

The Evidence for Infant Baptism in the First Century: A Response to Gavin Ortlund
15 snips Aug 6, 2025
A deep dive into the historical roots of infant baptism reveals its significance in the early church. The discussion highlights household baptisms and insights from theologians, enriching our understanding of the practice. Biblical contexts are explored to unveil how early Christians connected scripture to the baptism of children, weaving together Old Testament traditions with family dynamics of faith. The episode challenges listeners to reconsider the role of infants in religious practices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
New Testament Household Baptisms
- New Testament examples of baptism often mention household baptisms without excluding children.
- This suggests infants were likely baptized alongside their parents in early Christian practice.
Meaning of 'Household' in Texts
- The term 'household' (oikos) in the New Testament includes wives, children, and often servants.
- Evidence shows the term frequently emphasizes children, supporting their inclusion in baptism.
Ancient Household Faith Concept
- The faith of a father as head of the household symbolized the family's collective faith in the ancient world.
- Conversion was understood as a household event, not just an individual spiritual experience.