NOT for debate. Infant Baptism in Early Church History

[Victoria]

Thanks for posting this....

View attachment 2475Looks like we can really get into it with 14 baptisms to consider.

Seriously though , @Victoria.... this is a great list.

Right? You're welcome!

Well, I certainly don't want to be baptized w/ fire, that's for sure!

I honestly thought that once I was "full immersion" water baptized, I'd received the Holy Ghost. Much later, I learned not only have I received the Holy Spirit the moment I believed the Gospel, I also was sealed that very moment when I placed my trust in what Christ alone accomplished at the cross of Calvary for us Thank you, Lord Jesus!!!

 

[civic]

On a different Christian forum, a woman who is Roman Catholic just recently posted this below:

According to Early Church writings, they DID Baptize babies and small children – and referred to it as an ”Apostolic Tradition”:

Irenaeus
He [Jesus] came to save all through himself – all, I say, who through him are reborn in God; infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]).

Hippolytus
Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D.215]).

Origen
THE CHURCH RECEIVED FROM THE APOSTLES THE TRADITION OF GIVING BAPTISM EVEN TO INFANTS. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine sacraments, knew there is in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit (Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]).

Cyprian
As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. No one agreed to the course which you thought should be taken. Rather, we all judge that the mercy and grace of God ought to be denied to no man born" (Letters 64:2 [A.D. 253]).

I'm convinced that either these church fathers taught heresy or else these are not their original writings. I see NOWHERE in Scripture the practice of "infant" baptism.

ditto

 

[FreeInChrist]

On a different Christian forum, a woman who is Roman Catholic just recently posted this below:

According to Early Church writings, they DID Baptize babies and small children – and referred to it as an ”Apostolic Tradition”:

Irenaeus
He [Jesus] came to save all through himself – all, I say, who through him are reborn in God; infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]).

Hippolytus
Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D.215]).

Origen
THE CHURCH RECEIVED FROM THE APOSTLES THE TRADITION OF GIVING BAPTISM EVEN TO INFANTS. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine sacraments, knew there is in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit (Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]).

Cyprian
As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. No one agreed to the course which you thought should be taken. Rather, we all judge that the mercy and grace of God ought to be denied to no man born" (Letters 64:2 [A.D. 253]).

I'm convinced that either these church fathers taught heresy or else these are not their original writings. I see NOWHERE in Scripture the practice of "infant" baptism.

Polycarp, disciple of the Apostle John.

Polycarp and Infant Baptism​

Historical Context​

Polycarp, a Christian bishop of Smyrna, lived from AD 69 to 155. He was a disciple of John the Apostle and is recognized as one of the early Church Fathers. The practice of infant baptism was common in the early Church, and Polycarp is believed to have been baptized as an infant.

Evidence of Infant Baptism​

1. Early Church Practices: The early Christian community, including figures like Polycarp, practiced infant baptism. This was seen as a continuation of the Jewish tradition of circumcision, which was performed on infants.
2. Church Fathers' Writings: Early Church Fathers, including Irenaeus and Justin Martyr, supported the idea of baptizing infants. Irenaeus, who was taught by Polycarp, wrote that Jesus came to save all, including infants.
3. Polycarp's Influence: As a prominent figure in the early Church, Polycarp's practices and teachings contributed to the understanding and acceptance of infant baptism within Christian communities.

Conclusion​

Polycarp's baptism as an infant aligns with the early Church's tradition of baptizing children, reflecting a broader theological understanding of grace and inclusion in the Christian faith.

5 Entire Households in the NT were baptized. Households then were extended family. Guest staying with the, Servents, even slaves.

What did they do with the children and babies....?

 

[civic]

On a different Christian forum, a woman who is Roman Catholic just recently posted this below:

According to Early Church writings, they DID Baptize babies and small children – and referred to it as an ”Apostolic Tradition”:

Irenaeus
He [Jesus] came to save all through himself – all, I say, who through him are reborn in God; infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]).

Hippolytus
Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D.215]).

Origen
THE CHURCH RECEIVED FROM THE APOSTLES THE TRADITION OF GIVING BAPTISM EVEN TO INFANTS. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine sacraments, knew there is in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit (Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]).

Cyprian
As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. No one agreed to the course which you thought should be taken. Rather, we all judge that the mercy and grace of God ought to be denied to no man born" (Letters 64:2 [A.D. 253]).

I'm convinced that either these church fathers taught heresy or else these are not their original writings. I see NOWHERE in Scripture the practice of "infant" baptism.

ditto

 

[FreeInChrist]

On a different Christian forum, a woman who is Roman Catholic just recently posted this below:

According to Early Church writings, they DID Baptize babies and small children – and referred to it as an ”Apostolic Tradition”:

Irenaeus
He [Jesus] came to save all through himself – all, I say, who through him are reborn in God; infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]).

Hippolytus
Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D.215]).

Origen
THE CHURCH RECEIVED FROM THE APOSTLES THE TRADITION OF GIVING BAPTISM EVEN TO INFANTS. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine sacraments, knew there is in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit (Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]).

Cyprian
As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. No one agreed to the course which you thought should be taken. Rather, we all judge that the mercy and grace of God ought to be denied to no man born" (Letters 64:2 [A.D. 253]).

I'm convinced that either these church fathers taught heresy or else these are not their original writings. I see NOWHERE in Scripture the practice of "infant" baptism.

Aside from Polycarp who was baby baptised....

The Jailer, Lydia, Stephanus. Crispus, and Cornelius had their whole families baptised.

What did they do with the babies ad small children?

I am not being argumentative but if scripture states it was the entire family and the babies and small children were excluded, where were they that the person recounting this about these 5 never said , but excluded the tots and toddlers.

I suppose they were all put to bed before? I ust have always wondered about this minor fact.

 

[Tothalordbeallglory]

On a different Christian forum, a woman who is Roman Catholic just recently posted this below:

According to Early Church writings, they DID Baptize babies and small children – and referred to it as an ”Apostolic Tradition”:

Irenaeus
He [Jesus] came to save all through himself – all, I say, who through him are reborn in God; infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]).

Hippolytus
Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D.215]).

Origen
THE CHURCH RECEIVED FROM THE APOSTLES THE TRADITION OF GIVING BAPTISM EVEN TO INFANTS. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine sacraments, knew there is in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit (Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]).

Cyprian
As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. No one agreed to the course which you thought should be taken. Rather, we all judge that the mercy and grace of God ought to be denied to no man born" (Letters 64:2 [A.D. 253]).

I'm convinced that either these church fathers taught heresy or else these are not their original writings. I see NOWHERE in Scripture the practice of "infant" baptism.

they doing all now to merge us all to be as one . Stay in the bible my friend .

 

[Tothalordbeallglory]

 

[FreeInChrist]

On a different Christian forum, a woman who is Roman Catholic just recently posted this below:

According to Early Church writings, they DID Baptize babies and small children – and referred to it as an ”Apostolic Tradition”:

Irenaeus
He [Jesus] came to save all through himself – all, I say, who through him are reborn in God; infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]).

Hippolytus
Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D.215]).

Origen
THE CHURCH RECEIVED FROM THE APOSTLES THE TRADITION OF GIVING BAPTISM EVEN TO INFANTS. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine sacraments, knew there is in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit (Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]).

Cyprian
As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. No one agreed to the course which you thought should be taken. Rather, we all judge that the mercy and grace of God ought to be denied to no man born" (Letters 64:2 [A.D. 253]).

I'm convinced that either these church fathers taught heresy or else these are not their original writings. I see NOWHERE in Scripture the practice of "infant" baptism.

Right but what did they do with the children and infants while the entire rest of the family was being baptised?

Stephanus, Lydia, the Jailer, Crispus and Cornelius?

Scripture records several household baptisms, but history provides no evidence about the presence or baptism of infants in those households. In every detailed account, belief, hearing the word, or rejoicing is attributed to the household. Claims that these passages prove infant baptism go beyond what either Scripture or early church history explicitly states.

Maybe they just passed them around to keep them away from the water?

 

[Victoria]

@TibiasDad @JLB & everyone!


Here's an interesting list of distinct baptisms found in the Bible.
The ones listed in blue are wet. Notice a common theme among them?


1. Noah’s type baptism
Peter mentions that eight people were saved by water in an ark as a type of a future baptism.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (Gen 6:13; 1 Peter 3:20-21)

2. Baptism unto Moses
Paul presents Israel’s baptism unto Moses “in the cloud and in the sea”.
Water is present, but the people are dry. (1 Cor 10:1-2; Exo 14:29)

3. Israel’s ceremonial cleansings
These cleansing rituals were required under the Mosaic Law for the cleansing of the people.
(Num 19:13; Lev 11:25; Exo 19:14; Exo 30:17-21; Heb 9:10)

4. Levitical priesthood baptisms
These washings were required in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses.
(Exo 29:4; Lev 8:6; Num 8:7)

5. Traditional Jewish baptisms
These baptisms were not mandated under the Law but were part of Jewish tradition.
(Mt 15:1-2; Mk 7:1-9; Lk 11:38)

6. John’s baptism
John came to Israel baptizing with water for the remission of sins so that they could enter the promised kingdom
to Israel and identify their Messiah. (Mt 3:5-6; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:31; Lk 7:29; Acts 10:37)

7. Jesus’ baptism by John
Jesus, who knew no sin, was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness under the law.
(Mat 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-10)

8. Baptism with fire
Jesus would baptize the nation with fire as they went through the tribulation.
This trial baptism would damn the unfaithful to hell.
(Isa 4:4; Mal 3:2-3; Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)

9. Jesus’ baptism unto death
Jesus’ second baptism which he accomplished at the cross where he was identified with the sins of Israel and the world.
(Mt 20:22-23; Mk 10:38-39; Luke 12:50)

10. Pentecostal water baptism
Peter’s presentation of water baptism for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus.
This was John’s baptism plus the name of Jesus.
(Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Eze 36:25)

11. Pentecostal Spirit baptism
This is the baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ from heaven poured out upon the believing remnant of Israel
with signs and powers following. (Isa 44:3; Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16)

12. Gentile baptism of Cornelius
Cornelius was baptized with the Holy Spirit as a sign to Peter. Peter subsequently baptizes Cornelius and the
other Spirit-filled Gentiles with water in a different order but for the same reason as Pentecost.
(Acts 10:45-48)

13. Baptism for the dead
This baptism is debated heavily and is most likely synonymous with one of the other baptisms. If this is true,
“for the dead” would signify the circumstance under which those believers were baptized.
(1 Cor 15:29)

14. Baptism into Christ
The only baptism taught by Paul which identifies the believer with Christ, his death, and resurrection.
This baptism is performed by the Spirit and does not include water.
(1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5; Col 2:12; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-4)

I just noticed I had forgotten to include the link from the website I found this list on.
My apologies. Here it is provided below:


By: Grace Ambassadors (https://graceambassadors.com/)

Verse List: Baptisms in the Bible

 

[FreeInChrist]

I just noticed I had forgotten to include the link from the website I found this list on.
My apologies. Here it is provided below:


By: Grace Ambassadors (https://graceambassadors.com/)

Verse List: Baptisms in the Bible

Thank you for this list. I am waiting for the immersers for salvation to jump all over it.

While I wait I was somewhat intrigued that Ezeliel 36: 25 is listed under

1. Pentecostal water baptism
   Peter’s presentation of water baptism for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus. This was John’s baptism plus the name of Jesus.(Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Eze 36:25)

Especially when God Himself said in 36:25
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.

and verse 36:26
“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

36:37
“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.