Baptism in the early church
The book of Acts is an account of the beginning of the christian church and the work of the Holy Spirit in building it up. It is 28 chapters long covering a period of about 30 years after the ascension of Christ. This book shows how the brethren were spreading the message and how people were being converted. The following table shows the eight most detailed accounts of conversion. Apply the Mark 16:16 formula ;)
| BELIEF | REPENTANCE | CONFESSION | BAPTISM | |
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| Acts 2:37-41, 3000 Souls |  |
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| Acts 8:12, Simon and people of Samaria | |
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| Acts 8:35, Ethiopian Eunoch | |
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| Acts 9, Apostle Paul | |
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| Acts 10, Cornelius + the gentile believers | |
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| Acts 16:14, Lydia + household | |
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| Acts 16:30, Philippian Jailer + household | |
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| Acts 18:8, Crispus + the corinthians | |
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Some accounts of conversion are more vague; they 'believed'(Acts 17:12) or were persuaded (Acts 17:4). It would be wrong to say that they weren't baptized because it does not say they were. Baptism in the early church was fundamental, they knew it is necessary for salvation. So we see the way of salvation is: believe, repent, confess, be baptized.
Baptism in what name?
