Should Infants Be Baptized?
Should Infants Be Baptized? Christians disagree — some baptize infants as a sign of the covenant community, while others practice believer's baptism only, requiring personal faith first.
Key verse: Acts 2:41 (KJV)
Christians disagree — some baptize infants as a sign of the covenant community, while others practice believer's baptism only, requiring personal faith first.
Christians disagree — some baptize infants as a sign of the covenant community, while others practice believer's baptism only, requiring personal faith first.
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." — Acts 2:41 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
This is one of the oldest debates in Christianity. Those who practice infant baptism (paedobaptists) — including Reformed, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican, and Catholic traditions — point to household baptisms in Acts (Acts 16:15, 16:33, 1 Corinthians 1:16), the parallel with circumcision as a covenant sign given to infants (Colossians 2:11-12), and Jesus welcoming children (Mark 10:14). Those who practice believer's baptism (credobaptists) — Baptists, many evangelicals, and Pentecostals — argue that every clear example of baptism in the New Testament follows conscious faith and repentance: 'They that gladly received his word were baptized' (Acts 2:41). They note that baptism symbolizes personal identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Both sides agree that baptism does not save (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that children are precious to God. The disagreement is about the proper recipients of the sign, not its importance.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?
What the Bible teaches about baptism, its meaning, and its importance for believers.
Key Scripture References
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Is the Purpose of the Church?
The church exists to worship God, build up believers through teaching and fellowship, and reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Should Infants Be Baptized?
Theology & Doctrine
How to Be Baptized?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
Acts 2:38 — Meaning & Devotional
Salvation & Redemption
Acts 2:42 Commentary
In-depth study • Early Church Life
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Acts on day 309 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Should Infants Be Baptized?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.