Acts 19:3

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied.

American Standard Version (1901)

And he said, Into what then were ye baptized? And they said, Into John’s baptism.

Bible in Basic English

And he said, What sort of baptism did you have? And they said, The baptism of John.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And he said: In what then were you baptized? Who said: In John’s baptism.

Free Bible Version

“So what baptism did you receive?” he asked. “John's baptism,” they replied.

Geneva Bible 1599

And he said vnto them, Vnto what were ye then baptized? And they saide, Vnto Iohns baptisme.

King James (Authorized) Version

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

Plain English Version

So Paul asked them, “Who baptised you, and why did they do it?” They said, “We got John the Baptiser to baptise us, to show we were sorry for doing bad things.”

Translation for Translators

So Paul asked, “So when you were baptized, what were you showing?” They replied, “We were showing that we (exc) believed what John the Baptizer taught.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Paul said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.”

Noah Webster Bible

And he said to them, Into what then were ye baptized? And they said, Into John's baptism.

World English Bible

He said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.”

Young's Literal Translation

and he said unto them, 'To what, then, were ye baptized?' and they said, 'To John's baptism.'

Context

The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus

²and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” ³“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied.

Summary

In Acts 19:3, Paul encounters some disciples in Ephesus who had only received the baptism of John the Baptist, not knowing about the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the importance of understanding the fullness of the gospel message, including the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. It serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves a complete surrender to God and a continual seeking of His presence and power. Paul's teaching to these disciples shows the need for ongoing spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God beyond initial conversion.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized?.... The apostle takes it for granted that they were baptized, since they were not only believers, but disciples; such as not only believed with the heart, but had made a profession of their faith, and were followers of Christ; but asks unto what they were baptized; either in whose name they were baptized, since Christian baptism was administered in the name of the Spirit, as well as in the name of the Father and of the Son; or what attended or followed their baptism, seeing sometimes the Holy Ghost fell upon persons, either before baptism, or at it, or after it: and they said, unto John's baptism; some think they had never been baptized at all with water baptism, only had received the doctrine preached by John, concerning repentance and remission of sins, and so were baptized unto him, professing the same doctrine he did, just as the Israelites were baptized into Moses; others think they were baptized, but very wrongly, being baptized in the name of John, and not in the name of Jesus Christ; and so, as it was not Christian baptism they had submitted to, it was right to baptize them again: but neither of these are probable, for it is not likely that they should receive John's doctrine, and not his baptism; that they should be his disciples and followers, and not attend to the more distinguishing branch of his ministry; and it is still more unlikely that they should be baptized in his name, who preached Jesus Christ to his followers, and pointed out to them the Lamb of God, and declared him to be greater than he; it seems rather that they were baptized, and that they were baptized in the name of Christ, as John's disciples were, as the apostle affirms in the following words.