Expert: Dean Gade - 5/18/2006

Question
Question was it taught in the first century church that people are born of water and spirit through baptism (John3:5) or was it a second century teaching ? If it was a first century church teaching who taught and where can I get a copy of the teaching ? I'm often perplexed because I have found that many teach that John 3:5 means to be born into this world or born of water meaning the birth fluid we are in. Thanks for your help .

Answer
The claim of Luke is that he was writing accurately of what had taken place in the first century:

Luke 1:3-4
3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
(from New International Version)

There were other baptisms of water common in those times.  Some disciples were only baptized into John the Baptist and did not have a true baptism of the Spirit.

Acts 1:5
5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
(from New International Version)


And the disciples are even astounded in one case where the Word of God was the means of grace revealing the power of the holy spirit even before baptism.  Neither the disciples then OR NOW fully understand baptism.

But since it is a command of God with His promise of salvation attached, we should practice it at every opportunity that God gives.

Acts 10:44-48

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
(from New International Version)

There is also the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which occured on Pentatcost.  This was not the same as water baptism. There was no water involved. This had to do with the giving of the GIFTS of the Holy Spirit even though normally the Holy Spirit Himself is given through the baptism of water and the Word in order for the benefits to be received.

I see no indication that this passages' use of the word water has to do with physical birth fluids.  There is no other place in scripture to support this interpretation.