Study
Study the argument
Every letter carries a summary, an argument outline, and indexes of the scripture, Greek terms, and authors Fairfield engages.
Greek and technical terms
βαπτίζω baptizō
to baptize; to wash ceremonially
The central word of the book. Fairfield argues that its New Testament sense is ceremonial purification rather than a specified mode.
Letter ILetter IILetter IIILetter IVLetter VLetter VILetter VIILetter XIILetter XIVLetter XV
βάπτω baptō
to dip; to dye
Fairfield uses bapto as an example of a word whose meaning developed beyond its earliest physical sense.
εἰς eis
into, to, unto
Discussed in connection with going down into the water and being baptized into Christ.
ἐκ ek
ἐν en
in, with, by
Discussed in connection with baptizing in water and with the Holy Spirit.
βαπτισμός baptismos
washing, ablution
Used of Jewish ceremonial washings, including the divers washings of Hebrews 9:10.
Scripture references
Hebrews 9:10
Divers washings (baptismois) of the ceremonial law.
Mark 7:2-4
Washing of hands, cups, pots, and couches.
Luke 11:38
The Pharisee marvels that Jesus had not first washed.
Romans 6:3-4
Buried with him by baptism into death.
Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, risen with him.
Acts 2:38
Repent and be baptized, every one of you.
Acts 2:41
About three thousand souls added in one day.
Acts 2:17
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.
Acts 1:5
Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:36-39
The eunuch on the desert road.
Acts 8:38-39
They went down into the water and came up out of it.
Acts 10:47
Can any man forbid water for Cornelius and his house?
Acts 16:33
The jailer baptized at midnight, he and all his.
Matthew 3:5-6
Multitudes baptized in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them.
John 3:23
John was baptizing in Ænon, because there was much water there.
2 Kings 5:14
Naaman dipped himself seven times in Jordan.
Leviticus 11:32
Unclean vessels put into water until the evening.
Numbers 19:13
The water of separation sprinkled upon the unclean.
Ezekiel 36:25
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you.
Titus 3:5-6
The washing of regeneration, shed on us abundantly.
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
Revelation 19:13
A vesture dipped in blood.
People and sources cited
Alexander Carson 1776–1844
Baptist writer whose work on baptism Fairfield engages at length.
Alexander Campbell 1788–1866
Leader of the Disciples movement, cited in the discussion of baptism and its design.
Josephus c. 37–100
Jewish historian cited for Greek usage of washing and purification language.
Justin Martyr c. 100–165
Early Christian apologist cited for the earliest descriptions of baptism.
Cyprian c. 200–258
Bishop of Carthage, cited on the baptism of the sick by pouring.
Chrysostom c. 347–407
Preacher and commentator cited on the language and practice of baptism.