Quote:
Originally Posted by KWSS1976
So how would you classify the phillipian jailer in Acts?
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An argument from abstentia does not substantiate a doctrinal position. We cannot determine doctrine from what is not said in scripture, only from what is clearly stated. Scripture is replete, the pattern of New Birth into the kingdom is 1.) repentance, 2.) water baptism, and 3.) Spirit baptism. I would suggest that the Phillipian jailer's full experience emulates what is declared throughout scripture, although it was not specifically recorded as such in
Acts 16. But consider the internal evidence of the fullness of the Phillipain Jailer's experience here:
Acts 16:30-34
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (
REPENTANCE)
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they
spake unto him the word of the Lord (THE
APOSTLES DOCTRINE), and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them
the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized (
WATER BAPTISM), he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and
rejoiced,
believing in God with all his house. (
SPIRIT BAPTISM IS SOMEWHERE IN THIS MAN'S EXPERIENCE)
Scripture does not specifically identify Spirit baptism as it is referenced in other passages... but there is clearly repentance, water baptism, and a genuine God experience, thus "rejoicing and believing with all his house". The abscence of identification of Spirit baptism does not nullify the replete references in scripture as to the necessity of this experience. We can only assert that if this man and his house ended up saved, he too experienced Spirit baptism, either immdiately, or at some point in his life.
We know that Paul preached Spirit baptism, because that is exactly what he wanted to know from the Ephesian disciples in
Acts 19 "have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed"... that was part of Paul's message... and we assert that is the same message he preached to the jailer's house. Paul's message was consistent "but though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"
Gal 1:8