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On Baptism

Tertullian · c. 198–206 AD

42 min read
Ante-Nicene

The earliest surviving treatise on baptism, explaining its necessity, typology, and proper administration, and opposing a Gnostic woman who denied baptism's value.

Table of Contents

1The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, a Stumbling-Block to the Carnal Mind2Water Chosen as a Vehicle of Divine Operation and Wherefore. Its Prominence First of All in Creation3The Primeval Hovering of the Spirit of God Over the Waters Typical of Baptism. The Universal Element of Water Thus Made a Channel of Sanctification. Resemblance Between the Outward Sign and the Inward Grace4Use Made of Water by the Heathen. Type of the Angel at the Pool of Bethsaida5The Angel the Forerunner of the Holy Spirit. Meaning Contained in the Baptismal Formula6Of the Unction7Of the Imposition of Hands. Types of the Deluge and the Dove8Types of the Red Sea, and the Water from the Rock9Of John's Baptism10Answer to the Objection that “The Lord Did Not Baptize.”11Of the Necessity of Baptism to Salvation12Another Objection: Abraham Pleased God Without Being Baptized. Answer Thereto. Old Things Must Give Place to New, and Baptism is Now a Law13Of Paul's Assertion, that He Had Not Been Sent to Baptize14Unity of Baptism. Remarks on Heretical And Jewish Baptism15Of the Second Baptism--With Blood16Of the Power of Conferring Baptism17Of the Persons to Whom, and the Time When, Baptism is to Be Administered18Of the Times Most Suitable for Baptism19Of Preparation For, and Conduct After, the Reception of Baptism