Should Infants Be Baptized — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

The New Testament records baptisms of those who heard and believed: 'They that gladly received his word were baptized' (Acts 2:41). The Ethiopian eunuch said, 'See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?' Philip answered, 'If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest' (Acts 8:36-37). Baptists, Pentecostals, and many evangelicals argue baptism requires personal faith and repentance, which infants cannot exercise. However, paedobaptists (Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans, Catholics) note household baptisms: 'She was baptized, and her household' (Acts 16:15), and 'he... was baptized, he and all his, straightway' (Acts 16:33). They see baptism as the new covenant equivalent of circumcision, which was given to infants (Colossians 2:11-12). Jesus said, 'Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not' (Mark 10:14). Peter declared, 'The promise is unto you, and to your children' (Acts 2:39). Both sides agree on essentials: salvation is by grace through faith, children are loved by God, and the community of faith has responsibility for nurturing the young. This is a secondary issue where Christians can disagree in good conscience.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages