I had begun studying the Book of John with a friend a few months ago. A practice I picked up was taking concepts of interest and researching their cultural significance to that timeframe and place. One such concept was baptism. I felt it was truly a wonderful and insightful glimpse. However after starting my historiography class, I feel compelled to research it again. This time double-checking the author of the articles and sites to see by what authority they have written their information.
Baptism is an interesting subject. There are well-known facts about baptism that some don't think about. However I want to mention some of the things that I learned that both fascinate and astound me.
Purpose - It was used for so many things. Converting Gentiles to Judaism. Purification for women after their monthly cycle. Purification of anyone that touched unclean or dead things. Purification of items or clothes. Purification of sins. Some people were baptized monthly, weekly, or even daily. It was used before ceremonies and festivals. Baptism was extremely popular in their culture.
Where - There were rules for what water you could use or not use to be baptized with. Most often it was in a tank of some sort. It had to be pure water. The tank had to be in the ground or attached to the ground. The water couldn't be drawn or flowing in a man made fashion. Springs are good things, but you couldn't use them if something unclean helped direct it's flow. There were tanks all throughout Jerusalem for baptism in addition to, say, the Jordan River.
How - Immersion. Yes, we know that already. Did you also know that the person usually stood during baptism? Kinda cool. But wait, there is more. The person being baptized had to prepare for the ceremony by trimming and cleaning their nails and undressing. That is right. The person being baptized was utterly naked. There was usually someone witnessing the baptism in the water with the person, but against popular belief their didn't touch the person being baptized. This is a whole new picture isn't it. The person was immersed three times.
Sources - I looked up a lot, ended up not using most because I felt they were not based on solid authority. So my list is down to three. Here you go. There is a lot to be learned here. Notice none of my sources are wikipedia. If your in school, take note and follow my example.
http://jesus-messiah.com/html/mikveh.html
http://www.discoveret.org/lcoc/news/00n0509.htm
http://www.haydid.org/ronimmer.htm
This is a place where I am study God's Word for myself. I am a bit of a historian so also including some research into the culture of the times and people that I come across as I read the Bible will be here too. This is just a way for me to share what I learn with others as well as feel like I am being held accountable for keeping up with my devotions. I am lazy by nature and need that small check and balance.
I well remember the preparations that went on in my heart before my baptism. My whole family was viewing the event as a most special occasion. I was quite solemn and excited both that this was an
ReplyDeleteact to publicly witness before God and mankind my decision to walk with my Savior and give my life to Him. I thought on my baptism date about the joy of my guardian angel and my recording angel who kept track of my life, along with the hosts of millions of angels rejoicing with my Heavenly Father and my earthly family and church friends. It was an interesting experience. Besides knowing that the act of baptism itself didn't not change in a twinkling of an eye everything about me, I was thinking of the progressive road looking ever upward to Heaven to Jesus to lead me
forward. Standing in the baptismal font ready to bury my old life of sin and emerge anew with a fresh start to seek to follow the bidding of the Holy Spirit, I was in for a surprise as I was dunked under the water. I never knew that being laid back into the water to bury my old self away to emerge into a life of newness of resolve to be a most sincere follower of Christ that my legs and feet would come up to the water surface. Big surprise to me! The pastor lifted my body up with an arm for me to hold onto and his other behind me to lift me back up, but my feet were no where near the bottom of the baptismal tank. I can only remember a moment of floundering legs before I finally could stand on my own again, and to step aside while my dear older brother was baptized. I was greeted outside the lobby of the church after changing, and received a further blessing: one of the older ladies told me there in late afternoon sunshine that while they had sung hymns until the baptism was started that she had heard angels singing beautifully filling in the whole sanctuary full with many praising along with those who attended this special event that day. The memory of her telling me of the angels rejoicing and filling the entire church during our baptisms has stuck with me ever since. I moved forward in life and Christian growth, faithfully studying God's Word as He spoke through the scriptures of the Bible to me. I learned many passages of the Bible and became familiar with looking up any place someone quoted from. My life has had many benefits from my walk with God. He has helped me through good times and bad, and even has helped me to see sometimes how the things that seemed bad to me were the very best things I could ever have had, but just didn't know it. It is proof so many times over to me that God really means what He says, "In all things, give thanks!"
Amen.
Delete