WHAT DOES ACTS 18:8 REALLY MEAN ?

[readywriter]

@Dan Perez
Subject heading:- 'What does Acts 18:8 mean?'

'And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue,
believed on the Lord with all his house;
and many of the Corinthians hearing believed,
and were baptized.'
(Acts 18:8)
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This thread has become thoroughly derailed.
In his OP, @Dan Perez raised a question as to whether the baptisms which the Apostle Paul was responsible for were by water or by the Holy Spirit.

However in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16, we are told that Paul did baptise Crispus and Gaius, and the household of Stephanas. Other than that he could not recall any others that he had baptised. For, said he, 'Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel' (1Co 1:17a).

* That is why @Dan Perez asked the question, 'What does Acts 18:8 mean? - i.e., was the chief ruler of the synagogue, Crispus, baptised by Paul with water, or by the Holy Spirit with power from on high?

* During the acts period we read of the two taking place simultaneously, so it is probable that this was the case with those Paul baptised as well. It is worth noting though that Paul's concern in 1 Corinthians 1:13-15, was that the Corinthians should not think that he had baptised in his own name. We know that baptising in the name of the Lord Jesus was related to water baptism: we are not told that these words accompanied Baptism by the Holy Spirit. So I believe it can be presumed that Paul was referring to water baptism in Acts 18:8, and 1 Corinthians 1:13-15.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[BABerean2]

The "you" that you bolded. Do you think he meant gentiles or the circumcised?

Once you understand that, Galatians 2:7-9 will match perfectly with this verse.

Paul's answer is found below, and there is only one singular "gospel" in Paul's words. It does not say "gospels".

If you have to ignore this verse to make your doctrine work, you might want to give up what you are promoting.

The words of Paul below prove you are wrong about two different Gospels.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.


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[readywriter]

My neighbors who are now a part of the New Covenant have no need of a teacher, based on the verse below.
Based on John 14:26, the Holy Spirit is now their teacher.

* 1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Do you have to ignore this verse to make your viewpoint work?

'These things have I written unto you
concerning them that seduce you.
But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you,
and ye need not that any man teach you:
but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,
and is truth, and is no lie,
and even as it hath taught you,
ye shall abide in Him.'
(1John 2:26)

Hello BABerean2,

No, not ignore it, but recognise it's place.

This verse refers to an 'anointing', also referred to as ' ... an unction from the Holy One.' (1 John 2:20). This is what those to whom John wrote had received. For John was writing to the believing remnant of Israel, those who had received power from on high, by the Holy Spirit, at Pentecost and since, and were partaking of the the new covenant blessings promised to Israel, a foretaste of millennial blessings.

* The reference to the anointing 'teaching you of all things' points to Jeremiah 31:33-34:-

'But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the LORD,
I will put my law in their inward parts,
and write it in their hearts;
and will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour,
and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:
for they shall all know me,
from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:
for I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more.'

* This cannot be claimed to be the believers portion in this day, for it has yet to come. Israel's failure to repent and acknowledge their Messiah and King, means that the New Covenant is now in abeyance until a future day.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[BABerean2]

'These things have I written unto you
concerning them that seduce you.
But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you,
and ye need not that any man teach you:
but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,
and is truth, and is no lie,
and even as it hath taught you,
ye shall abide in Him.'
(1John 2:26)

Hello BABerean2,

No, not ignore it, but recognise it's place.

This verse refers to an 'anointing', also referred to as ' ... an unction from the Holy One.' (1 John 2:20). This is what those to whom John wrote had received. For John was writing to the believing remnant of Israel, those who had received power from on high, by the Holy Spirit, at Pentecost and since, and were partaking of the the new covenant blessings promised to Israel, a foretaste of millennial blessings.

* The reference to the anointing 'teaching you of all things' points to Jeremiah 31:33-34:-

'But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the LORD,
I will put my law in their inward parts,
and write it in their hearts;
and will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour,
and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:
for they shall all know me,
from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:
for I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more.'

* This cannot be claimed to be the believers portion in this day, for it has yet to come. Israel's failure to repent and acknowledge their Messiah and King, means that the New Covenant is now in abeyance until a future day.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Chris,

If you think you do not have the Holy Spirit teaching you, that is between you and God.


Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

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[readywriter]

Chris,

If you think you do not have the Holy Spirit teaching you, that is between you and God.

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Hello @BABerean2,

May God's perfect will be done in each one of us,
for His Name and Glory's sake.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[BABerean2]

Hello @BABerean2,

May God's perfect will be done in each one of us,
for His Name and Glory's sake.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Gentiles in times past...

Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.


If a man is given a liver transplant, that liver is kept alive by the blood flowing from the rest of the man's body. Is that organ now a part of the man?
Whose blood keeps us "alive"?


Tit 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.


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[Dan Perez]

The book of Acts should not be used for doctrine, it is a historical record of the diminishing of Israel. 2 programs were going on at the same time.

And I have to disagree as 1 Cor 1:15 reads LEST / OV is a DISJUNCTIVE PARTICILE NEGATIVE and it means Paul did not WATER BAPTIZE .

The Greek word LEST / ME , Paul NEVER WATER BAPTIZED .

Why , so no one can say he BAPTIZED FOR MY NAME in other words , Christ Never gave Paul the authority to BAPTIZE with Water / HUDOR and John and the 12 apostles had that power .

Any time you see the words NOT , NEITHER , LEST or CAN NOT BE , the Greek words , OV ME , UN are in the DISJUNCATIVE PARTICILE NEGATIVE and means NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Gal 1:23 show 3 programs at one , The Jerusalem , the Little Flock , and the assembly leaded by Paul .

dan p

 

[Guojing]

And I have to disagree as 1 Cor 1:15 reads LEST / OV is a DISJUNCTIVE PARTICILE NEGATIVE and it means Paul did not WATER BAPTIZE .

The Greek word LEST / ME , Paul NEVER WATER BAPTIZED .

Why , so no one can say he BAPTIZED FOR MY NAME in other words , Christ Never gave Paul the authority to BAPTIZE with Water / HUDOR and John and the 12 apostles had that power .

Any time you see the words NOT , NEITHER , LEST or CAN NOT BE , the Greek words , OV ME , UN are in the DISJUNCATIVE PARTICILE NEGATIVE and means NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Gal 1:23 show 3 programs at one , The Jerusalem , the Little Flock , and the assembly leaded by Paul .

dan p

Er, how are your points related to the statement of mine that you quoted?

 

[readywriter]

And I have to disagree as 1 Cor 1:15 reads LEST / OV is a DISJUNCTIVE PARTICILE NEGATIVE and it means Paul did not WATER BAPTIZE .

The Greek word LEST / ME , Paul NEVER WATER BAPTIZED .

Why , so no one can say he BAPTIZED FOR MY NAME in other words , Christ Never gave Paul the authority to BAPTIZE with Water / HUDOR and John and the 12 apostles had that power .

Any time you see the words NOT , NEITHER , LEST or CAN NOT BE , the Greek words , OV ME , UN are in the DISJUNCATIVE PARTICILE NEGATIVE and means NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Gal 1:23 show 3 programs at one , The Jerusalem , the Little Flock , and the assembly leaded by Paul .
dan p

'I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas:
besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:
not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.'
(1 Cor. 1:14-17)

Hi @Dan Perez,

In the Companion Bible marginal notes the word,'Lest', is explained in this way,(quote) 'Lest. Literally, 'in order that' (Gr. 'hina', as in verse 10 [where 'hina' is translated 'that'] 'not' [Gr. 'me'].

'I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus, and Gaius;
Lest (ie., 'in order that' or 'not that')' any should say
that I had baptized in mine own name.'
(1 Cor. 1:15)

* The word 'Lest' therefore was saying NO to anyone saying that Paul had baptized in his own name, not that he had not baptised at all. For he says himself that he had baptised, but only a small number.

* See also, (Act 19:1-7):-

And it came to pass,
that, while Apollos was at Corinth,
Paul having passed through the upper coasts
came to Ephesus:
and finding certain disciples,
He said unto them,

"Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? "​

And they said unto him,

"We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.​

And he said unto them,

"Unto what then were ye baptized?" ​

And they said,

"Unto John's baptism."​

Then said Paul,

"John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance,
saying unto the people, that they should believe
on Him which should come after Him,
that is, on Christ Jesus."​

When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them,
the Holy Ghost came on them;
and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve.'

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[readywriter]

Why do people EMPHASIZE some of what God says and ignore other parts of the same verse?

[Luke 3:16 YLT]
16 John answered, saying to all, 'I indeed with water do baptise you, but He cometh who is mightier than I, of Whom I am not worthy to loose the latchet of His sandals -- He shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire;

So what does THIS part mean?
Luke 3:16 seems to me to be a prophecy of Acts 2, not a condemnation of water baptism

​

Hello @atpollard,

I agree that Luke 3:16 is not a 'condemnation of water baptism' as you say: but the words, 'and with fire' I believe has a future application, and was not fulfilled except by type at Pentecost.

With respect to the title of this topic, I do not see the meaning of Acts 18:8 as being particularly mysterious. Perhaps a “thought for thought” translation like the NLT might be clearer for someone struggling with what it really means:

Acts 18:1-7
1 Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.
4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”
7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.​

I believe that it means that Crispus and everyone in his household, heard Paul, who was living next door with Titus Justus, believed what they heard and were baptized.

Honestly, it does not seem that different from how ANYONE gets saved: hear gospel, believe gospel, get baptized. From Ephesians 2:1-10, we know what God is doing behind the scenes.

* I agree that it is straightforward, and not difficult to understand.

* The two baptisms, by water, and by the Holy Ghost, were both evidenced during the period covered by the book, 'The Acts of the Apostles'. For the chief purpose throughout that period was the repentance and reconciliation of Israel as a nation, and water baptism was not a new N.T. experience, but has its roots in the Old Testament.

* Today, as part of the unity of the Spirit, we are told in Ephesians 4:5 to 'keep' just one baptism, and that has to be the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for that supersedes that of John (Mark 1:8), in which the flesh has no part, for all is of the Holy Spirit.

* I used to take part in a forum with a lady named Joyce Pollard - any relation?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[atpollard]

I used to take part in a forum with a lady named Joyce Pollard - any relation?

Sorry, no.

 

[Dan Perez]

The Ethiopian was baptized in water, after Pentecost. Jesus was baptized, he said to go into all the world and baptize to receive the gift of the holy spirit.

Baptism is done with "Water" in the name of the Triune God...these matters have long been settled, please stop trying to divide the church.

And in Rom 6:4 we have the Greek words BAPTIZO /BAPTIZISM , not TRUE !!

Here is how the Greek text reads .

Verse 4 reads Therefore we were buried with Him by BAPTISM /BAPTISMA the death , , in order that just as Christ was raised from ( THE ) dead , through the glory of the Father .so also should we regulate our lives in newness of life .

Notice that the Greek word is NOT BAPTISM , but is the Greek word BAPTISMA .

Also notice that BPTISM does not always mean WATER / HUDOR and if BAPTISM always means water , please explain 1 Cor 10:2 how were they BAPTIZED unto Moses , in the Cloud and in th SEA !!

dan p

 

[1an]

And in Rom 6:4 we have the Greek words BAPTIZO /BAPTIZISM , not TRUE !!

Here is how the Greek text reads .

Verse 4 reads Therefore we were buried with Him by BAPTISM /BAPTISMA the death , , in order that just as Christ was raised from ( THE ) dead , through the glory of the Father .so also should we regulate our lives in newness of life .

Notice that the Greek word is NOT BAPTISM , but is the Greek word BAPTISMA .

Also notice that BPTISM does not always mean WATER / HUDOR and if BAPTISM always means water , please explain 1 Cor 10:2 how were they BAPTIZED unto Moses , in the Cloud and in th SEA !!

dan p

i. Our fathers passed through the cloud: The cloud is the Shekinah glory that overshadowed Israel throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. During the day, the cloud sheltered them from the brutal desert sun, and during the night, it burned as a pillar of fire. It was a constant, ready reminder of God’s glory and presence (Exo_13:21-22).

ii. All passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses: All Israel came through the Red Sea and saw God’s incredible power in holding up the walls of the sea so they could cross over on dry ground. Then they saw God send the water back to drown the Egyptian army This was not only an amazing demonstration of God’s love and power but also a picture of baptism – by “passing through water,” (the Red Sea) the Israelites were identified with Moses. Christians identify themselves with Jesus in much the same way when they are baptized in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
(David Guzik.)

The above is unconnected with 1 Corinthians 1:14 and the various factions in the Corinthian Church, similar to today, with our different denominations. Some were baptized by Apollos, some by Peter, some by Philip, others by John the Baptist and so on. They were boasting about who it was that baptized them.

Paul told them the arguing was a mark of carnality. He said, “you haven’t grown up. You’re dividing yourselves into these little factious groups. I thank God I didn’t baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, and if there is anyone else, I don’t remember it because God didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel.”

Jesus commissioned the disciples to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost and to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Paul's commission was to preach the gospel to the whole world. It did not include baptism and if he had baptized people, it would only have caused strife and arguments between different people. Paul tried his hardest not to divide, but to unite Jew with Gentile with Christ.
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[BABerean2]

And in Rom 6:4 we have the Greek words BAPTIZO /BAPTIZISM , not TRUE !!

Here is how the Greek text reads .

Verse 4 reads Therefore we were buried with Him by BAPTISM /BAPTISMA the death , , in order that just as Christ was raised from ( THE ) dead , through the glory of the Father .so also should we regulate our lives in newness of life .

Notice that the Greek word is NOT BAPTISM , but is the Greek word BAPTISMA .

Also notice that BPTISM does not always mean WATER / HUDOR and if BAPTISM always means water , please explain 1 Cor 10:2 how were they BAPTIZED unto Moses , in the Cloud and in th SEA !!

dan p

1Co 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.


Isa 63:11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

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[BABerean2]

The cloud is the Shekinah glory that overshadowed Israel throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

The word "Shekinah" is not found in the Bible.

God does not have a "feminine" nature.

Leonard Nimoy explains the hand sign and its relationship to the word "Shekinah".

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[Dan Perez]

i. Our fathers passed through the cloud: The cloud is the Shekinah glory that overshadowed Israel throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. During the day, the cloud sheltered them from the brutal desert sun, and during the night, it burned as a pillar of fire. It was a constant, ready reminder of God’s glory and presence (Exo_13:21-22).

ii. All passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses: All Israel came through the Red Sea and saw God’s incredible power in holding up the walls of the sea so they could cross over on dry ground. Then they saw God send the water back to drown the Egyptian army This was not only an amazing demonstration of God’s love and power but also a picture of baptism – by “passing through water,” (the Red Sea) all of Israel was identified with Moses, even as by “passing through water,” a Christian is identified with Jesus Christ.

David Guzik.
.

And , how were they all water BAPTIZ unto Moses and in the Cloud and in the Sea

Israel crossed the Red Sea on DRY GROUND , which I believe is a DRY Baptism AND who was WATER BAPTIZED the Egyptians an written in Heb 11:29 .

dan p

 

[1an]

And , how were they all water BAPTIZ unto Moses and in the Cloud and in the Sea

Israel crossed the Red Sea on DRY GROUND , which I believe is a DRY Baptism AND who was WATER BAPTIZED the Egyptians an written in Heb 11:29 .

dan p

baptisma
bap'-tis-mah
From G907; baptism (technically or figuratively): - baptism.
Total KJV occurrences: 22

Not water baptism as we know it, but joined figuratively with Moses.
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[1an]

The word "Shekinah" is not found in the Bible.

God does not have a "feminine" nature.

Leonard Nimoy explains the hand sign and its relationship to the word "Shekinah".

.

Not found in the Bible, but found in the Jewish Targums and later Jewish writings.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) The visible majesty of the Divine Presence, especially when resting or dwelling between the cherubim on the mercy seat, in the Tabernacle, or in the Temple of Solomon; -- a term used in the Targums and by the later Jews, and adopted by Christians.

Anyway, I put you on ignore, a while back, so don't expect any further responses. I don't like being spoken to like that.
.

 

[BABerean2]

Anyway, I put you on ignore, a while back, so don't expect any further responses. I don't like being spoken to like that.

The truth can be painful at times.
I understand.

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[1an]

The truth can be painful at times.
I understand.

.

Remarks like that do you no good at all.

"Support Jews for Jesus, and Word of Messiah Ministries." No way.
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