had to flee the evil spirit (Acts 19:16) due to their ignorance.

The incident concerning the seven sons of Sceva was well known in the area (Acts 19:17), so the believers (who had already been baptized ... water and Holy Spirit ... according to Acts 19:3, 5) came and confessed, and shewed their deeds ... many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men.

So, it appears that the believers at Ephesus were still messing around with stuff they had messed around with before being baptized of the Holy Spirit. When convicted of their sinful behavior, they got rid of the stuff which was not godly ... that which grieved the Holy Spirit.

Then we read:

Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.


That is my understanding of the record ...

 

[wattie]

In Acts 19, I do not believe Paul instructed the believers to be re-baptized in water.

The Ephesian believers had only been instructed concerning the baptism of John (water baptism). And we can follow the sequence if we go back to Acts 18.

In Acts 18:19-21, we see Paul came to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla. Paul went into the synagogue and taught. The Jews wanted Paul to stay, but he left and traveled to Caesarea, Jerusalem, and Antioch. Aquila and Priscilla remained in Ephesus.

Then in Acts 18:24, we see Apollos arrived at Ephesus and taught. Apollos was a great speaker and a great believer being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John (Acts 18:25). Again ... the baptism of John is water baptism.

Aquila and Priscilla approached Apollos and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly (Acts 18:26) (i.e. they taught Apollos concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit). Apollos then left and went to Achaia (Acts 18:27).

Then Paul returned to Ephesus while Apollos was at Corinth.

Now read Acts 19:2-4

Act 19:

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye 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 which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.


The Ephesian believers had already been baptized in water ... there was no need for them to be re-baptized in water. There was need for them to have expounded unto [them] the way of God more perfectly (i.e. the baptism of Holy Spirit).





There is no implication that they needed to be re-baptized in water.

In agreement there was need of repentance ... but what the record shows in Acts 19:18-19 is that there was an incident concerning the seven sons of Sceva who had attempted to cast out devil spirits in the name of Paul (not in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in Whom even the devils are subject - Luke 10:17). The seven sons of Sceva did not know the Lord Jesus Christ and were wounded and had to flee the evil spirit (Acts 19:16) due to their ignorance.

The incident concerning the seven sons of Sceva was well known in the area (Acts 19:17), so the believers (who had already been baptized ... water and Holy Spirit ... according to Acts 19:3, 5) came and confessed, and shewed their deeds ... many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men.

So, it appears that the believers at Ephesus were still messing around with stuff they had messed around with before being baptized of the Holy Spirit. When convicted of their sinful behavior, they got rid of the stuff which was not godly ... that which grieved the Holy Spirit.

Then we read:

Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.


That is my understanding of the record ...

If Paul does the rebaptism... how is it then the Holy Spirit baptizing?

 

[FreeGrace2]

Ephesus (located in Asia) – Population comprised of Jew and Gentile believers.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was written to the church in 60 A.D. In the letter Paul reminded the Ephesians that they trusted in Jesus after hearing the word of truth the gospel of their salvation. He goes on to say, in him also after you believed you were sealed with the Holy Ghost. This comment can be seen as relating to what is recorded in the biblical record specific to the Ephesians. (Ephesus disciples)

What do you mean by Paul's comment being "specific to the Ephesians"? Do you mean that Paul preached something different to them than to others? That seems to be your meaning.

Previously, in the year 53 A.D. during Paul’s third mission campaign he instructed Ephesians concerning the need to believe on Jesus and to be re-baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus. They trusted that Jesus was indeed the messiah and obeyed Paul’s instructions. Paul then laid hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:1-6) This is a direct parallel to what Paul stated in Ephesians 1:13.

As stated by other posters, there is no evidence of being re-baptized in water.

The Acts record continues with Paul joining the newly converted disciples and persuading others as well concerning the kingdom of God. This went on for 3 months. (Acts 7 & 8) Paul departed from the synagogue when others refused to accept the truth he shared. Paul took the disciples who had believed and obeyed “The Way” (Acts 19:1-6) and disputed daily in the school of Tyrannus for 2 years. (Acts 19:9)

It seems by this paragraph you don't believe that Acts was written in any kind of chronological order. Acts 7 and 8 occurred way before Acts 19.

This enabled all in Asia (Jews and Gentiles) to hear the word of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 1:1-2)

Paul wasn't an apostle until Acts 8, so nothing before Acts 8 would involve Paul.

It is also noteworthy that during Paul’s stay the record shows others believing his message, confessed, (sins) and showed their deeds. (Acts 19:17-18) This is an implication of repentance and the requirement of those seeking water baptism as noted in Luke 3:8, Matt 3:8, and Acts 26:20.

Could you explain what is meant by "requirement" of those seeking water baptism?

Could you explain your main point about Eph 1:13? Thanks.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

If Paul does the rebaptism... how is it then the Holy Spirit baptizing?

Water baptism is a symbol. It is the new outward representation for all people (women included) who have turned to Christ for His Spiritual Circumcision. Physical circumcision was for the Jews, while water baptism is for all . . . yet a reflection of the same Work of Christ.

 

[wattie]

Water baptism is a symbol. It is the new outward representation for all people (women included) who have turned to Christ for His Spiritual Circumcision. Physical circumcision was for the Jews, while water baptism is for all . . . yet a reflection of the same Work of Christ.

Yes, agreed 😃

The question is.. if someone says when Paul rebaptised.. that this was the Holy Spirit baptizing. How can this be?

 

[reneweddaybyday]

If Paul does the rebaptism... how is it then the Holy Spirit baptizing?

please read the verse ...

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them


According to Acts 19:2, they were already believers

Acts 19:2 He [Paul] said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?


As stated in OP:

"Paul then laid hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:1-6) This is a direct parallel to what Paul stated in Ephesians 1:13."​

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise


As indicated in Post #3, they had already been baptized unto John's baptism (Acts 19:3).

 

[reneweddaybyday]

Acts 7 and 8 occurred way before Acts 19.

I believe the reference was to Acts 19, verses 7 and 8.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Yes, agreed 😃

The question is.. if someone says when Paul rebaptized.. that this was the Holy Spirit baptizing. How can this be?

I do not know. The concept is totally foreign to me; it doesn't sound like anything within the Bible (IMO . . . but could be wrong).

 

[Gibsonbfree]

Are you guys picking up on anything here? Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit even tho they were believers. With that you can deduce that Paul knew from experience or knowledge that just because someone believed in their mind it did not mean they were given the holy spirit. Most Christians today say once a Christian by his own will choice claims Jesus and says they are sorry of sins that the Holy Spirit enters because the person chose Jesus. But clearly this is not so as Paul, who God gave authority, had to pray over them even after they believed and they then was given the Holy Spirit. What happens in the bible when someone gets the Holy Spirit? Supernatural things happen and personality change happens and gifts happen. So could it be that most those in Christianity who by knowledge believe but did they get the Holy Spirit? In Bible it is impossible for a man to live holy like Jesus or be born again without that new spirit, the Holy Spirit, put in someone.

 

[Yahshua]

Are you guys picking up on anything here? Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit even tho they were believers. With that you can deduce that Paul knew from experience or knowledge that just because someone believed in their mind it did not mean they were given the holy spirit. Most Christians today say once a Christian by his own will choice claims Jesus and says they are sorry of sins that the Holy Spirit enters because the person chose Jesus. But clearly this is not so as Paul, who God gave authority, had to pray over them even after they believed and they then was given the Holy Spirit. What happens in the bible when someone gets the Holy Spirit? Supernatural things happen and personality change happens and gifts happen. So could it be that most those in Christianity who by knowledge believe but did they get the Holy Spirit? In Bible it is impossible for a man to live holy like Jesus or be born again without that new spirit, the Holy Spirit, put in someone.

Great point.

 

[Wansvic]

What do you make of Paul saying that everyone in the Province of Asia had abandoned him? In light of everything that you've laid before us, how do we explain what Paul told us in his final letter . . . 2nd Timothy?

"Everyone" can not be literally everyone since this is evidenced by the scriptures I've presented. I never really thought about Paul's statement in 2 Tim. 1:15-16. But upon review, it would seem that believers abandoned him in his time of need with the exception of the household of Onesiphorus.

 

[Wansvic]

In Acts 19, I do not believe Paul instructed the believers to be re-baptized in water.

First I wanted to help clarify how we can be sure that what occurred was in fact a baptism in water. I may have to comment about the other points you made later.

The baptizing in the name of the Lord Jesus noted in Acts 19:5 is water baptism. This is confirmed by what occurred in Acts 19:6. After being rebaptized in water the group received the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands.

Jesus stated that repentance and remission of sin would be preached in his name beginning in Jerusalem. This began on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:38) This is because after accepting Jesus' sacrifice people had to believe it, repent, and be water baptized into his death. (Rom. 6)

Notice all water baptisms are done in the name of Jesus; Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 10:44-48, 19:1-6, 22:16.

Also, Paul makes the point that the name of Jesus is used in water baptism as seen in 1 Cor. 1:13.

 

[FreeGrace2]

Are you guys picking up on anything here? Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit even tho they were believers. With that you can deduce that Paul knew from experience or knowledge that just because someone believed in their mind it did not mean they were given the holy spirit. Most Christians today say once a Christian by his own will choice claims Jesus and says they are sorry of sins that the Holy Spirit enters because the person chose Jesus. But clearly this is not so as Paul, who God gave authority, had to pray over them even after they believed and they then was given the Holy Spirit. What happens in the bible when someone gets the Holy Spirit? Supernatural things happen and personality change happens and gifts happen. So could it be that most those in Christianity who by knowledge believe but did they get the Holy Spirit? In Bible it is impossible for a man to live holy like Jesus or be born again without that new spirit, the Holy Spirit, put in someone.

Galatians was written sometime between 49 and 55 AD, according to my study Bible. In ch 3, Paul asks them how they received the Spirit; by works or by believing? The answer is obvious. By believing.

What we don't know is WHEN the event in Acts 19 occurred. In Acts 10, Cornelius and family received the Holy Spirit on the basis of faith. (Acts 11)

In acts 8, Samarians received the Spirit by the laying on of hands by Peter and John.

The church was established among the Jews. When the gospel went out to Gentiles, it appears the Spirit wasn't initially given automatically. But by the time Galatians was written, it seems that He was given just on the basis of faith.

There isn't any teaching in Scripture that just "believing in the mind" isn't enough, which it seems you are proposing.

 

[Wansvic]

In Acts 18:19-21, we see Paul came to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla. Paul went into the synagogue and taught. The Jews wanted Paul to stay, but he left and traveled to Caesarea, Jerusalem, and Antioch. Aquila and Priscilla remained in Ephesus.

Then in Acts 18:24, we see Apollos arrived at Ephesus and taught. Apollos was a great speaker and a great believer being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John (Acts 18:25). Again ... the baptism of John is water baptism.

Aquila and Priscilla approached Apollos and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly (Acts 18:26) (i.e. they taught Apollos concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit). Apollos then left and went to Achaia (Acts 18:27).

Then Paul returned to Ephesus while Apollos was at Corinth.

Now read Acts 19:2-4

Act 19:

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye 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 which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.


The Ephesian believers had already been baptized in water ... there was no need for them to be re-baptized in water. There was need for them to have expounded unto [them] the way of God more perfectly (i.e. the baptism of Holy Spirit).

You are making an assumption that what Aquila and Priscilla explained to Apollos was related solely to baptism of the Holy Ghost. The scripture states they explained the way of God more perfectly. (Acts 18:16)

Even though it does not say it specifically, it is more likely that what Apollos was told was of the need to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Why? Because in the very next chapter Paul runs into another group of men that like Apollos know only of John's baptism. (Acts 19:1-6) Another indicator that proves this point is that Paul mentions Apollos when speaking of water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus in 1 Cor. 1:13. This record shows that some were water baptized in Jesus' name by Apollos and thus they were saying I am of Apollos. This speaks to the truth that Apollos at some point was told about the need to be water baptized in Jesus' name and obeyed.

1 Cor 1:12-15
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.


Lastly, Paul resided with Aquila and Priscilla so it is reasonable to believe that they knew the entire gospel message that included the need to get water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

 

[Wansvic]

The incident concerning the seven sons of Sceva was well known in the area (Acts 19:17), so the believers (who had already been baptized ... water and Holy Spirit ... according to Acts 19:3, 5) came and confessed, and shewed their deeds ... many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men.

So, it appears that the believers at Ephesus were still messing around with stuff they had messed around with before being baptized of the Holy Spirit. When convicted of their sinful behavior, they got rid of the stuff which was not godly ... that which grieved the Holy Spirit.

Then we read:

Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.


That is my understanding of the record ...

The Acts 19:3, 5 experience is exclusive to the 12 Ephesus disciples. (Acts 19:7)

My comment concerning Acts 19:17-18 was that during Paul's stay in Ephesus (2 yrs and 3 mos) God used him to perform miracles and expel demons. The people witnessed this and it caused them to believe that what Paul's preaching was true. Even though not specifically stated their confession of sin and shewing deeds of repentance points to something expressed in the word; prerequisites of water baptism (Luke 3:8, Matt 3:8, and Acts 26:20)

 

[Wansvic]

What do you mean by Paul's comment being "specific to the Ephesians"? Do you mean that Paul preached something different to them than to others? That seems to be your meaning.


As stated by other posters, there is no evidence of being re-baptized in water.


It seems by this paragraph you don't believe that Acts was written in any kind of chronological order. Acts 7 and 8 occurred way before Acts 19.


Paul wasn't an apostle until Acts 8, so nothing before Acts 8 would involve Paul.


Could you explain what is meant by "requirement" of those seeking water baptism?

Could you explain your main point about Eph 1:13? Thanks.

1. Paul's message was the same for everyone. His comment in the Epistle to the Ephesians in 1:13 refers to the word of truth that is witnessed in his encounter with the Ephesus disciples in Acts 19:1-6. His instructions parallel the original message given by Peter at Pentecost.
2. As mentioned by @wattie Paul did the rebaptizing in Acts 19:5. Only God can baptize with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:6)
3. I apologize. The reference should have been Acts 19:7 and 8. Not Acts 7 and 8.
4.The requirement for one wishing to be water baptized is true belief and repentance. After believing in Jesus' sacrifice there must be a sincere willingness to turn away from sin and toward God prior to entering the waters of baptism. This is seen in Luke 3:8, Matt 3:8, and Acts 26:20. Those referenced in Acts 19:17-18 were steeped in witchcraft, etc. Acts 19:19 shows what some did to prove they believed Paul and had a sincere desire to turn away from their old life.
Acts 19:19
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Ephesians 1:13 - Points out that through trusting in Jesus after you have heard the word of truth you believed him (resulting in obedience) and were sealed with the Holy Ghost. We see this being acted out in the experience recorded in Acts 19:1-6 as well as in many other places in scripture.

Salvation requires obedience to the message: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Heb 5:9

 

[Wansvic]

Water baptism is a symbol. It is the new outward representation for all people (women included) who have turned to Christ for His Spiritual Circumcision. Physical circumcision was for the Jews, while water baptism is for all . . . yet a reflection of the same Work of Christ.

A spiritual reality occurs in water baptism according to scripture:

Rom 6:4-6
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like 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 planted together 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,

 

[FreeGrace2]

1. Paul's message was the same for everyone. His comment in the Epistle to the Ephesians in 1:13 refers to the word of truth that is witnessed in his encounter with the Ephesus disciples in Acts 19:1-6. His instructions parallel the original message given by Peter at Pentecost.
2. As mentioned by @wattie Paul did the rebaptizing in Acts 19:5. Only God can baptize with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:6)
3. I apologize. The reference should have been Acts 19:7 and 8. Not Acts 7 and 8.
4.The requirement for one wishing to be water baptized is true belief and repentance. After believing in Jesus' sacrifice there must be a sincere willingness to turn away from sin and toward God prior to entering the waters of baptism. This is seen in Luke 3:8, Matt 3:8, and Acts 26:20. Those referenced in Acts 19:17-18 were steeped in witchcraft, etc. Acts 19:19 shows what some did to prove they believed Paul and had a sincere desire to turn away from their old life.
Acts 19:19
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

Ephesians 1:13 - Points out that through trusting in Jesus after you have heard the word of truth you believed him (resulting in obedience) and were sealed with the Holy Ghost. We see this being acted out in the experience recorded in Acts 19:1-6 as well as in many other places in scripture.

Since there are many many commands for holiness and obedience in the NT, directed at believers, belief does NOT automatically result in obedience. Believers are commanded to be holy and be obedient.

Salvation requires obedience to the message: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Heb 5:9

The words "obedience to the message" means to believe the message.