Resumen
Resumen de Preaching of Paul
Para quién es
For readers who enjoy early church debates, close arguments from Scripture, and the practical questions of how ancient Christians understood baptism, the Holy Spirit, martyrdom and belonging.
De qué trata este libro
What should a church do with a person who was baptized in the name of Jesus by a group outside the Church, and who now comes back, sorry and sincere? Must the baptism be repeated? This anonymous early Christian treatise, written in Latin and read by scholars as a third-century work, argues that the bishop's hands are enough. You will follow its case from the Gospels and Acts, and meet the quarrel that prompted it.
En este resumen
- 1A quarrel over those who returnFree
- 2John the Baptist points beyond water
- 3Water and the Spirit can come apart
- 4The name of Jesus begins something to be completed
- 5Even the disciples had imperfect faith
- 6Martyrdom, confession and the test of love
- 7Three baptisms and a rival book
Idea clave 1 de 7
A quarrel over those who return
The writer opens with a question being asked among the brethren. Some people were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, but by a group outside the Church. Now they repent and ask for help. Should the bishop only lay hands on them to give the Holy Spirit, or should they be baptized again?
The author notes that both sides have written against one another with great eagerness. In his view the dispute need never have started if everyone had respected the old custom of all the churches. He warns that novelty brings discord, strife and schism, and that the Church should not be shamed by quarrels among its own bishops.
So the tone is that of a pastor wanting peace. He promises to gather the relevant passages of Scripture, to show that they agree, and to recommend the custom most helpful to every believer. For the listener, this is a window onto a real argument about who belongs and how.
That’s 1 of 7 key points.
The rest of the summary, written and spoken, and the whole book: free to start.
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Questions about Preaching of Paul
What is this text about?
It is an early Christian treatise on a practical question: whether someone baptized in the name of Jesus outside the Church must be baptized again on returning. The author argues that the bishop's laying on of hands is enough.
Who wrote it and when?
The author is unknown. Scholars place the treatise in the third century and in the Latin-speaking church, during a dispute over rebaptism. It has often been printed alongside Cyprian's writings, though it is not generally thought to be by him.
What are the three baptisms it describes?
The author describes baptism in water, in one's own blood as a martyr, and in the Holy Spirit.
Why does it mention a book called The Preaching of Paul?
The author warns readers about a book by that name, which he says supports a baptism of fire on the water. He rejects it, and he criticizes its account of Jesus and Mary at John's baptism.
Is it easy to follow?
Yes, because the argument moves step by step through familiar Bible scenes such as Philip in Samaria, the Ethiopian official, Cornelius and the denial by Peter. The argument closes by returning to John the Baptist, bringing readers back to its starting point.