Baptism's Old Testament Pedigree

Baptism seems to pop up out of nowhere in the New Testament. Where did it come from? And why do none of the Jews going out to John at the Jordan ask him what baptism is? In this video, Chad Bird answers those questions by exploring baptism's Old Testament pedigree. By tracing the connections between creation, the Flood, the crossings of the Red Sea and Jordan River, and various ceremonial washings, we learn that baptism is not some novel act but the pooling together of all these Old Testament stories.

[robwaters]

a fabulous exposition. Thank you so much Chad. It has really helped us crystallise the importance of baptism and how we can relate this to our 3 kids.

[craigbritton]

NOTE: Reference to Hebrews 11 should be Hebrews 10, re: "Bronze Sea" and priests.