It’s not talking about water baptism
Of course it is. Baptism, by definition, involves water.
The only time it doesn't it is used analogically, that is why the phrase "baptism with the Holy Spirit" is provocative.
If I say I'm going to take a bath, water is always implied. I would have to specifically provide additional context to show I am speaking of "bath" in some other way.
Baptism is a washing. People wash with water. It requires specific additional context to show baptism being used in some other way, that is why when "baptism with the Holy Spirit" is mentined, it's specifically mentioned. Nobody has to say "water baptism" because that's redundant. When the eunuch saw water he said, "Look, water, what prevents me from being baptized?" He didn't say "what prevents me from being water baptized?" That'd be silly.
Don't force your doctrines onto the text. Approach the text with honesty and objectivity--how would a first century audience hear and read these words?
-CryptoLutheran
