I was pouring through the topic of Baptism in my copy of James Leo Garrett’s Systematic Theology this morning and he posed quite a thought that made me go “Hmmmm”. In Volume 2, page 516, he speaks of Baptism in the book of Acts. He poses this question:
Were all the early Christian believers baptized? What about the 120 in Jerusalem prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:15)? Had some of these been baptized by John the Baptist? Is there any evidence that they all had received Christian Baptism? is there any record that Apollos (Acts 18:24-28), who had known “only the baptism of John” (v. 25c) was subsequently baptized in Jesus’ name in the maner in which the “disciples” at Ephesus who had received John’s baptism were baptized (Acts 19:1-6)? Concerning the 120 and Apollos, Beasley-Murray has wanred: “It is misguided logic that deduces from their experience a primitive theology of the needlessness of baptism or the insignificance of any baptism that may have been administered by them.” But Paul wrote as if all Christian believers had been baptized in water (Rom 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13?).
What do you suppose? I don’t recall the Bible explicitly speaking of the baptism of the disciples. Also, does this have any implications for the current IMB issues?
One more thing: In speaking of the administration of Baptism, he states on this:
The sometimes controversial issue fo the administration of baptism finds very little biblical basis for the resolution of its problems and tens to reflect the impact of tradition, both denominational and cultural. (p. 531)
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David is an entrepreneur, pastor, coach, and author. He has his doctorate from George Fox Seminary where he studied under Len Sweet, his M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has done post graduate work in communications from the University of Alabama and the University of South Florida. He lives with his wife Brenna Phillips in Smyrna, DE. 
Does kinda make you say hmmmmm, doesn’t it?
David, you make my head hurt!!! You definitely are a catalyst. But I like that about you.
After our whole long conversation earlier this week, I walk into my community prayer group this morning and am met with the question, “So, what is your perspective on baptism?”
Then not even an hour later a co-worker calls, saying that she has a kid from a Reformed Pres background and asks if he could come talk to Doug about it. The issue? Baptism!!!!
Why don’t you guys write a book on this, and let me know when it’s published. I’ll just buy up several copies and distribute them. : )
David,
Great info. You had to bring back images of carrying “Big Blue” around SWBTS.
Thanks for what you are doing on the other site
It is great to know there are other BAMA fans in the world. I copied your success picture as my wall paper. I grew up in T-town. I also coached football in Madison for BJHS. Roll Tide!
KB