Baptism

The rite, meaning, and preparation for baptism.

Passages that substantially address this topic, in date order.

• Didache 7.1Anonymous · ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) · Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in running water.
• Didache 7.2Anonymous · ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) · Other water may be used if running water is not available.
• Didache 7.3Anonymous · ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) · If there is not enough water, pour water on the head three times.
• Didache 7.4Anonymous · ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) · Fast before baptism.
• Didache 9.5Anonymous · ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) · Only the baptized may share in the Eucharist.
• Epistle of Barnabas 11.1Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · Scripture foretold baptism and the cross.
• Epistle of Barnabas 11.10Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · The river with trees of life.
• Epistle of Barnabas 11.11Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · We go down into baptism full of sin and come up bearing fruit.
• Epistle of Barnabas 11.2Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · Jeremiah: Israel forsook the fountain of life.
• Epistle of Barnabas 11.5Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · Isaiah: the sure water and the king in glory.
• Epistle of Barnabas 11.6Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · Psalm 1: the tree planted by streams of water.
• Epistle of Barnabas 11.8Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · The tree and the water in Psalm 1 are the cross and baptism.
• Epistle of Barnabas 16.8Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · Forgiven and made new, we become God's dwelling.
• Epistle of Barnabas 6.11Anonymous · ca. 70–135 (often ca. 130) · Forgiveness renewed us like newly formed children.
• 2 Clement 6.9Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · If even the righteous cannot save others, we must keep our baptism pure.
• 2 Clement 7.6Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · Those who break the seal of baptism face unending punishment.
• 2 Clement 8.6Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · Keep the flesh pure and the seal of baptism unstained.
• To the Ephesians 18.2Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · Christ was conceived by Mary, born, and baptized to sanctify the water of baptism.
• To Polycarp 6.2Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · Christians are soldiers of God, armed with baptism, faith, love, and endurance, and rewarded for their works.
• To the Smyrnaeans 8.2Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · Where the bishop is, there the people should be, as the catholic church is where Christ is.