Were the Apostles ever Baptised?

[Akathist]

Over in a different congregational area this question came up and I realized I had never thought about this.

It is the Tradition (cap T) of Orthodoxy that one is to be Baptised (usually at birth) in the name of the "Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit". Were the Apostles baptised in this manner?

I would appreciate some links or references if you have any. (But welcome discussion of opinion too.)

 

[marciadietrich]

Interesting question.

Now Paul was baptized in Acts, not sure there is anything direct on the original apostles being baptized, but would seem implicit as they are baptizing new believers (such as Peter's call to believe and be baptized). And were there when Christ said that we are to be born of water and of Spirit. Since everyone else seemed to have been, and requiring new believers to do so, I think it is more implicit than explicit.

Marcia

 

[MariaRegina]

If the Apostles were baptized, then they must have been baptized before the passion and death of Christ our Savior and our God, because they received the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday, and they also received the power to forgive sins.

However, since the Sacraments were made for us and not God for the sacraments, Jesus Christ could have purified them just prior to the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the institution of the Priesthood.

Furthermore, they experienced first hand the death and burial and Resurrection of Christ, which is symbolized in Baptism. Remember in Baptism, we die and rise with Christ. The Apostles experienced those events first hand, and they wept bitterly and rejoiced in His Resurrection more than we can ever experience.

Wow!

 

[Akathist]

Maybe for them the washing of feet at the Last Supper was their baptism.

 

[Akathist]

Furthermore, they experienced first hand the death and burial and Resurrection of Christ, which is symbolized in Baptism. Remember in Baptism, we die and rise with Christ. The Apostles experienced those events first hand, and they wept bitterly and rejoiced in His Resurrection more than we can ever experience.

Wow!

I thought the only Apostle that was there when Christ died was John (plus Theotokos and Mary of Bethany or Mary Magdalena ... one of those).

 

[MariaRegina]

Yes, but the other disciples lingered about in fear but heard of all the events.

It was the talk of the town.

Even on the journey to Emmaus, the disciples asked Christ (not knowing that it was He) how He did not hear of the sad events of the past few days.

 

[repentant]

In Scripture, specifically the Epistles, the writers, when mentioning Baptism, usually say "we were Baptized" not "you" or "they". I do not believe that the Bible specifically says about the Baptism of the Apostles, except Paul. So they either could have been Baptized, and never mentioned it. Or like someone said earlier, the washing of their feet could have been their Baptism. Their Chrismation, or their reception of the Holy Spirit was on Pentacost, which also could have been their Baptism.

Also a few of the Apostles were followers of St. John the Baptist, so they were probably Baptized by him, and then recieved the Holy Spirit on Pentacost.

 

[Annoula]

Also a few of the Apostles were followers of St. John the Baptist, so they were probably Baptized by him, and then recieved the Holy Spirit on Pentacost.

i agree with that...that some of the Apostles were St.John's followers. and we know that St.John was baptisming people, at least some of them were baptismed by him.


that's all the knowldege i can contribute to the topic....

wow.....i am fascinated by my knowing everything.......

 

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

Being that Christ Himself was baptised by St. John the Forerunner, I would imagine his disciples were, too (though I'm not sure if it's mentioned anywhere). The only person I can think of in the NT who was not baptised was the Theotokos (or at least there is no record of it). I'd imagine that carrying God incarnate in her body exempted her.

 

[moses916]

The apostles were certainly not baptised at birth, but I can confidently say the disciples of Christ down the road were baptised at birth. (but it wouldve been cool to have an apostle baptised at birth)

 

[Akathist]

Being that Christ Himself was baptised by St. John the Forerunner, I would imagine his disciples were, too (though I'm not sure if it's mentioned anywhere). The only person I can think of in the NT who was not baptised was the Theotokos (or at least there is no record of it). I'd imagine that carrying God incarnate in her body exempted her.

I would think that her baptism was giving birth to Christ. Wow... that is an amazing thing to think about.

I love being Orthodox at Christmas... the season reminds me of such wonderous things that are so much more awe-inspiring than the decorated trees at the mall.