I'd like to know what the word "baptize" means.


The English words "baptism" and "baptize" both come from the Greek root word "bapto." This word, according to Greek scholars, means to "cover wholly with a fluid." Baptism and baptize mean to immerse into water.

Let's take a look at one of my favorite Biblical examples:

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water.

And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized (immersed) him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
(Acts 8:35-39 NKJ)

The above text indicates that water baptism was practiced by full immersion into water. Water baptism is a command given by the Lord Jesus (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16) and it should be followed by all believers.

However, water baptism, which is an outward display of the unseen miracle of the new birth, is not the most important issue. The most important issue is what we do with Jesus. Philip lets the eunuch know that very thing in Acts 8:37.

Therefore, it is a must that we believe in Jesus with all our hearts.


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