Acts 19:5

When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

When {G1161} they heard {G191} this, they were baptized {G907} in {G1519} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}.

On hearing this, they were immersed into the name of the Lord Yeshua;

On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Commentary

Context

Acts 19:5 immediately follows Paul's encounter in Ephesus with certain disciples who had only received John's baptism of repentance. John the Baptist preached a baptism that prepared people for the coming Messiah, urging them to believe in the one who was to come after him, namely Jesus. Upon hearing Paul's explanation that John's baptism pointed directly to faith in Jesus, these disciples recognized the deeper truth and meaning. This verse marks their progression from a preparatory understanding to full identification with Christ through Christian baptism.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Jesus' Name: Being "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" signifies that the baptism is performed under His authority, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior. It is an act of submission to Him and identification with His person and work. This distinguishes Christian baptism from any other form of ritual washing or preparatory baptism.
  • Transition to Christian Faith: This verse illustrates a critical transition for those who had followed John the Baptist. Their previous baptism was valid for its purpose (repentance), but it lacked the full revelation of Jesus Christ. Their subsequent baptism in Jesus' name signifies their full embrace of Christian faith and the new covenant.
  • Importance of Proper Baptism: The narrative suggests that while John's baptism was good, it was incomplete for those who had come to know Jesus. Christian baptism, with its connection to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, is the proper initiation into the body of Christ, as further elaborated in passages like Romans 6:3-4.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Greek: eis to onoma Kyriou IΔ“sou) is significant. The Greek preposition eis can mean "into," implying more than just by the authority of, but rather "into union with" or "into identification with" the Lord Jesus. It signifies a profound spiritual commitment and association with Him, reflecting a dedication of oneself to His lordship.

Practical Application

Acts 19:5 serves as a reminder of the significance of Christian baptism. It is not merely a ritual but a powerful symbol of:

  • Public Declaration: A public testimony of one's faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to follow Him.
  • Identification with Christ: Through baptism, believers symbolically participate in Christ's death to sin and resurrection to new life.
  • Understanding and Belief: The passage underscores that true baptism follows a clear understanding of who Jesus is and belief in Him. It's not just an outward act but an outward expression of an inward reality.

For believers today, this verse emphasizes the foundational nature of faith in Jesus Christ as the basis for all Christian practices, including baptism. While the specific formula for baptism found in Matthew 28:19 includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, baptism "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (as seen here and in other Acts passages) is consistent, as it is by His authority and through His work that believers are brought into relationship with the Triune God.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 8:12 (8 votes)

    But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

  • Acts 8:16 (8 votes)

    (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

  • Acts 2:38 (6 votes)

    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  • Romans 6:3 (5 votes)

    Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

  • Romans 6:4 (5 votes)

    Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:2 (5 votes)

    And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:13 (4 votes)

    Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?