What shall we say then, should we leave it like that? We must dig into the Bible and see if there are some things pertaining to the qualification of a baptizer. Even if there are no direct descriptions of the qualification of a baptizer, there will be at least an inference.
On this note, let us examine the scriptures and analyze those who have administered baptism.
In the book of Acts chapter two, some Jews and proselytes received the first water baptism.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Act 2:41)
Who baptized these three thousand people? The Bible tells us that, God added them to the Church that same day. The Apostles doubtlessly, baptized the three thousand, even though it is not stated; it is implied. For the Apostles were the carriers of the Gospel of Christ. Jesus Christ commanded them to do so!
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in the earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Mat 28:18-20)
There is another thing that is blurred. How could the Apostles baptize such a great multitude of people on that very day? I am saying this because they might have exhausted much time preaching to the gathering.
Then the only possibility is that the people who were administered baptism, also, baptize their colleagues. This they did until all the prospects of the church finished.
Acts chapter 8 chronicles how Philip preached in the city of Samaria. He baptized those who believed in the gospel he preached them. Who is Philip? He is one of the seven deacons ordained at the church at Jerusalem. He is later called, Philip, the evangelist. He is, therefore, a Christian.
He has the gift of the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit because the apostles had laid hands on them. (cf; Acts 6:1-6)During the time of persecution, Philip fled to Samaria.
Philip, the evangelist, was the same person who baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch in the latter part of Acts chapter 8.
We can also infer from Act chapter 9 that “a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias” baptized Saul.
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized”. (Act 9:17-18)
Thayer defines a disciple as “a learner, pupil”. The word has several applications with its verb form. Jesus Christ commanded his apostles “... to make disciples of nations...” (cf: Matt.28:19)
The disciple of Christ today may be described in the words of Farrar, as “one who believes His doctrines, rests upon His sacrifice, imbibes His spirit, and imitates His example.”All that I am trying to prove is that the “certain disciple at Damascus called Ananias” is a Christian!
The apostle, Peter, preached to the house of Cornelius. However, what Peter said, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Act 10:47-48) makes it obvious that he did not baptize them.
So who baptized the house of Cornelius? From Acts 10: 45, we may learn that Peter did not go to Cornelius’ house alone. Some Jews who are believers accompanied him.
“And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Act 10:45)
It is, therefore, probable that the Jewish Christians who accompanied Peter baptized the household of Cornelius upon the order from him!
Paul and his compatriots (Timothy, Luke, and Silas) baptized Lydia and her household, a seller of purple.
“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” (Act 16:14-15)
Much is not needed to be said about these missionaries, as we all know, they are Christians. The same baptized the:
- Philippian Jailer. (cf: Acts 16: 33)
- Many Corinthians that believed. (cf: Acts 18: 8)
“I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.” (1Co 1:14-16)
Thus, we may learn that the only qualification for a person to baptize another is just being a Christian!. There should be no special people to administer baptism. Baptism is by the authority of Jesus Christ and not by men.
What about the spiritual condition of the baptizer?
Does the effectiveness of baptism depend on the piousness of the one administering it? How would one know that the baptizer is just as at the time of baptism? It is obvious, you cannot know because it is very spiritual.If the effectiveness of baptism is base on the piety of the baptizer, then we who baptized are at risk. Because we would not know whether God has forgiven our sins. Therefore, in baptism, the focus is on the one who would receive the baptism and not the baptizer. If one believes in the power of the gospel of Christ, wholeheartedly them he may be baptized.
Salvation is an individual affair. Otherwise, it would be dependent also on the administrator of the baptism, which is not in the kingdom constitution.
In conclusion, the only qualification of a baptizer is just being a Christian! A non-Christian cannot baptize a non-Christian to become a Christian. Forgiveness of sins is not dependent on the piety of the administrator of the baptism. The one who wants to baptize must qualify to do it; it is then that he will receive the full benefit of baptism.
All scriptures are taken from the King James Version
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