Ananias commands Paul: 'Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' This verse requires careful interpretation to avoid baptismal regeneration. The grammar indicates 'calling on the name of the Lord' governs both 'be baptized' and 'wash away thy sins.' Sin's washing happens through faith-filled calling on Christ, baptism testifying to that inward reality. The middle voice 'wash away' (apolousai) suggests self-action enabled by grace—responding to God's work. Baptism symbolizes but doesn't effect regeneration; it's obedience following conversion (Acts 2:38-39). Paul's conversion occurred on the Damascus road (9:3-6); baptism followed as public confession. Reformed theology sees baptism as covenant sign and seal, confirming but not causing salvation.
Historical Context
Paul recounts his conversion to the hostile Jerusalem crowd (22:1-21). Ananias, a 'devout man according to the law' (22:12), shows God used Torah-observant Jewish believers to evangelize Saul. The three-day gap between conversion (9:9) and baptism (9:18) demonstrates baptism didn't save Paul—he was already converted, fasting and praying. First-century baptismal practice included immersion and occurred soon after profession of faith. The association between baptism and sin's washing (1 Corinthians 6:11, Titus 3:5) is symbolic, not causal. Baptism's significance—identifying with Christ's death, burial, resurrection (Romans 6:3-4)—makes it important without being salvific.
Questions for Reflection
How do you understand baptism's relationship to salvation—symbol or cause?
If baptism doesn't save, why is it important to obey Christ's command to be baptized?
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Analysis & Commentary
Ananias commands Paul: 'Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' This verse requires careful interpretation to avoid baptismal regeneration. The grammar indicates 'calling on the name of the Lord' governs both 'be baptized' and 'wash away thy sins.' Sin's washing happens through faith-filled calling on Christ, baptism testifying to that inward reality. The middle voice 'wash away' (apolousai) suggests self-action enabled by grace—responding to God's work. Baptism symbolizes but doesn't effect regeneration; it's obedience following conversion (Acts 2:38-39). Paul's conversion occurred on the Damascus road (9:3-6); baptism followed as public confession. Reformed theology sees baptism as covenant sign and seal, confirming but not causing salvation.