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EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 140 books. Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
Matthew 28:19-20 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and look, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Go therefore – “Because” all power is mine, go! I can defend you. The world is placed under my control. It is redeemed. It is given me in promise by my Father, as the purchase of my death. Though you are weak, yet I am strong! Though you will encounter many troubles and dangers, yet I can defend you! Though you die, yet I live, and the work shall be accomplished!
Teaching them – The word rendered “teach,” here, is not the one that is usually so translated in the New Testament. This word properly means “to disciple, or to make disciples of.” This was to be done, however, by teaching, and by administering baptism.
All nations – This gracious commission was the foundation of their authority to go to the Gentiles. The Jews had expected that the offers of life under the Messiah would be confined to their own nation. Jesus broke down the partition wall and commissioned his disciples to go everywhere and bring the “world” to the knowledge of himself.
Baptizing them – as an emblem of the purifying influences of the Christian religion through the Holy Spirit, and solemnly devoting them to God.
Acts 2:41 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls [persons].
They that gladly received – The word rendered “gladly” means “freely, cheerfully, joyfully.” It implies that they did it without compulsion, and with joy. Religion is not compulsion. They who become Christians do it cheerfully; they do it rejoicing in the privilege of becoming reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Though so many received his word and were baptized, yet it is implied that there were others who did not. It is probable that there were multitudes assembled who were alarmed, but who did not receive the word with joy. In all revivals, there are many who become alarmed, and who are anxious about their souls, but who refuse to embrace the gospel, and again become thoughtless, and are ruined.
His word – The message which Peter had spoken respecting the pardon of sin through Jesus Christ.
Were baptized – That is, those who professed a readiness to embrace the offers of salvation. The narrative plainly implies that this was done the same day. Their conversion was instantaneous. The demand on them was to yield themselves at once to God. And their profession was made, and the ordinance which sealed their profession administered without delay.
Acts 8:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
8:12. When the power of Jesus Christ encounters the power of Satan, there is no contest. Philip’s message is clear. It reminds us of the basic gospel in Acts 4:12. Again, this Bible writer so concerned about the role of women in God’s plan, emphasizes that they, too, heard Philip’s message, trusted Christ, and were saved. Furthermore, they were baptized. Luke has not made much of this yet in his account, but we shall see it again in a strategic way before this chapter finishes.[2][bold mine]
Acts 8:36-38 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37——[1]38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
Verse 38. “He ordered the carriage stopped.” The Ethiopian now gives an order. He tells the driver to halt the carriage. Then with Philip he descends into the water and Philip baptizes him. Although the text itself is terse, I confidently aver that, in harmony with the practice of the early church, Philip baptized the eunuch in the name of Jesus Christ and not in the name of the Triune God (see 2:38; 8:12; 10:48; 19:5).[3][bold mine]
[1] The earliest and best Greek manuscripts (P45,74 א A B C) as well as 33 81 614 vg syrp,h copsa,bo eth Chrysostom Ambrose do not contain vs 37, while other manuscripts 4mg (E 1739 it syrh** Irenaeus Cyprian) contain, And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” If this were apart of the original, there is no good reason why it would be missing in so many early witnesses and versions. This is a classic example of a scribe taking liberties with the text by answering the Eunuch’s question (“Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”) with ancient Christian baptismal practices from a later age.
[2] Kenneth O. Gangel, Acts, vol. 5, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 122.
[3] Simon J. Kistemaker and William Hendriksen, Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles, vol. 17, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 320.
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