The development of the rite of baptism

Abstract

The first account we have of a rite of Baptism is in the first Apology of Justin, written in A.D. 150: "As many as are persuaded and believe what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we ourselves were regenerated. For in the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit they then receive the washing with water ...... After we have thus washed who has been convinced and has given his assent, we bring him to those who are called brethren where they are assembled together, in order that we may offer prayer in common for ourselves and for the person who has received illumination and for all others in every place.... Having ended the prayers .... to the president is brought bread and a cup of water and wine ... . and he, taking them, gives praise and glory to the Father of all things ... . And when the president has celebrated the Eucharist. ... deacons give to each of those who are present a portion of the Eucharistic bread and wine and water. ... "