Interpretation of the Bible / Acts 19:4

Among the various passages that the Bible offers us, we find a very interesting passage in the book of Acts, specifically chapter 19, which tells of Paul's preaching in Ephesus. In this account, the apostle makes an important statement about the baptism of repentance given by John the Baptist.

The baptism of John

John the Baptist was a prophet foretold in the Old Testament who prepared the way for Christ by calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. This act symbolized the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life according to the will of God.

While John's baptism in itself had no cleansing or saving power, it had profound significance as an outward manifestation of true repentance preceding salvation.

Paul's preaching on baptism

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he found a group of people who had accepted the baptism of John, but were ignorant of the coming of Jesus Christ and the work of salvation on the cross. The apostle then taught them grace and faith in Christ and called them to receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. As a result, the believers were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.