“…and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized, and he took food and was strengthened.” (Acts 9:18-19)
When Paul had gone three days without food or drink, the first thing he did was be baptized. Don’t tell Paul baptism isn’t important. Paul was more concerned about washing away the sins of his soul than sustaining his body.
He certainly found it to be necessary. Paul’s behavior makes me think that perhaps the early Christians knew something about the importance of baptism the modern religious world has willfully forgotten.
When baptisms are scheduled out so they can be done quarterly or en masse or when baptisms are relegated to a convenient time and are based upon when the most amount of people can be there to view it, we have lost our way. Baptism is not for show; it is for salvation.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Acts 9:10-19
Questions to ask:
- How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
- How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
- What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
- What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision