Two baptisms in the acts of the apostles

Abstract

There has long been a discussion, in both exegetical and theological circles, about the relationship between water baptism and Spirit baptism. Certainly, there is reference to both baptisms in Luke-Acts (e.g., Luke 3,16; Acts 8,36-38); unfortunately, Luke does not give us enough data about them so that we can understand them in such a way as to answer all questions. On the other hand, it seems that the two baptisms can be distinguished well enough to give us good understanding of the relation between them and the difference that separates them. It is worth perusing Acts to see just what these two baptisms are, and to make sure we do not confuse the one with the other. We begin with the very early statement of Acts, wherein Jesus calls the Pentecost outpouring of the Spirit a 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' (Acts 1,5).