John 4:2
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Original Language Analysis
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
2 of 9
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτοῦ
himself
G846
αὐτοῦ
himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 9
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐβάπτιζεν
baptized
G907
ἐβάπτιζεν
baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
5 of 9
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Historical Context
This detail distinguishes Jesus' practice from John's personal ministry. The disciples' baptizing under Jesus' authority anticipated the church's ongoing practice after His ascension.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse protect against superstition about who performs baptisms?
- What is the relationship between Christ's authority and our ministries performed in His name?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's clarification that Jesus Himself didn't baptize but His disciples did prevents misunderstanding about the necessity of apostolic baptism. This shows that the efficacy of sacraments depends on Christ's institution, not the administrator's status. The Reformed doctrine holds that valid baptism requires only a lawful administrator and proper elements, not apostolic hands.