Ephesians 4:5 – one baptize

… one body and one spirit, according as you were called also with one expectation of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism…

From prison Paul writes in the verses in sevenfold “the unity of the spirit”. It’s in contrast with the duality that was characteristic before (2: 14- 16). With on the one hand “the circumcision” (Israel) and on the other hand “the foreskin” (the nations). In the book of Acts we see “the twelve” preaching with a view to Israel’s repentance. And Paul turns to nations, because of Israel’s unbelief. In the ending of Acts we then see that for Israel the curtain falls.

However, until that time we see to ministries, two expectations, but also two different baptizes. One baptize in water, like John once started. And there is a baptize in the spirit, like Christ would do. Both baptizes operate next to each other. Even Paul baptized some in water, although he was aware that Christ hadn’t sent him for that (1 Corinthians 1).

With Paul’s revelation of the secret, from the prison (3: 3), we see that (Israel’s) rituals are no longer relevant. Only “one baptize” is yet decisive. No baptize in water, but the baptize in Christ!

Delen: