Chapter VII.--Concerning Baptism.
1. And concerning baptism, 1 thus baptize ye: 2 Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 3 in living water. 4 2. But if thou have not living water, baptize into other water; and if thou canst not in cold, in warm. 3. But if thou have not either, pour out water thrice 5 upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. 4. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but thou shalt order the baptized to fast one or two days before. 6
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Verse 1 is found, well-nigh entire, in Apostolic Constitutions vii. 22, but besides this only a few words of verses 2 and 4. The chapter has naturally called out much discussion as to the mode of baptism. ↩
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[Elucidation I.] ↩
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Matt. xxviii. 19. ↩
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Probably running water. ↩
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The previous verses point to immersion; this permits pouring in certain cases, which indicates that this mode was not unknown. The trine application of the water, and its being poured on the head, are both significant. ↩
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The fasting of the baptized is enjoined in Apostolic Constitutions, but that of the baptizer (and others) is peculiar to this document. ↩