1. The exact wordings and even the Greek prepositions differ widely between these so called Oneness baptismal proof texts found at Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19.
At Acts 2:38 we read “in (εἰς eis) the name Jesus Christ,”
at Acts 8:16 and 19:5 we read; “in (εἰς eis) the name Lord Jesus,”
and lastly at Acts 10:48 we read; “in (ἐν ev) the name Lord.”
But if a baptismal formula were really being given here then it would not differ so widely between its various usages in Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19. The only sensible explanation is that the word “name” (onoma) means “authority,” as in “stop in the name of the law” and that this is how Luke is using this term “onoma.” Notice also that word “name” (onoma) is used this way by Luke in Acts 4:7, where here it is juxtaposed with the word ‘power’ to symbolise authority.
2. The reference to the Holy Spirit in Acts 19:2-3, further confirms Matthew 28:19 as baptism being upon the authority of the one God who is not simply Jesus, but is Father and Son and Holy Spirit. Paul meets certain disciples of John, and asks if they received the Holy Spirit since they believed. When they reply that they don't know who the Holy Spirit is (Acts 19:2), Paul then immediately asks how then were you baptised (verse 3). He did this because he knew that the name ‘Holy Spirit,’ is referred to at the Matthew 28:19 baptismal command. So if “Jesus Christ” is the proper baptismal formula, then Paul's question “into what then were you baptised?” does not make any sense, because it would be a complete change of subject from his question.
3. To baptise upon the name of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19), is to baptise according to Acts 2:38, because both these passages imply the authority for baptism.
At Acts 2:38 we read “in (εἰς eis) the name Jesus Christ,”
at Acts 8:16 and 19:5 we read; “in (εἰς eis) the name Lord Jesus,”
and lastly at Acts 10:48 we read; “in (ἐν ev) the name Lord.”
But if a baptismal formula were really being given here then it would not differ so widely between its various usages in Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19. The only sensible explanation is that the word “name” (onoma) means “authority,” as in “stop in the name of the law” and that this is how Luke is using this term “onoma.” Notice also that word “name” (onoma) is used this way by Luke in Acts 4:7, where here it is juxtaposed with the word ‘power’ to symbolise authority.
2. The reference to the Holy Spirit in Acts 19:2-3, further confirms Matthew 28:19 as baptism being upon the authority of the one God who is not simply Jesus, but is Father and Son and Holy Spirit. Paul meets certain disciples of John, and asks if they received the Holy Spirit since they believed. When they reply that they don't know who the Holy Spirit is (Acts 19:2), Paul then immediately asks how then were you baptised (verse 3). He did this because he knew that the name ‘Holy Spirit,’ is referred to at the Matthew 28:19 baptismal command. So if “Jesus Christ” is the proper baptismal formula, then Paul's question “into what then were you baptised?” does not make any sense, because it would be a complete change of subject from his question.
3. To baptise upon the name of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19), is to baptise according to Acts 2:38, because both these passages imply the authority for baptism.
