Tell me more ×
Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I seem to recall something about the baptismal formula i. e. "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," not being specified by scripture but being mentioned in the letters of the fathers of the Christian church. Is this correct? Is the baptismal formula mentioned in the New Testament or is it traditional?

share|improve this question
This has been flagged off-topic because it seems to start from an idea rather than from the Bible text itself. I'm closing the question because I agree with that assessment, please pop in the site chat room to discuss if you don't! – Jack Douglas♦ Jan 21 at 13:48

closed as off topic by Monica Cellio, Jack Douglas♦ Jan 21 at 13:48

Questions on Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the analysis of biblical text within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

2 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

In the New Testament, it's found in Matthew 28:18-20:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”"

Just to add a bit more theology to it, according to this and other Systematic Theology (See Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, chapter 18 on Prayer), doing something 'In the name of Jesus', as we see so frequently through the book of Acts, is a reference to 'in the authority of Jesus'. Therefore, adding "In Jesus' name" at the end of the prayer is not the be all and end all - instead, it is, to quote Grudem:

"To come in the name of someone means that when another person has authorized us to come on his authority, not on our own. When Peter commands the lame man, 'in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk' (Acts 3:6), he is speaking on the authority of Jesus, not on his own authority".

share|improve this answer
Thank you @David Archer; I must be recalling things incorrectly. It was something about tradition vs. scripture. – Onorio Catenacci Jan 31 '12 at 18:19
No problem, please mark the question answered if this answer is satisfactory :) – David Archer Jan 31 '12 at 18:29
1  
@Onorio and David: welcome to Biblical Hermeneutics! It's nice to see two new-comers resolve a question so quickly. – Jon Ericson♦ Jan 31 '12 at 18:36
up vote 2 down vote

This may be what you were thinking of. Although Jesus told his disciples to baptize, the New Testament doesn't spell out exactly how baptism should be done. Detailed instructions can be found in chapter 7 of the Didache:

And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

share|improve this answer
How interesting. I'm reminded how often I think I ought to read the early Christian (no-ncanonical) writings and how often I fail to do so. – Jon Ericson♦ Feb 1 '12 at 16:26
Yes @Bruce Alderman, I think that's it. – Onorio Catenacci Feb 1 '12 at 19:25
1  
By the way, EarlyChristianWritings.com is a great resource. – Onorio Catenacci Feb 1 '12 at 19:27
Do you know what it means by "cold" and "warm" water? There's clearly some category of water which doesn't fit either, but I can't work out what. – Peter Taylor Feb 2 '12 at 23:06
Sorry, I'm not sure what the distinction is. – Bruce Alderman Feb 3 '12 at 4:36

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.