Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 14:2 (Fall 2023)
Article: Believers’ Baptism In The Patristic Writings
Author: Steven A. McKinion

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Believers’ Baptism In The Patristic Writings1

Steven A. McKinion

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC

Abstract: This article examines the early Christian perspectives on the subject and purpose of Christian baptism, shedding light on its universal practice within the early Church and its significant role in the church’s life. Although the article acknowledges the practice of baptizing children in the early church, it emphasizes that the key consideration was the individual’s faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sin, rather than their age. The writings from the third and fourth centuries reveal varying opinions regarding infant baptism, ranging from considering it a departure from traditional paedo-baptism to resisting the innovation of infant baptism. Jeremias’s work on infant baptism in the first four centuries highlights how the practice evolved, tracing its roots to Jewish proselyte baptism and incorporating Old Testament cultic language. However, debates persisted, with Tertullian presenting arguments against infant baptism and emphasizing faith as the basis for baptism. This article also explores how early church writings like the Didache, Justin Martyr’s First Apology, and Aristides’s Apology offer insights into baptism practices of the second century. Overall, the patristic writings reveal the evolving nature of baptism practices, influenced by theological considerations, views on sin, and the challenges posed by infant mortality.

Key Words: baptism, Baptists, Baptist theology, believers’ baptism, dogmatic theology, early church fathers, Tertullian

The purpose of this article is to present the early Christian views of who was to be the subject of Christian baptism. An examination of patristic writings in which the Church Fathers specifically addressed the ordinance of baptism, including the purposes for which baptism was to be administered, will be made to determine what the attitudes were toward

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the notion of baptizing only believers.2

Baptism was practiced universally in the early Church, from the New Testament forward. For those Christians who came after the New Testament period, baptism remained an essential component of the church’s life and practice.3 Christians celebrated baptism to mark a new convert’s confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. The rite of baptism also served as a means of initiation into the community of believers, the church. Use of the Triune Name in the administration of baptism...