The Divine Trinity

"The true Oneness of God. OT & NT Evidence of Trinity"

Quennel Gale

What Baptism did the Early Christian Church Follow? Was it Trinitarian?

The Holy Bible emphatically and unambiguously affirms that God is Triune, something which we have documented throughout our series on the Trinity. As mentioned before the clearest reference to the Godhead consisting of three distinct members is found in Matthew 28:19.

Greek Grammar rules, such as Granville Sharp’s sixth rule, show that Matthew 28:19 provides clear attestation that God is a Trinity.

Granville Sharp Greek Grammar Rule #6:

RULE: when nouns of the same case are joined by kai "and" and each noun is preceded by the article "the", the second noun expresses A DIFFERENT PERSON, thing, or quality than the first noun.

to onoma tou patros
in THE NAME OF THE FATHER (1st Stated Noun=1st Person)

kai tou huiou kai tou hagiou pneumatos,
AND OF THE SON (2nd Person) AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (3rd Person)
Son, seperate by kai tou while Holy Spirit, seperate by Kai tou

CONCLUSION: Here we have 3 distinct persons under ONE single name. Clearly the being for each is the same making this a Trinity.

Invariably, this has led some anti-Trinitarians to call this passage into question, with some arguing that this is a 4^th century interpolation since there is no Greek manuscript of Matthew which precedes the 4^th century which contains this formula. The assertion is further made that the early Church believed that God was only one Person that passages such as Acts 2:38 proves this.

In this present article we will take a more careful look at Matthew 28:19 and delve into the Greek grammar in order to prove that this text unequivocally testifies that there are three Divine Persons who share the same Divine, and therefore the same eternal Being of God.

We will then proceed to examine the Greek NT manuscripts and early Church writers so as to see whether Matthew 28:19 is a later interpolation into the text or is it part of the original Gospel. We will also examine Matthew 28:19 in light of Acts 2:38 to see if there is any truth in the claim that the first Christians were not Trinitarians and did not baptize in the name of the Triune God.

Here, once again, is the Matthean text:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

Anti-Trinitarians believe that this baptismal command is fulfilled in Acts 2:38:

And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 2:38

These two seemingly conflicting passages have caused a bit of a controversy between modern Trinitarians and Unitarians (i.e. Muslims, Oneness Pentecostals, etc.) as to what the actual practice of baptism truly was in the nascent Church. Moreover, many arguments have been made from both sides either in support of or against the Trinitarian baptismal formula and how to properly understood Matthew 28:19 in light of Acts 2:38. Both sides have also appealed to basic rules of Greek grammar such as “Rule of Concord in Acts 2:38” or “Subject verbiage tense and personage agreements”.

In spite of what some modern religionists and skeptics may think, the understanding of the early Church – specifically the generations immediately following that of Jesus and his Apostles – would have the clearest understanding of the meaning of the Matthean baptismal formula. For instance, if the first Christians invoked the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit during the act of baptism then this provides persuasive evidence that Matthew 28:19 is giving us the precise words which the person performing this Christian rite is to invoke. However if the early believers immersed believers in the name of the Lord Jesus then Acts 2:38 is the formula that should be followed. To put this simply, the early Christian writings are important witnesses as to how the disciples of the Apostles understood Jesus’ instructions such as those found in Matthew 28:19.

With the foregoing in the background we now turn our attention to the writings of the Early Church Fathers, specifically the letters of the disciples of the Apostles and their subsequent successors, since they furnish plenty of evidence concerning what baptismal formula was being used and how it was being performed. Interestingly, while it has been a controversy among modern Trinitarians and Unitarians, the baptismal command was so well known to the early Church that many writers alluded to it without naming the specific scripture from which they were quoting! What this shows is that these Christians assumed that their readers were so familiar with this formula, and assumed that their audience already knew which of the NT Books contained this instruction, that they didn’t feel the need to specify the source.

The following are the oldest descriptions of actual Christian baptism where any kind of "formula" was used.

The Didache: A.D. 80-120

The Didache is one of the oldest early Christian documents known to exist outside the New Testament. The word "Didache” is the Greek word for "teaching". The unabridged name is called, "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles." Scholars usually date this document between 80 and 120 AD. It was a church manual, affirming the tradition that had been passed down by the Apostles through the local churches. It contained teaching for new converts prior to being baptized.

Most scholars date the Didache to THE FIRST HALF OF THE SECOND CENTURY.(Bruce Metzger, The Canon of the New Testament, pg. 49-50)

In 1886, soon after the Didache was first published, and some sixty years before the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi Codices, Scottish Professor M. D. Riddle commented:

"Bryennios and Harnack assign, as the date, between 120 and 160; Hilgenfeld, 160 and 190; English and American scholars vary between A.D. 80 and 120." (THE ANTE-NICENE FATHERS The Rev. Alexander Roberts, D.D. & James Donaldson, LL.D., EDITORS, VOLUME VII FATHERS OF THE THIRD AND FOURTH CENTURIES: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1886, Introductory Notice by Professor M. B. Riddle, D.D., Time and Place of Composition.)

The Didache clearly shows strong signs of very primitive first century Christianity, including instructions on how to receive traveling "prophets," and how to distinguish the true prophets of God from the false prophets. Because “traveling prophets” were only known to the very primitive church, through the end of the first century, the document can be dated with a fair amount of certainty. The form of church government outlined in the Didache is very primitive, like the Pauline structure, of several co-equal bishops/elders in a single congregation, as opposed to the system that emerged toward the end of the first century, that of a single bishop, and "presbyters" under his authority. Clearly it is a first century document, which leads some commentators in the 1940s to 1970s, to argue for a date of effective origin, even if not in its present form, as early as around 70 or soon thereafter. There is no question it was known by the third century and is mentioned by Eusebius (c. 324) as the Teachings of the Apostles following the books recognized as canonical:

"Let there be placed among the spurious works the Acts of Paul, the so-called Shepherd and the Apocalypse of Peter, and besides these the Epistle of Barnabas, and what are called the Teachings of the Apostles [Didache –Greek], and also the Apocalypse of John, if this be thought proper; for as I wrote before, some reject it, and others place it in the canon." (Historia Ecclesiastica III, 25)

This document twice mentions the Baptismal formula that is found in Matthew 28:19 and it clearly serves as an independent witness that this formula was known and in use by the early Church. This document was not a single document for a particular church, but was meant to describe Christian teaching and practice in general.

The Didache: A.D. 80-120 ON BAPTISMAL FORMULA

FORMULA ONE:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

FORMULA TWO:
And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 2:38

Here is the chapter on Christian baptism after the candidate was thoroughly instructed in the Christian Faith:

"And CONCERNING BAPTISM, thus baptize ye: Having first said all these things, BAPTIZE INTO THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, in living water. But if thou have not living water, baptize into other water; and if thou canst not in cold, in warm. But if thou have not either, pour out water THRICE upon the head into the name OF FATHER AND SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but thou shalt order the baptized to fast one or two days before." (Didache Chapter 7 Concerning Baptism 7:1-7)

The reference to "living water" means running water, such as a river or stream while "other water" such as a lake was acceptable if no running river or stream was available. As a last resort, where no standing water was available deep enough to baptize, then pouring was acceptable. Because the early church was under the persecution of the Roman Empire it should be noted that public baptism was not always an easy thing to openly perform. The Didache clearly refers to the Baptismal Formula One found in Matthew 28:19. There is no mistaking the fact that the three separate "pouring" mentioned in the latter part is performed for each member of the Trinity. This is a very ancient witness to the early Church’s belief in the Trinity as well. The typical "Oneness" view, that Matthew 28:19 means the name of the Father and Holy Spirit is "Jesus," was clearly NOT the view of the early Church. It is also impossible to believe the theory that Matthew 28:19-20 wasn’t known to the early Church simply because the early extant Greek copies of Matthew do not contain this formula.

Ignatius of Antioch (lived ca. AD. 35-107)

Another early Church Father who commented on the Baptismal formula was Ignatius of Antioch. He was the Bishop of the Church of Antioch after St. Peter, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, who coined the famous phrase in Acts 2:38 and Evidous, who converted to Christianity based on the apostolic preaching of Peter. Evidous succeeded the apostle Peter, when he left to attend to the church in Rome. Evidous was obviously part of the community who received the preaching of the Gospel mentioned in the book of Acts, which describes Antioch as being the first among communities to be evangelized.

Hence, Ignatius of Antioch would have firsthand knowledge of the Baptismal formula since he was personally chosen to succeed the very church started by the Apostle Peter himself! Ignatius lived around the very time of the Apostles, he was born in 35 AD, and at the time St. Peter began the church at Antioch he would have been in his mid 30s.

Ignatius was also a personal student of the Apostle John who wrote the 4^th Gospel, Revelation, and 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd John. For astute Bible students, John was Jesus’ closest disciple and personal friend. Clearly the statement of Ignatius of Antioch would hold crucial to what the disciples would believe in reference to the Baptismal formula used in the early church.

Ignatius of Antioch: A.D. 35-107 ON BAPTISMAL FORMULA

FORMULA ONE:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

Here are the works on Christian baptism from, Ignatius of Antioch, a disciple of the Apostle John and follower of St. Peter the Apostle in Acts:

Chapter IX.-The Old Testament is Good: the New Testament is Better.

… The priests indeed, and the ministers of the word, are good; but the High Priest is better, to whom the holy of holies has been committed, and who alone has been entrusted with the secrets of God. The ministering powers of God are good. The Comforter is holy, and the Word is holy, the Son of the Father, by whom He made all things, and exercises a providence over them all. This is the Way which leads to the Father, the Rock, the Defence, the Key, the Shepherd, the Sacrifice, the Door of knowledge, through which have entered Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, Moses and all the company of the prophets, and these pillars of the world, the apostles, and the spouse of Christ, on whose account He poured out His own blood, as her marriage portion, that He might redeem her. All these things tend towards the unity of the one and only true God. But the Gospel possesses something transcendent [above the former dispensation], viz. the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, His passion, and the resurrection itself. For those things which the prophets announced, saying, "Until He come for whom it is reserved, and He shall be the expectation of the Gentiles," have been fulfilled in the Gospel, [our Lord saying,] "Go ye and teach all nations, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST." All then are good together, the law, the prophets, the apostles, the whole company [of others] that have believed through them: only if we love one another. (Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians; source)

And,

Chapter II.-Unity of the Three Divine Persons.

There is then one God and Father, and not two or three; One who is; and there is no other besides Him, the only true [God]. For "the Lord thy God," saith [the Scripture], "is one Lord." And again, "Hath not one God created us? Have we not all one Father? And there is also one Son, God the Word. For "the only-begotten Son," saith [the Scripture], "who is in the bosom of the Father." And again, "One Lord Jesus Christ." And in another place, "What is His name, or what His Son's name, that we may know? " And there is also one Paraclete. For "there is also," saith [the Scripture], "one Spirit," since "we have been called in one hope of our calling." And again, "We have drunk of one Spirit," with what follows. And it is manifest that all these gifts [possessed by believers] "worketh one and the self-same Spirit." There are not then either three Fathers, or three Sons, or three Paracletes, but one Father, and one Son, and one Paraclete. Wherefore also the Lord, when He sent forth the apostles to make disciples of all nations, COMMANDED THEM to "BAPTIZE IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST," not unto one [person] having three names, nor into three [persons] who became incarnate, but INTO THREE POSSESSED OF EQUAL HONOUR. (Epistle of Ignatius to the Philippians; source)

Therefore, we have one of the earliest Christian authorities, who learned at the very feet of some of the Apostles, who provides attestation that the early Church used Matthew 28:19 in their Christian rite of water baptism. Hence, because Ignatius studied under Jesus’ disciples such as John and also under those who learned from the Apostles such as Peter, his testimony clearly illustrates to us how the primitive Church interpreted Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 28:19. Ignatius, the bishop of one of the original Christian churches mentioned in the Holy Bible, shows us that early Christians not only followed the baptism formula found in Matthew 28:19 but that this Church believed that God was three distinct and co-equal Persons!

This poses major problems for the Unitarians who have no historical basis for their claims of a Unitarian Christian belief. Both the Bible and Christian history disproves such a notion that God was viewed as one Person since such an assertion has historical or evidential basis in the writings of primitive Christianity.

Justin Martyr: A.D. 110-165

Another Early Church Father, often quoted by Unitarians as proof that Acts 2:38 was the Baptismal formula used by the earliest Christians, is Justin Martyr, a Gentile convert, who wrote a defense of Christianity to the pagan Romans. He was an early Christian apologist and saint. His works represent the earliest surviving Christian apologies of notable size.

FORMULA ONE:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

In his "First Apology," Justin described Christian practice in general in all the churches. Here is his comment on baptism:

CHAPTER 61 - CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

"I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE FATHER and Lord of the universe, AND OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, they then receive the washing with water. ..."

"And for this we have learned from the apostles this reason. Since at our birth we were born without our own knowledge or choice, by our parents coming together, and were brought up in bad habits and wicked training; in order that we may not remain the children of necessity and of ignorance, but may become the children of choice and knowledge, and may obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed, there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER and Lord of the universe; he who leads to the layer the person that is to be washed calling him by this name alone. For no one can utter the name of the ineffable God; and if any one dare to say that there is a name, he raves with a hopeless madness. And this washing is called illumination, because they who learn these things are illuminated in their understandings. AND IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, AND IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY GHOST, who through the prophets foretold all things about Jesus, he who is illuminated is washed." (St. Justin Martyr's First Apology, Chapter 61 on baptism)

Here we have another of the earliest Christian writers testifying to the fact that the Baptismal formula was performed in the NAME of the three Divine members of the Godhead and not in the name of Jesus only. Don’t forget that Justin was one of the earliest and most notable Christian apologists, and yet his writings show that the Church at large was using the formula found in Matthew 28:19!

Irenaeus (ca. 130-200)

Irenaeus’ writings were formative in the early development of Christian theology. He was an early notable Christian apologist who was a disciple of Polycarp, who was the Christian Bishop of Smyrna. For those who are new to ancient Christian history, Polycarp was one of the very students of the Apostle John. Again we must reiterate that John was the closest disciple and friend of Jesus himself during his earthly ministry. This same John who penned the 4^th Gospel was commissioned by God to train men like Polycarp who then later trained Irenaeus. Basically we have Christian theology being passed down firsthand from the very disciples of Christ himself to men scuh as Polycarp, Ignatius etc. who then passed it on to others such as Irenaeus. These men were obviously familiar with the teachings of Jesus and his Apostles.

In fact, because Irenaeus’ testimony is so important to the early Church Unitarians have sought to use him as a proponent of Oneness Baptism, as you shall see below:

[that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."(7) And when the multitudes exclaimed, "What shall we do then?" Peter says to them, "Repent, and BE BAPTIZED every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."(8) (Irenaeus Against Heresies Book III; CHAP. XII. --DOCTRINE OF THE REST OF THE APOSTLES source)

Since Irenaeus learned from the very men who were disciples of Christ, the above statements seems to match Formula two in relation to the rite of baptism, Acts 2:38. Irenaeus quotes in great detail the very passage of Acts 2.

Therefore, the question before us is did Irenaeus affirm Baptismal formula one:

FORMULA ONE:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

Or did he confirm Baptismal formula two:

The foregoing quote seems to supper the Unitarian/anti-Trinitarian position against the Trinitarian view that baptism is performed in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. However, the Unitarian apologist fails to divulge to you that he also quotes Matthew 28:19:

Chapter XVII.-The Apostles Teach that It Was Neither Christ Nor the Saviour, But the Holy Spirit, Who Did Descend Upon Jesus. The Reason for This Descent.

It certainly was in the power of the apostles to declare that Christ descended upon Jesus, or that the so-called superior Saviour [came down] upon the dispensational one, or he who is from the invisible places upon him from the Demiurge; but they neither knew nor said anything of the kind: for, had they known it, they would have also certainly stated it. But what really was the case, that did they record, [namely,] that the Spirit of God as a dove descended upon Him; this Spirit, of whom it was declared by Isaiah, "And the Spirit of God shall rest upon Him," as I have already said. And again: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me." That is the Spirit of whom the Lord declares, "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." And again, giving to the disciples the power of regeneration into God, He said to them, "Go and teach all nations, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST." For [God] promised, that in the last times He would pour Him [the Spirit] upon [His] servants and handmaids, that they might prophesy; wherefore He did also descend upon the Son of God, made the Son of man, becoming accustomed in fellowship with Him to dwell in the human race, to rest with human beings, and to dwell in the workmanship of God, working the will of the Father in them, and renewing them from their old habits into the newness of Christ. (Irenaeus Against Heresies Book III; source)

Irenaeus clearly believed that the Baptismal formula in Matthew 28:19-20 was the valid way of immersing new converts into the Christian faith. This shows that Irenaeus is interpreting Acts 2:38 in light of Matthew 28:19, not the other way around contrary to what many Oneness apologists would have you believe. His testimony demonstrates that Matthew 28:19 is not only valid but that it provides evidence that God is a Triune Being!

One may ask then why does he mention both passages? We will provide the answer shortly.

Tertullian (ca. 160-220)

African apologist and theologian who was a church leader and prolific author of the early Church. He also was a notable early Christian apologist who was born, lived and died in Carthage, in what is today Tunisia. He wrote much in defense of Christianity.

FORMULA ONE:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

Here is how he explains Christian baptism, and this time from an apologist who lived on the opposite side of Palestine in Northern Africa:

Chapter XX.-Christ First Delivered the Faith. The Apostles Spread It; They Founded Churches as the Depositories Thereof. That Faith, Therefore, is Apostolic, Which Descended from the Apostles, Through Apostolic Churches.

… Accordingly, after one of these had been struck off, He commanded the eleven others, on His departure to the Father, to "go and teach all nations, who were TO BE BAPTIZED INTO THE FATHER, AND INTO THE SON, AND INTO THE HOLY GHOST." Immediately, therefore, so did the apostles, whom this designation indicates as "the sent." … (Tertullian The Prescription Against Heretics; source)

And,

Chapter VI.-The Angel the Forerunner of the Holy Spirit. Meaning Contained in the Baptismal Formula.

Not that in the waters we obtain the Holy Spirit; but in the water, under (the witness of) the angel, we are cleansed, and prepared for the Holy Spirit. In this case also a type has preceded; for thus was John beforehand the Lord's forerunner, "preparing His ways." Thus, too, does the angel, the witness of baptism, "make the paths straight" for the Holy Spirit, who is about to come upon us, by the washing away of sins, which faith, sealed in (the name of) THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, obtains. For if "in the mouth of THREE witnesses every word shall stand:" -while, through the benediction, we have the same (three) as witnesses of our faith whom we have as sureties of our salvation too-how much more does the number of the divine names suffice for the assurance of our hope likewise! Moreover, after the pledging both of the attestation of faith and the promise of salvation under "three witnesses," there is added, of necessity, mention of the Church; inasmuch as, wherever there are three, (that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,) there is the Church, which is a body of three. (Tertullian On Baptism; source)

Here again is another early Christian historical writing quoting Matthew 28:19 verbatim! Tertullian was clear that baptism required all three members, a clear allusion to Matthew 28:19. Contrary to the baseless claims that the Matthew 28:19 wasn’t known until the 4^th century we find that history bears out the fact that this baptismal formula was known and used by the Christian church since the time of the Apostles and their followers! He continues:

Chapter XIII.-Another Objection: Abraham Pleased God Without Being Baptized. Answer Thereto. Old Things Must Give Place to New, and Baptism is Now a Law.

Here, then, those miscreants provoke questions. And so they say, "Baptism is not necessary for them to whom faith is sufficient; for withal, Abraham pleased God by a sacrament of no water, but of faith." But in all cases it is the later things which have a conclusive force, and the subsequent which prevail over the antecedent. Grant that, in days gone by, there was salvation by means of bare faith, before the passion and resurrection of the Lord. But now that faith has been enlarged, and is become a faith which believes in His nativity, passion, and resurrection, there has been an amplification added with the sacrament, viz., the sealing act of baptism; the clothing, in some sense, of the faith which before was bare, and which cannot exist now without its proper law. For the law of baptizing has been imposed, and the formula prescribed: "Go," He saith, "teach the nations, BAPTIZING THEM INTO THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT." The comparison with this law of that definition, "Unless a man have been reborn of water and Spirit, he shall not enter into the kingdom of the heavens," has tied faith to the necessity of baptism. Accordingly, all thereafter who became believers used to be baptized. Then it was, too, that Paul, when he believed, was baptized; and this is the meaning of the precept which the Lord had given him when smitten with the plague of loss of sight, saying, "Arise, and enter Damascus; there shall be demonstrated to thee what thou oughtest to do," to wit-be baptized, which was the only thing lacking to him. That point excepted, he bad sufficiently learnt and believed "the Nazarene" to be "the Lord, the Son of God." (Ibid.; source)

Not only does Tertullian consistently show that Matthew 28:19 was the Baptismal formula in use by the Church, he even goes further and uses this formula to prove that God is a Trinity, even coining a Latin word for it:

We define that there are TWO, the Father and the Son, AND THREE with the Holy Spirit, and this number is made by the pattern of salvation...[which] brings about UNITY IN TRINITY, interrelating THE THREE, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are three, not in dignity, but in degree, not in substance but in form, not in power but in kind. They are of one substance and power, because there is ONE GOD from whom these degrees, forms and kinds devolve IN THE NAME OF FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT." (Tertullian, Adv. Prax. 23; PL 2.156-7).

Thus, Tertullian quotes Matthew 28:19 to support his position that the Holy Bible teaches the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

So far we’ve traveled through the first 200 years of Christendom and the consistent baptism of choice is in the name of all three members of the Godhead as opposed to “Jesus Only”. It should be noted that all of these men were leaders and notable apologists of their time who were dogmatically proclaiming the same message on the formula for baptism.

Victorinus (ca. 270-303)

As we begin to enter into the 4^th century we still find that the Baptismal formula is consistently the same.

FORMULA ONE:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

Victorinus proclaims:

15. "And His voice as it were the voice of many waters."] The many waters are understood to be many peoples, or THE GIFT OF BAPTISM that He sent forth by the apostles, saying: "Go ye, teach all nations, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST." (Victorinus Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John; source)

The gift of baptism was found in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, another clear reference to Matthew 28:19!

Cyprian: A.D. 200-258

Cyprian was bishop of Carthage and an important early Christian writer. He was born at the beginning of the 3rd century in North Africa, perhaps at Carthage. After converting to Christianity, he became a bishop (249) and eventually died a martyr at Carthage. In his Epistle LXXII, Cyprian discusses the rebaptism of heretics. The heretics he referred to were formerly Gnostics, followers of Marcion, Valentinus, &c., who had left these cults to become Christians. Certain strands of Gnosticism believed that "Christ" was a spirit that came upon the man Jesus at His baptism. Others believed that Christ appeared as a man but never actually became a human being. The Gnostics also believed that the God of the Old Testament was not the supreme God. These heretics had a "baptism" in the name of "Christ" only (since they denied the Father).

FORMULA ONE:

Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..." Matt. 28:19

Basically the modern Oneness believers are carrying over the practice of Gnostics in baptizing in Jesus’ name only. Cyprian dealt with this problem firsthand and in the following passage, Cyprian argued that they needed to be rebaptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also claimed that Jesus’ statement in Matthew 28:19 concerning baptizing in the name of the Trinity was given for the Gentiles, whereas Peter’s statements in Acts 2:38 was in reference to Jewish to the faith:

"Since, therefore, from the preaching and testimony of Christ Himself, the Father who sent must be first known, then afterwards Christ, who was sent, and there cannot be a hope of salvation EXCEPT BY KNOWING THE TWO TOGETHER; how, when God the Father is not known, nay, is even blasphemed, CAN THEY WHO AMONG THE HERETICS ARE SAID TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF CHRIST, be judged to have obtained the remission of sins? For the case of THE JEWS UNDER THE APOSTLES WAS ONE, BUT THE CONDITION OF THE GENTILES IS ANOTHER. THE FORMER [JEWS], because they had already gained the most ANCIENT BAPTISM OF THE LAW AND MOSES, were to be baptized also IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, IN CONFORMITY WITH WHAT PETER TELLS THEM IN THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, saying, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For this promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Peter makes mention of Jesus Christ, NOT AS THOUGH THE FATHER SHOULD BE OMITTED, BUT THAT THE SON ALSO MIGHT BE JOINED TO THE FATHER. Finally, when, after the resurrection, the apostles are sent by the Lord TO THE HEATHENS, they are bidden to BAPTIZE THE GENTILES IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST. How, then, do some say, that a Gentile baptized without, outside the Church, yea, and in opposition to the Church, so that it be ONLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, everywhere, and in whatever manner, can obtain remission of sin, when CHRIST HIMSELF COMMANDS THE HEATHEN TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE FULL AND UNITED TRINITY? Unless while one who denies Christ is denied by Christ, he who denies His Father whom Christ Himself confessed is not denied; and he who blasphemes against Him whom Christ called His Lord and His God, is rewarded by Christ, and obtains remission of sins, and the sanctification of baptism! But by what power can he who denies God the Creator, the Father of Christ, obtain, in baptism, the remission of sins, since Christ received that very power by which we are baptized and sanctified, from the same Father, whom He called greater than Himself, by whom He desired to be glorified, whose will He fulfilled even unto the obedience of drinking the cup, and of undergoing death? What else is it then, than to become a partaker with blaspheming heretics, to wish to maintain and assert, that one who blasphemes and gravely sins against the Father and the Lord and God of Christ, can receive remission of sins in the name of Christ? What, moreover, is that, and of what kind is it, that he who denies the Son of God has not the Father, and he who denies the Father should be thought to have the Son, although the Son Himself testifies, and says, No man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father? So that it is evident, that NO REMISSION OF SINS CAN BE RECEIVED IN BAPTISM FROM THE SON, which it is not plain that the Father has granted. Especially, since He further repeats, and says, Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. ." (Cyprian, Epistle LXXII)

It is clear from Cyprian that the Trinitarian formula for baptism was for the Gentiles, since they were pagans, and did not know the Father. However, being baptized in Jesus' name was given only for the Jews and Samaritans who were already monotheists, and who had a prior covenant with God. This was the view of the early Church. Hence, the enigma of the Baptismal formula is solved! Remember the writing of Irenaeus from earlier?

The quote continues by saying:

Thus the apostles did not preach another God, or another Fulness; nor, that the Christ who suffered and rose again was one, while he who flew off on high was another, and remained impossible; but that there was one and the same God the Father, and Christ Jesus who rose from the dead; and they preached faith in Him, TO THOSE WHO DIDN’T BELIEVE ON THE SON OF GOD, and exhorted them out of the prophets, that the Christ whom God promised to send, He sent in Jesus, whom they crucified and God raised up. (Irenaeus Against Heresies Book III; CHAP. XII. --DOCTRINE OF THE REST OF THE APOSTLES source)

Hence, the ones who didn’t believe “on the Son” were the Jews, which perfectly agrees with Cyprian who stated that they were the ones who were to baptized “IN JESUS’ NAME” since they already had the Father but not yet the Son! When Unitarians quote “Jesus’ Name” baptism of Acts 2:38 as evidence of the Baptismal formula they are doing so in ignorance of historical Christian understanding of what it means. This baptism at best was for the believing monotheistic Jews who converted to Christianity. The purpose was not to exhort Oneness theology or Modalism (i.e., that Jesus is the name of the single Person of God who manifests in three ways, but is not three Persons simultaneously [http://www.christiandefense.com/oneness.htm]) but to include the SON ALONGSIDE THE FATHER as God. According to Unitarians there is only ONE PERSON who is God not TWO! In the case of Oneness followers, Jesus WAS THE HUMAN MANIFESTATION OF THE FATHER! The dilemma is quite clear; if Jesus is the father then there is no need for “Jesus’ name” baptism since the believing party would have already believed in him!

The Key piece to the Puzzle which unravels the confusion and refutes Modalists’ assertions

The Scriptures expressly teach that the Gospel was to be preached first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles:

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: FIRST FOR THE JEW, THEN FOR THE GENTILE. Rom 1:16

But glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: FIRST FOR THE JEW, THEN FOR THE GENTILE. Rom 2:10

As the reader can clearly see, salvation and goodness is to the Jew first and then the Gentile. With this in mind we can now understand why Peter said what he did… Acts 2:38 is addressed to Jews who were converting to Christ. In other words, the context of Acts 2:38 demonstrates that at this point in the ministry of the Apostles their preaching was directed towards the people of their nation, namely Israel, and that these Jews were required to openly confess Jesus as their Lord during baptism in order to identify with the One they had openly rejected. The Jews to whom the Apostles already believed in God the Father so there was no need to refer to him in their instructions concerning baptism. The Person they needed to believe in and identify with is the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son, the very One whom they rejected and handed over to be crucified by the hands of lawless men:

“‘Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. … But he [David] was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ Therefore let ALL ISRAEL be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’” Acts 2:22-24, 30-40

Here is this passage broken down into further detail:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tonguesas the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem GOD-FEARING JEWS FROM EVERY NATION under heaven. Acts 2:1-5

And,

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both JEWS and CONVERTS TO JUDAISM); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Acts 2:10-11

The reader will clearly notice how the people from the different nations heard the Jews or those who had converted to Judaism speaking in their own language as evidence of the Holy Spirit. (A Jew is one who follows Judaism or is one who is born ethnically a Hebrew). After this occurrence here is what Peter says:

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "FELLOW JEWS and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to WHAT I SAY. Acts 2:14

And,

"MEN OF ISRAEL, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. Acts 2:22

"Therefore let ALL ISRAEL be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36

Notice this:

"BROTHERS, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. Acts 2:29-31

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "BROTHERS, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38

In the OT Scriptures, unless the context shows otherwise, the term “brother” normally refers to a fellow Jew or Israelite:

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from AMONG YOU, from your BROTHERS -it is to him you shall listen- ... And the LORD said to me...I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among THEIR BROTHERS. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. Deut. 18:15, 17-18

The priests, who are Levites—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—are to have no allotment or inheritance WITH ISRAEL. They shall live on the offerings made to the LORD by fire, for that is their inheritance. They shall have no inheritance among THEIR BROTHERS; the LORD is their inheritance, as he promised them. Deut. 18:1-2

be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must be from among your OWN BROTHERS. Do not place A FOREIGNER over you, one who is NOT A BROTHER ISRAELITE. Deut. 17:15

Finally,

The ISRAELITES went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and they inquired of the LORD. They said, "Shall we go up again to battle against the Benjamites, OUR BROTHERS?" The LORD answered, "Go up against them." Judges 20:23

The Bible is emphatically clear as to whom “brother” is referring to when addressing people in relation to new revelation or move of God! It is clearly the Jewish audience in Acts 2 (whether convert to Judaism or ethnic Jews) only who is being addressed and not the Gentiles who weren’t included yet! Other groups were brought into the baptism with the Holy Ghost at a later date. The day of Pentecost the Holy Ghost was given to the Jews. The Samaritans received the Holy Ghost in Acts 8:14-17:

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard THAT SAMARIA had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized INTO THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17

Notice that these people were already baptized “in Jesus’ name” and yet the Holy Spirit was only given to them upon the arrival of the disciples. Typical Oneness theology teaches that one receives the Holy Spirit IMMEDIATELY AT BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME, since this is supposed to be a sign of being saved. Yet this specific passage refutes this assertion since these people had already accepted and believed the word of God, were baptizd in Jesus' name and yet they still didn't receive the Spirit.

It is only later, after the Spirit has been given to the Jews and the Samaritans, that God uses Peter to grant the Gentiles repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 10-11).

Once again we have perfect agreement between the statements of Cyprian and the pattern followed throughout the inspired book of Acts, e.g. the Jews (Samaritans were Jewish cousins) were to be baptized into Jesus’ name since they had the Father already, whereas the Gentiles needed to be baptized in the name of the entire Godhead since they neither knew the Father nor the Holy Spirit.

In other words, the early church clearly understood how baptism was to be administered and this is why the baptismal formula of Matthew 28:19 was administered to the Gentiles whereas the formula found in Acts 2:38 was intended for the Jewish converts.

To summarize our point, the context of Acts is crystal clear that the baptism in Jesus’ name wasn’t intended for Gentile converts but for the Jews who already knew of the Father and the Spirit (at least those who were educated enough regarding the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures).

Furthermore, according to Unitarian beliefs God is only one Divine Person, not two or three. Certain Unitarians, such as Oneness advocates, believe that Jesus is the human nature or manifestation of the Father! Christ is not a distinct Person from the Father.

The dilemma is quite clear: Because “Oneness” believers teach that one must repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name to be saved, they unknowingly (or, perhaps, even knowingly) contradict the very Bible they use to support their theology. The inspired Writings confirm that Jesus is personally distinct from both the Father and the Holy Spirit, and that all three coexist as one God.

Moreover, the idea of being baptized into salvation is strictly foreign in light of a careful reading of the Holy Scriptures.

Another argument that Unitarians use to disprove that the early Church practiced baptismal immersion in the name of the Triune God is that this mode was unheard of till the 3^rd–4^th centuries. For instance, here is a source that makes this very accusation, specifically that much of the Trinitarian Baptismal belief didn’t exist until late in Church history:

http://site.acts238.org/news.php?extend.45

However, our careful study into early Christian history clearly disproves such a notion. The earliest extant non-canonical Christian writings composed shortly after the time of Jesus’ disciples clearly proves that the early Church used the Baptismal formula as found in Matthew 28:19. Moreover, some of these sources suggest that this formula was used in reference to Gentile converts whereas Acts 2:38 was limited to the Jews and Samaritans who converted to the faith. Thus, even if we believe that the Unitarian view concerning Acts 2:38 is correct, that the Apostles baptized believers in Jesus’ name only, this can be explained by noting that this was the formula which was used for the Jews who were converting, not for the Gentiles.

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation and goodness is to the Jew first and then the Gentile! Hence, even if we assume that historically Acts 2:38 baptism came first it is only because the believing Jews were first to convert to Christ! The problem for modern believers in “Acts 2:38 only” baptism is obviously clear, they are mostly Gentiles not Jews! Even though we do believe that the Church can be spiritual Israel, and that many passages in the Bible are spiritual in nature, history and the actions of the apostles and the early church clearly demonstrates that Acts 2:38 was a physical baptism for Jews only, while Matthew 28:19-20 was for the Gentile believers of Christ.

Moreover, even if one were to baptize in Jesus’ name only this wouldn’t disprove the Trinity in the least since both the Holy Bible and early Christian history emphatically affirm that THERE IS ONE GOD WHO ETERNALLY EXISTS IN THREE DISTINCT PERSONS, specifically God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Thus, do not be fooled by those who use inspired Scriptures such as Acts 2:38 to disprove that the Bible teaches the Trinity since such individuals are sorely misinformed. Nor does the Greek text of the New Testament support this erroneous belief.

Christ – The Seal of Revelation

The Bible is clear that it is Jesus we must follow:

"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed HIS SEAL OF APPROVAL." John 6:27

"After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘THIS IS MY SON, WHOM I LOVE. LISTEN TO HIM!’" Mark 9:2-7

The Bible expressly affirms that God has given his final instructions and commandments through Jesus his beloved son:

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." Hebrews 1:1-3

Note what this passage says - after having spoken to the people through the prophets God has now given his final revelation through his Son. Moreover, the Son has communicated this final message through the men that he appointed:

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:16

"He said to them (the disciples): 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.'" Acts 1:7-8

"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 'Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do' ... But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'" Acts 9:1-6, 15-16

"If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored." 1 Corinthians 14:37-38

"For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus ... Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man BUT GOD, who gives you his Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 4:2, 8

"Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles." 2 Peter 3:1-2

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw - that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near ... On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: 'Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.'" Revelation 1:1-3, 10-11

The Bible shows us that Jesus, who was the last revelation from God, sent out all of the inspired messengers and prophets These men spoke the very words given to them by the Lord Jesus Christ, having received the authority of Christ to record and pass on the very instructions of the Master.

"Therefore I AM SENDING YOU PROPHETS AND WISE MEN AND TEACHERS. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town." Matthew 23:34

"It was he (Christ) who gave some to be apostles, SOME TO BE PROPHETS, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13

"During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea." Acts 11:27-29

"After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, 'The Holy Spirit says, "In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles."'" Acts 21:10-11

"Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers." Acts 15:32

Jesus told his inspired emissaries that they must go,

and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in THE NAME of THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT..."

These passages establish that the holy Apostles or the NT prophets did not speak from their own desires. Rather, these men spoke the very words given to them by the Lord Jesus, having received the authority of Christ to record and pass on the very instructions of their risen and exalted Master.

HIS FOLLOWERS, THE APOSTLES AND MESSENGERS, CLEARLY CARRIED THIS MESSAGE AND THE HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS AND THEOLOGY OF THE EARLY CHURCH BEAR THIS OUT.

In conclusion, Matthew 28:19-20 isn’t a late Christian interpolation unknown to the early church; it is the very foundation of the Christian Baptism of the early Church. The formula of Acts 2:38 was the baptism for the Jews who knew not the Son but came to believe in him. God Bless all!

Come and discussed this article at our new forum here!

The Divine Trinity: [Part I], [Part II],[Part III],[Part V],[Part VI],[Part VII]

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