Historical and Cultural Developments of Baptism PDF

LESSON III: 3) HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS OF BAPTISM A) Baptism in the time of the Apostles -The Baptism of St. Paul: Before St. Paul was baptized, his name was Saul. Saul was a great persecutor of the Christians and even had them killed. But on his way to Damascus, the Capital City of...

LESSON III: 3) HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS OF BAPTISM A) Baptism in the time of the Apostles -The Baptism of St. Paul: Before St. Paul was baptized, his name was Saul. Saul was a great persecutor of the Christians and even had them killed. But on his way to Damascus, the Capital City of Syria, to capture and kill the Christians in that area, the Lord appeared to him with blinding light causing his sight to be lost. For a meantime, he was blind, until the Lord spoke to him, commanding him to go to the house of Ananias, a disciple of Jesus. When Saul arrived at the house of Ananias, he restored the sight of Saul. After this, Saul was baptized and later called Paul. After his Baptism, he no longer persecuted Christians, but he preached about Jesus and amended his life. ADULT BAPTISMS In those times there were no Infant Baptisms, only Adult Baptisms. Why? It is because those were the people who were converted and decided to follow the teachings of Jesus through the preaching of the Apostles. Let’s read a passage from the scripture that shows us this scenario: Acts of the Apostles 2:36-41 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. In the passage, the Jews (believers of Judaism) were the first people to be baptized, having a new faith back then means having a new life as well, that’s why you have to attain the age of reason in order to be converted to Christianity in the early times. And this is also the reason why there were no Infant Baptisms still. These Jews that were baptized are called Judeo-Christians, since even after their baptism as Christians, they still practice some of Jewish Customs as part of their cultural heritage. B) Baptism after the Apostles In the time of St. Augustine of Hippo, before he was baptized, he was known to be a great sinner. He committed sins against the 10 Commandments and even had an illegitimate Child named Adeodatus (God-given). But, despite his sinfulness, he decided to follow Christ and was baptized by St. Ambrose of Milan. Later after his Baptism, he wrote many works and was regarded as a great defender of Christianity. Ultimately, he was elected by the people of Hippo to be their bishop due to his teachings and guidance to the people. C) The History of Infant Baptism In relation to history, Infant Baptism started in the time of the Bubonic Plague and other diseases that affected the early stages of a new born child. The Church deemed it necessary to baptize infants in order to save them before a possible mortality after birth. This is the reason why in those times, infants were baptized immediately after birth. D) Cultural and Historical significance of Godparents (Ninong and Ninang) The origin of Godparents is very important in the time of persecution by the Roman Empire because parents entrust their newly baptized children and family members to them. Example, if the parents of a newly baptized child have been killed by Roman Soldiers, immediately, Godparents will take custody of the child as responsibility taken at their Baptism. Contrary to our common practice in the Philippines to have numerous Godparents for us to ask for money during Christmas. It is more of an obligation of ensuring the newly baptized child to grow in faith rather than material things. SUMMARY 1. The first people to receive baptism were the Jews also called as Judeo-Christians. They are baptized in their adulthood after hearing the teachings of Jesus through the Apostles. 2. Saul was the former name of St. Paul before his Baptism and Conversion. 3. Having a new faith entails new life, hence, before baptism they must have a strong will not to sin again and change their lives. 4. Like St. Paul and St. Augustine, every sinner has a great future and a chance to be good. Through Baptism, they were given a new life in Christ. 5. Culture and History play a vital role in the development of Baptism. Like in the discussion of Infant 6. Baptism which is greatly affected by the Bubonic Plague in the early times. 7. Godparents act as second parents to baptized Christians ensuring them to grow in holiness and development in the Christian Faith.