Paul thanked God that he had baptized so few.[40] He could not have spoken thus slightly of Christian baptism. It must have dawned upon him that in the fulness of the Christian dispensation there was no place for water baptism; otherwise how could he thank God that he had baptized so few? What dispenser of water baptism could give such thanks in this day? Paul circumcised Timothy, and perhaps Titus, because of the Jews. Did he not baptize those few with water for the same pacific purpose, or did he not at first receive full light upon this subject?[41]
Some assume that Christ gave others authority to baptize which did not extend to Paul.
We cannot believe that all Christ's ministers to the end of the world were commissioned to baptize with water, Paul only rejected.[42] This reflects unjustly upon Paul, the great apostle to us Gentiles.[43] Is it not a mere evasion of the gospel truth here and elsewhere inculcated, that Christ gave no commission to baptize with water?[44]
John the Baptist was sent or commissioned to baptize with water and the Holy Spirit once descended as John baptized with water.[45]
The apostles were commissioned to go preach the Gospel after they should be endued with power from on high.[46]
We read that the Holy Spirit descended as the apostles preached the Gospel. [47] Neither the apostles nor disciples were ever commissioned to baptize with water; and so far as we read, the Holy Spirit never descended as they did baptize with water.
FOOTNOTES:
[31] 1 Cor. 1.17; Acts 13.47; Rom. 1.16
[32] Luke 24.47; Luke 24.49