The Sign, the Gift, and the Bond
And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” Acts 8:36
Selected Texts in Acts – The Mark and Meal of the New Covenant Community
Fifth Sunday in Lent – April 3, 2022 (am)
Various passages in the book of Acts.
I. Last week Kipp referred to himself as part of the B team, inferring that Pastor Daryle is the first string, and he and by extension me as well, are the second string. Fair enough! But for me this reality is kind of like the photograph I had taped to the wall by my bed when I was a kid. It was a newspaper clipping with the great Willie Mays on the left, the first five tool player in baseball, 650 or so home runs, and on the right Ernie Banks, home run hitting, think 523 total, shortstop and 1st baseman, two-time MVP for the Chicago Cubs. Between them with his arm around both of their shoulders was a little round man, a utility outfielder for the Cubs named Al Spangler. The caption below the photograph was a quote by Al Spangler… “Between the three of us, we have hit over 1000 home runs! Ladies and Gentlemen. You are looking at Al Spangler!
II. Summary of Kipp’s message:
I want to begin by summarizing Kipp’s message from last week titled “The mark and the meal of the new covenant community.” And know this, that I am aware of the difficulty of fairly summarizing anything, and this is especially so when speaking of a passionate and foundationally ordered exposition of the nature and purpose and gift that is baptism. But nonetheless, here goes:
The redeemed are a necessarily exclusive group. And so it is for the baptized. We are baptized into fraternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. We plead his righteousness and his alone at the bar of heavenly justice. And whether our company be large or small we stand on that ground and by the grace of God will not be moved.
Baptism is a truth that straddles the church universal as well as the church local. To signify our position in Christ broadly for all times and in all places is part of what it means to be baptized. But the pattern in scripture is that baptism signifies the ‘adding to’ and ‘acting as one’ with the local body of believers to which you are attached at the hip!
Acts’ 2 36-47 illustrates a particular order in the marching orders of the redeemed. That order includes repentance, belief, baptism, being added to, acting as one, communion, or celebrating the meal of new covenant community. This order is particular, it ought not be scrambled, and every step is an unfolding gift, each one made more potent in its implications by the others upon which it builds.
Finally, we must never separate the peanut butter from the jelly! The clear implication is that just as a peanut butter sandwich without jelly loses all of its existential meaning, so it is that saving faith must not and indeed cannot be separated from the gift and the sign that is baptism, nor from the celebration that is the communion meal.
Though I would not differ with Pastor Kipp at all on the foundational principle or philosophy of the peanut butter sandwich, I would suggest a couple of observations about the logistical practice of a peanut butter sandwich…. For example, leave the heel in the bread bag for someone else, and leave the raspberry seeds out of the jelly!
But here is the point. The practice, the actual practice of a peanut butter sandwich matters! What I intend to do this morning, and pray for me toward this end if you will, is to walk through scripture and make some observations about the practice of baptism and communion in the local church, particularly in the book of Acts. I want us to see what they look like on the ground! My desire is that we will collectively assemble some tools here that will help us to be wise and discerning about how to best practice these new covenant marks and to use them well for God’s glory and our good.
III. Observations on the mark/ordinance of baptism in the book of Acts:
1. The mark of the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry
Acts 1:21-22 [page 909 in your pew bible] 21 So, one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
It is interesting yes, to read here how it is that Peter qualifies the requirement? The replacement for Judas must have accompanied them from beginning to end, from Jesus’ baptism by John to his bodily resurrection. Peter selects these two highly specific points of reference. There is no confusion or ambiguity here. He selects the baptism of Jesus by John as the mark or sign of his public ministry. This by the way is not to suggest that Jesus was not about his Father’s business prior to baptism. Rather it simply suggests that his baptism marked the putting on of the mantle of public ministry.
And that is the first observation: Baptism matters. For many of us, it is our baptism that has become the line of demarcation. It is our Rubicon, a pretty insignificant stream, as streams go, but for Julius Caesar in 49 BC it marked a point of no return, a line that once crossed would mark him forever in the eyes of Roman law. His famous quote still resonates with us today, yes? “The die is cast.” So, it was in the perception of Peter when he identified the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.
2. Philipp in Samaria:
Acts 8:4-24 [916] 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city[a] of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. “9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles[b] performed, he was amazed… 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall[c] of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
Observations:
First of all, the true gospel wins. Falsehood cannot stand in the steady light of truth. The truth of the gospel will rise to the top!
Second, in verse 7 it says, “and there was much joy in the city.” We see here and we will continue to see that joy accompanies baptism, as well it ought!
Third, the baptism of Simon tells us a couple of important things:
We can get it wrong!
Because that is so, we need to be careful! Why? Because with the imprimatur [or warrant or sanction] of baptism Simon was able to exert an undue, unhealthy influence on the young and naïve church.To be wrongly baptized will in the end lead to uncertainty, fear, and doubt to say nothing of judgement, and very opposite of the assurance built into its design.
Evidence of the Holy Spirit accompanies and indeed precedes authentic baptism, like peanut butter and jelly. [Admittedly it is hard to tell is it not? And that is why we baptize carefully and when we can we allow some time to assess genuine heart change, not as some kind of hurdle to jump over, but as a kindness to the person, as well as a protection of the church.]
Folks, according to Simon, baptism was like a magic charm… It is not magic, it does not provide a secret power, and it does not provide cover for falsehood
3. Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch:
Acts 8:26-39 [917] 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south[d] to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”[e] 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
Observations:
First there is eagerness!
Second there is urgency!
Third, there is the hard work of teaching toward understanding in order to anchor belief and trust in the scriptures
Fourth, here as elsewhere there is always a person to do the baptizing. We do not appropriate it for ourselves. It is blessedly passive in the sense that it is received…. Not grasped! It is not so much that we identify with Christ in baptism, rather it is us who are identified by him, to be with him. [It is no small mercy that this man was able to return to Ethiopia as a baptized believer, who was now able to joyfully proclaim good news to his countrymen and being baptized, would have been able to baptize others.
Next, notice the ordinary nature of the element. “Here is water.” This water seems to be ordinary in every sense. If it is sanctified in some way is so by the working of God not by some ritual of men. The elements of nature take on a conformity to the will and grace of God. We see this all over the place in scripture: bread, water, fire, donkey, lily, hyssop, wheat and grapes, stones, lamps, baskets, and fish!
Finally, notice that the scene concludes with clear and unrestrained rejoicing! So, our baptisms ought ever to be!
[note that there are other observations that we could make, but time does not permit…]
4. The baptism of Cornelius and his household:
Acts 10:44-48 [919] While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 11:15-18 [920] As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Observations:
First of all the association of the Holy Spirit with baptism is quite clear. And if you read this carefully, it is clear that the Holy Spirit is given upon believing and before baptism. The connection is what Peter focuses on here.
This baptism breaks all cultural barriers. It is not a respecter of persons. It is available to all. [story of River Forest golf club]
It is bigger than us, larger than our prejudices, it outshines our best hopes. Why? Because it is not founded on our pedigree, our righteousness, our accomplishments, our knowledge, our wisdom, our travails, our accumulated wisdom or our spiritual fervor. It is grace upon grace, given to the children of God as a gift and a sign. That is why we rejoice in it for the young as well as the old. That is why our rejoicing may be unrestrained.
Baptism can turn the church upside down. It is a big deal in what it signifies!
5. The baptism of Lydia and the Philippian jailor:
Acts 16:13-15 [923] And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 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 pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Observations:
First, it was generously given, not hoarded. [Mike Ditka once said of George Halas, “He throws nickels around as if they were man-hole covers.” Folks the stewardship of the gospel is a generous stewardship, open to all, freely given. As it surely was for Paul, so it is for us, a joy and a gift that becomes sweeter day by day and life by life.
There is once again a sense of urgency. “Let’s get these people baptized!”
It is accompanied by thoughtful attention to the content of the gospel, [the Lord opened her heart]
The gospel mercifully spreads from one baptized person to those they love
Service to Christ will naturally follow and accompany baptism, as naturally as a glass of cold milk follows a peanut butter sandwich.
Finally, there is a church in Philippi. Before Paul leaves town he stops back to see Lydia and the ‘brothers.’ The reason that matters is that baptism is a gift of grace given not only to the individual but to the church as well.
6. Baptism of the Philippian jailor:
Acts: 16:29-34 [923] And the jailer[e] called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, 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 who 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, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Observations:
Are you beginning to see the repeated connections?
First of all do you catch the earnestness that accompanies and ought to accompany the path of baptism?
Once again, there is urgency
Once again teaching toward understanding is generous, timely and sufficient to anchor sincere repentance and belief.
Once again, the response is twofold, to rejoice and to serve.
Note the simple clarity of the gospel faithfully presented to this Roman jailor. Grace upon grace.
7. Apollos and the baptism of John:
Acts 18:24-27 [927-928] Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit,[d] he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed.
Observations:
First, note that all things looked good for Apollos, competent in the scriptures, eloquent in preaching, instructed in the way of the Lord, fervent in spirit, speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus… What could be wrong? His baptism was flawed through incomplete understanding. He only knew the baptism of John.
Second, In the context of the church he was pulled aside, not out of a desire to put him in his place or to humble him in some way, but rather to simply explain, to teach him the way of God more accurately.
Third, though it is not explicit, it would appear from the next chapter that he was likely rebaptized, though that word is misleading because his first baptism was clearly not a sign of identity with the resurrected Christ. But a word of caution may be in order here. This is not to suggest that we can go into the waters of baptism with some sense that we may simply get re-baptized one day if we feel like we need to, as if we get a kind of mulligan! That is a most dangerous presumption. The risks are several. It is a dangerous misappropriation of the sign first all. It is also dangerous for the new believer because it opens the new believer to the reverberating darts of our accuser who would be quick to suggest that our baptism may be the response of a wavering heart to the very sign by which assurance and anchored secure identity ought to rest. [And folks, this is an area where the wisdom and love of your brothers and sisters and your Elders can help!]
Finally note that in the protective shepherding presence of those wiser and more mature perhaps, he was encouraged. He was equipped, and he was sent in full possession of his giftedness to help those who as it says “through grace had believed.“
8. The 12 disciples at Ephesus:
Acts 19:1-7 [928] And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland[a] country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in[b] the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.
Observations:
First, though it is a hard question perhaps, it is okay to ask clearly and directly, “into what were you baptized.”
Second, it is fair to ask I think, “what does it mean, ‘John’s baptism’? Paul makes it crystal clear actually. They had received a baptism of repentance, pointing to one who was to come, but were ignorant of the one, this Jesus who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Third, once again we see that baptism can be wrongly conferred, wrongly relied upon.
Fourth, a faulty baptism can be remedied, praise God.
Finally, they through proper thoughtful, insightful teaching were free to embrace the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. It is fair to say I think that their similarities with Apollos were somewhat superficial, and they were probably not believers, though disciples. Yet the Lord opened their hearts. Grace upon grace!
Another note: The real root trouble with knowing only the baptism of John was this. To be utterly ignorant of the Holy Spirit is to be ignorant of resurrected life, since the Holy Spirit is the Helper given in power and grace after Jesus has been both resurrected and ascended. To sever the connection between baptism and resurrection life is way worse than separating Peanut Butter and Jelly! It strips the symbols of their meaning. For baptism is fundamentally about the pounding realities of death and life. They are found in every echo of the ordinance, and as we shall see they are absolutely fundamental to the other mark given to the church, the ordinance of Communion, or as we like to call it “The Lord’s Supper.” Let’s consider that ‘mark’ for a minute.
IV. Observation on the Mark/ ordinance of Communion: [957-959]
1 Corinthians 10:15-17 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
1 Corinthians 11:17-22 17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,[e] 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
1 Corinthians 11:27-33 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.[h] 31 But if we judged[i] ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined[j] so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
33 So then, my brothers,[k] when you come together to eat, wait for[l] one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.
Observations:
[Story of Polar Bear if time,] this valuable thing is not put out of reach. It is well within reach, and so it must be, even knowing the dangers that may attend its abuse.! It is not hoarded, secreted, hidden as a cultic rite. Like baptism it is a simple ritual using common elements, but in a manner that is utterly different from any other thing that we experience in life.
This ordinance is entered into with the understanding that a body has been broken for us, that blood has been shed unto death that we might have life. Like baptism it is a symbol of death turned on its head and is an emblem of genuine and free and eternal life for us.
Like Baptism it can be corrupted, entered into wrongly, with significant and sobering consequences leading to judgement
Like baptism it is a fundamentally, and exclusively, a corporate celebration. It involves a ‘coming together,’ an ‘acting as one,’ to put it in the categories that Kipp outlined for us last week.
Like baptism, if wrongly entered, Communion will result in discipline from the Lord that may be hard to miss, principally the hardening and the wounding of an abused conscience.
Finally, like baptism it will be the mark of the church until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We do well to celebrate this ordinance often and rejoice with one another every single time we do.
A final note about ritual and symbol:
Are these ordinances or marks, in fact rituals, filled with ritual significance?
[def: a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.]
It would surely seem so. And if true, is their meaning mainly symbolic?
[The definition of symbolic is serving as a representation or is something that has a greater meaning because of what it represents. Smiling is an example of a symbolic gesture of welcome.]
And if that is so, are we over emphasizing their importance?
Story of Noelle’s commissioning. I thought it might be helpful to illustrate the importance of rituals with an example. When our daughter was commissioned into the National Guard, there was a ceremony to which we the parents and family were invited. It was not especially fancy, and it was not long, but every element mattered and followed a time-honored trajectory. There were speeches and charges to the new officers. They had to swear their allegiance to the constitution of the United States, and we listened to it all only dimly aware of the meaning of various elements.
But there was an informal part of the event that though not in the program was perhaps the most meaningful piece of all. I had no idea, until the morning of the event when my daughter asked me if I happened to have a silver dollar that she could have for the ceremony. [she noted that I would not be getting it back] So, I gave her one of the five that my grandmother had given me as a child. Here’s why she needed it: It was for the customary ‘silver dollar salute’ of every newly minted 2nd lieutenant. Once commissioned the first enlisted soldier to salute you in your new identity as a commissioned officer was to be given a silver dollar in a very particular manner. [palming it in a handshake]. Here’s why:
The "Silver Dollar" Salute. It is a tradition in our Army that newly commissioned second lieutenants present a silver dollar to the first enlisted Soldier who salutes them. The coin symbolically acknowledges the receipt of respect due the new rank and position.
I tell the story of course because it is near to my heart, but also because it is fundamentally emblematic of matters of death and life, and new rank and position speak of a new identity, and I also tell the story because it illustrates the real time importance of ritual and symbol. Be assured that these rituals are not superfluous, they matter indeed. And so, it is with the rituals of baptism and communion for the believer.
VI. Conclusion in three important questions:
1. Consider the ordering. If you participate in the Lord’s supper [communion] but have not been baptized, can you see the incongruity in the incorrect ordering of the progression of new life in Christ?
2. If your heart is not examined or if your heart is not in line with the remembrance and the celebration that form the foundation of this ordinance you do well to let the bread and the cup pass… But let me ask this, do you routinely let it pass? Like Tevia said, “It is no shame to be poor… but it is no great honor either.” It is not a place to pitch your tent! And it will be a poverty for your soul. And remember that just like with baptism, we bring only one thing to the table of the Lord, no make that two! Our sinful selves, and our grace enabled surrender to the body and blood of Jesus, slain for us, that we might live.
John, 6:47-51 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
3.. If the mark of baptism has sealed you into the body of Christ, and if you rejoice in the bread and the cup, knowing that your brothers and sisters are linked arm in arm with you in a greater fraternity with the Lord Jesus Christ, then what hinders membership in the church? As cup follows bread, and as bread and cup follow baptism, so it is that membership in the local body of Christ follows as surely and as predictably and as logically as night follows day. You know that we do not mandate membership here, and we even acknowledge that it is a difficult step for some, for a great many reasons. But we, your Elders here at GCD would have you receive that gift as a bond of your identity in Christ and with His church, that your celebration, your service, and giftedness might become more complete day by day, as we walk this Emmaus Road together… Amen.
_________________
End notes:
Stott, John. The Spirit, The Church, and the World page 302
Regarding the ‘baptism of Joan’ Stott suggests that it is rooted in the Old Testament, not the new, that it does not preclude all knowledge of the Holy Spirit. Nor does it necessarily preclude all knowledge of Jesus as savior. But it does suggest a lack of appreciation for Jesus’ resurrection, commission, and exaltation. He suggests that Apollos’ ‘grasp of these events was minimal.’
Why Does a Newly Commissioned Officer give a Silver Dollar to the Recipient of Their First Salute? (marlowwhite.com) The commissioning ceremony I witnessed was in 2017 at Loyola University and the commissioning was for the ROTC graduates.
NEXT WEEK: Behold, the King—Palm Sunday, The Arrival of the King, Mark 11:1–25