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Pre-Christian through the Second Century  >>

The Early Church Fathers on the Sacrament of Baptism and Infant Baptism.

 

  • Early Church Fathers
  • From the Scriptures

 

 

  1. St. Hermas, (A.D. c.40-100)
    The Didache, (A.D. 80-90)
    St. Justin Martyr, (A.D. 100-163)
    St. Theophilus of Antioch, (unknown - A.D. c.186)
    St. Irenæus of Lyons, (A.D. 125-202)
    Recognitions of Clement I of Rome, (A.D. c.150-170)
    St. Clement of Alexandria, (A.D. 150-220)
    Tertullian, (A.D. 160-218)
    St. Hippolytus of Rome, (A.D. 170-236)
    Origen of Alexandria, (A.D. 184-253)
St. Hermas, (A.D. c.40-100), author of the book called "The Shepherd" (A.D. c.90-c.150): a work which had great authority in ancient times, considered a valuable book by many Christians.

"I have even now heard from certain teachers that there is no other penitence besides that, when we go down into the water, and receive the remission of our sins."

Lib. ii. Mand. iv. n. 3, Galland. T. i.
The Faith of Catholics, Volume 2, Page 109

"Before a man receives the name of the Son of God, he is destined unto death; but when he receives that seal, he is liberated from death, and delivered unto life. Now that seal is the water into which men go down bound unto death, but come up assigned unto life."

L. iii. Simil. ix. c 16.
The Faith of Catholics, Volume 2, Page 109

The Didache, (A.D. 80-90) the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (Didache means "Teaching") is a brief early Christian treatise, dated by most scholars to the late first or early 2nd century.

After the foregoing instructions, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living [running] water. If you have no living water, then baptize in other water, and if you are not able in cold, then in warm. If you have neither, pour water three times on the head, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Before baptism, let the one baptizing and the one to be baptized fast, as also any others who are able. Command the one who is to be baptized to fast beforehand for one or two days.

Didache 7:1 [ca. A.D. 70]

St. Justin Martyr, (A.D. 100-163), Samaritan; born in Sichem (Naplousia) in Palestine; a platonic philosopher, apologist, and martyr for the faith; he was a convert to Catholic Christianity in A.D. 133. He wrote two Apologies for the Christian religion, one addressed to Antoninus, the other to Marcus Aurelius. He was martyred at Rome in the year 163.

As many as are persuaded and believe that what we [Christians] teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, and instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we pray and fast with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the Father... and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit [Matt. 28:19], they then receive the washing with water. For Christ also said, "Unless you are born again, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven".

First Apology 61 [A.D. 151]

St. Theophilus of Antioch, (unknown - A.D. c.186), Patriarch of Antioch, born pagan but embraced Christianity by studying the Holy Scriptures, especially the prophetical books. Wrote against idols, made contributions to Christian literature, polemics, exegetics, and apologetics.

"Moreover God blessed the creatures formed of the waters; that this might foreshow that, hereafter, all who come to the truth, and are regenerated, and receive a blessing from God, should obtain repentance and remission of sins, through water and the laver of regeneration."

Ad Autolych. L. ii. n. 16, p. 361, Ed. Ben. S. Justini, Paris. 1742.
The Faith of Catholics, Volume 2, Page 111

St. Irenæus of Lyons, (A.D. 125-202), Asia Minor; bishop, missionary, theologian, defender of orthodoxy. Though by birth a Greek, he was Bishop of Lyons in the second century. He tells us that, in his early youth, he learned the rudiments of religion from St. Polycarp, the disciple of St. John the Apostle. He wrote several works, of which only a few fragments are now known, with the exception of his Treatise against Heretics which we have in five books.

He [Jesus] came to save all through himself - all, I say, who through him are reborn in God; infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . . . [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age.

Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]

Recognitions of Clement I of Rome, (A.D. c.150-170), though its authorship is spurious; could be another Clement.

But you will perhaps say, 'What does the baptism of water contribute toward the worship of God?' In the first place, because that which has pleased God is fulfilled. In the second place, because when you are regenerated and born again of water and of God, the frailty of your former birth, which you have through men, is cut off, and so . . . you shall be able to attain salvation; but otherwise it is impossible. For thus has the true prophet [Jesus] testified to us with an oath: "Verily, I say to you, that unless a man is born again of water . . . he shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven".

Recognitions of Clement 6:9 [A.D. 221]

St. Clement of Alexandria, (A.D. 150-220), Greek; theologian, a scholar of Pantaenus, to whom he succeeded as head of the Catechetical School at Alexandria, Egypt. His writings display great acquaintance with the Gentile philosophy. He wrote with the express design of hiding the mysteries of the Christian religion from the Pagans, and the uninitiated, while at the same time, laboring to show the immense practical superiority of the Christian code of morals over that of every Pagan sect and system of philosophy.

Having stated that Christ was baptized, "and by lavation alone was perfected and sanctified by the descent of the Spirit, "he says: "The very same thing happens in our regard, to whom Christ was an example. Being baptized, we are enlightened; being enlightened, we receive the adoption of sons; receiving the adoption, we are perfected; being perfected, we are rendered immortal. "I saith he, have said ye are gods, and all of you sons of the Most High." (Psalm 81)

But this act has various titles, — grace, illumination, that which is perfect, and the washing (laver). The washing, because through it we cast away our sins: grace, because by it the punishments due to our sins are remitted: illumination, because through it we behold that holy saving light; that is, by it the eye is sharpened to behold the divine: that which is perfect, because so we designate that to which nothing is wanting, — for what is wanting to him who knows God? For it is really absurd for that which is not perfect to be called God's grace. But He who is perfect will assuredly vouchsafe perfect (gifts.)"

Paedag. L. i. c. 6, p. 113.
The Faith of Catholics, Volume 2, Page 111-112

Tertullian, (A.D. 160-218), North African; ecclesiastical writer, Christian apologist and lawyer, son of a centurion and contemporary of St. Irenæus, a native and citizen of Carthage. The zeal and ability with which he defended the Christian cause, and vindicated its faith and discipline, have immortalized his name, though it has suffered by his adoption, around the year A.D. 200, of some of the Montanist's errors, whose cause he is thought to have supported until his death. His works are numerous, and are written with great ability and erudition, but in an harsh style.

[N]o one can attain salvation without baptism, especially in view of the declaration of the Lord, who says, "Unless a man shall be born of water, he shall not have life".

On Baptism 12:1 [A.D. 203]

When we are about to enter the water— no, just a little before— In the church and under the hand of the bishop, we solemnly profess that we renounce the devil and his pomps and his angels. Thereupon we are immersed three times.

The Crown 3:2 [A.D. 211]

St. Hippolytus of Rome, (A.D. 170-236), Roman; bishop and martyr, probably a scholar of St. Irenæus of Lyons.

Where there is no scarcity of water the stream shall flow through the baptismal font or pour into it from above; but if water is scarce, whether on a constant condition or on occasion, then use whatever water is available. Let them remove their clothing. Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them.

The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D.215]

Origen of Alexandria, (A.D. 184-253), Alexandrian; born in Egypt, philosopher, theologian, writer.

The Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptism even to infants. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of divine sacraments, knew there is in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit.

Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]

 

 

Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: "For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church." "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn.

 

 

The Church's Scriptures that support Baptism and Infant Baptism in the Church:


Jesus commissioning His Apostles.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that
I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus tells us of the necessity of Baptism.

5 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.


John 3:5

Peter continues Jesus' teaching that all be baptized by the Church.

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:37-38

Philip baptizes a eunuch

36 And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water; and the eunuch said: See, here is water: what doth hinder me from being baptized? 37 And Philip said: If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answering, said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch: and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing.

 

Acts 8:36-39

Paul is baptized by Ananias

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, he that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest; that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and rising up, he was baptized.

 

Acts 9:17-18

Peter commands his fellows disciples to baptize those in his company.

47 Then Peter answered: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost, as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they desired him to tarry with them some days.

 

Act 10:47-48

St. Paul tells us all are born with Adam's sin and need baptism.

18 Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man's obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Romans 5:18-21

St. Paul gives us a Catechesis on baptism.

4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, 6 which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.


Titus 3:4-7

The Church's Scriptures on Infant Baptism and Jesus' love and concern for the smallest of children:

 

Daughter healed because of the Canaanite woman's faith.

22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." 24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.


Matthew 15:22-28

It is not the will of God that children be damned.

10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in Heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in Heaven. 11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 18:10-14

Jesus says, "Let the children come to me."

13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; 14 but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven." 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.


Matthew 19:13-15

Our Lord tells His disciples to let the children come to Him

13 And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.


Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing even infants to him.

15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."


Luke 18:15-17

Paul and Silas baptize Lydia and her whole household.

14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.


Acts 16:14-15

Paul and Silas baptize a prison guard and his whole household.

29 And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and brought them out and said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" 31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family.


Acts 16:29-33

Crispus, his family, and other Corinthians are baptized.

8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his household; and many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

Acts 18:8

St. Paul tells us: "I baptized the household of Stephanas".

16 I did baptize also the household of Stephanas.


1 Corinthians 1:16

For other Biblical aspects of Baptism visit this page from:

http://www.AskACatholic.com/ScripturePassages

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Suggestions for this web page and the web site can be sent to Mike Humphrey
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