What Did Peter Teach About Baptism?

Last week we looked at what Jesus Christ taught about baptism. This week, we will spend a bit of space looking at what the apostle Peter, in fulfilling the command Christ gave to him and the other apostles (Matthew 28:18-20), taught on the subject of baptism.

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

John 4:1-2 (KJV)

Last week we noted how it was with Christ's authority and approval that His disciples baptized others. And even though Simon Peter is not specifically mentioned here, it is almost impossible to not picture Peter as one of the disciples that was baptizing others. Especially since so often we see Peter at the forefront of following Jesus. It is thus strongly implied in this passage that Peter baptized others, setting us an example to follow. If not in this case, then it is certain that he would have followed the Lord's command in Matthew 28 and Mark 16 to baptize others.

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.

Acts 2:38 (KJV)

On the day of Pentecost, Peter delivers the first gospel sermon after the resurrection of Christ. In this sermon he speaks of the Christ and of the crucifixion, and many, in turn believe that Jesus, who they had just crucified a short time before, is the Christ. Convicted of their sin, they want to know what they need to do to have their sins forgiven. Peter tells them two things. First, they must repent. Repentance is to turn from one course of action in the direction of a completely different course. Where once they had been opposed to Christ, now they must be dedicated to Him and His cause. The second thing he tells them is to be baptized. The conjunction “and” is clear: both are equally necessary to have the remission of sins.

Some would claim that “for the remission of sins” means that one must be baptized because a person's sins are already forgiven. If such is the case, then one must repent after conversion, not before, and because one's sins are already forgiven. That simply doesn't work. Also, several statements are made in scripture of things that occur “for” the remission or forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28 tells us that Christ;s blood was shed for the remission of sins. Acts 10:43 is sometimes translated as faith being “for the remission of sins.” In Acts 2:38, Peter simply teaches that if we wish to have our sins remitted we must repent of our sin and be baptized.

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a-preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

I Peter 3:19-21 (KJV)

In this passage, Peter compares two things: the salvation of Noah and his family by water and baptism. The account of Noah and the ark is found in Genesis 6-8. It is familiar to most people. While the rest of the world was sinful, Noah chose to obey the Lord, and thus was saved by not being submerged by the flood. Peter begins with referencing this, and then states that baptism is a “like figure” or “antitype.” The idea of an antitype is that of being similar, but opposite in some ways. Baptism is an antitype to Noah and the flood in that Noah was saved by not being submerged, and in baptism one is saved by being submerged.

Even if the idea of the antitype is difficult to understand, Peter makes a simple and straightforward statement that should be hard to misunderstand. He clearly states that “baptism doth also now save us.” It is hard to be plainer than that. Baptism is for our salvation.

The phrase “the answer of a good conscience toward God” is sometimes problematic for people. This does not mean that a person is baptized because their sins are forgiven. But rather, one chooses to obey the Lord and follow Him because A) he or she has a conscience that wants to follow the Lord and B) that his or her clean conscience will accurately reflect truth. It is possible to have a clean conscience and not be following the Lord (Acts 23:1).

And so we can consider those things which Peter did and taught regarding baptism. First, we see that Peter baptized others, by the authority of Christ, with Christ's approval, and by Christ's command. Second, we see that Peter taught that baptism was necessary to have sins removed. It is as essential as repentance from sin is. Third, Peter taught that baptism saves us. Without being baptized we cannot have salvation. Fourth, Peter teaches that a person with a good conscience, who wants to please the Lord, will be baptized.

Last week we saw that Christ taught, approved of, and authorized baptism. This week we see that Peter, one of Christ's most prominent apostles, baptized and taught baptism to others. Next week, Lord willing, we will consider what Paul had to say about baptism and will look at Paul's actions regarding baptism.