The First “Rebaptizers”

<p>The “rebaptizers” or Anabaptists in Germany. Almost a curse word.  We fought the wrath of both the catholics and the Lutherans as they held to a very traditional understanding that the sprinkling of water made you a “Christian”. The act of faith was not needed or involved in the act of salvation. Gal.5:6 says circumcision is nothing, only faith expressing itself through love!</p><p>A bold start: The extent of John the Baptist’s ministry: at least from Egypt to Turkey.  The preparation for Jesus to come was significant. But it did need to be followed up with the introduction of Jesus into the lives of those who who had repented.  Just acknowledging the truth that we are sinners is not enough. Paul’s approach to Jews, Gentiles, and now disciples of John.</p><p>The event with these disciples of John – who believed in the One God! – shows us several important aspects of what receiving Jesus into our lives and being empowered by the Holy Spirit looks like in the lives of believers:</p><ol><li>The two events of baptism in water (into the death and resurrection of Jesus) and being baptized with the Spirit, can be separated by time, though not necessarily essential.  We do not know when the disciples were baptized in water, but we know when Paul was baptized in the Spirit and then in water in Acts 9:17. Cornelius was baptized in the Spirit and then in Water.  The Eunuch was baptized in water and we know nothing after that. Paul only baptized a few in Corinth but it is not recorded in Acts, but they obviously were actively using the gifts of the Holy Spirit. </li><li>Luke sketchily records the events, not the teaching about why, function, usage, etc. for that we turn to the letters of the NT.  </li><li>We do know that Jesus empowers his disciples to use the gifts he gives them.</li><li>Who has the power to lay on hands? Disciples, Ananias, Timothy, and Hebrews is a foundational teaching not just for special people.</li><li>All gifts from God are valuable and serve a function</li><li>The baptism in the Spirit is accompa