Philip baptizes the Ethiopian Eunuch in Jesus name?

Acts 8:35-38

Philip baptizes the eunuch. This scripture doesn’t specifically mention the baptism in Jesus name. However, it is obvious that the eunuch was baptized in the name of Jesus for that was the only method that was taught by Peter and the apostles. There was no other form of baptism after the reception of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). Remission of sins is by belief and baptism in Jesus name. Because the eunuch believed, he was baptized according to the teachings of Paul and the apostles, in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:1-5). For Paul knew Jesus was the name mentioned in Matthew 28:19.  There are many acts of baptism mentioned in the scriptures (Acts 9:1-6, Acts 22:6-16, Acts 26:13-19).  The gospel wouldn't be consistent if the eunuch was baptized any other way - other than in the name of Jesus.  And we can rest assured that the Bible is consistent.  In order for one to understand the baptism in Jesus name one would have to know that Jesus Christ is the Almighty (Revelation 1:8)

Paul learns that Jesus is the Almighty God by his personal introduction and his study of the scriptures before he met him on the road to Damasus. According to Jewish teachings, there is but one God. We know by studying the scriptures that only God or his angels will speak out of heaven. Therefore, when Saul asks the Lord, Who Art thou Lord? Saul knew that this must be God speaking to him because of his Jewish training about the oneness of God. When Jesus said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Saul realized for sure, at that time, that Jesus was the Almighty God. Jesus is the same God who spoke to Moses and the prophets, in his Spiritual form, and he is the same God who spoke out of heaven to Saul (I Corinthians 10:4).

There is only one Lord God and his highest, eternal and saving name is Jesus Christ - Jehovah Saviour (Acts 4:12). For we know that Jesus is Lord. Jesus was Lord in the Spiritual form in the Old Testament and he is Lord in a fleshly sense in the New Testament. Jesus is both the Spiritual Lord (Father) and Natural Lord (Son); for there is only one Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4, Ephesians 4:5) and his name is Jesus Christ. Jesus is Lord according to Matthew 3:3, Luke 1:43, and Saviour according to Acts 13:23, Luke 2:11, Acts 10:36, Ephesians 4:5. The Lord and Saviour and the Lord and God are used interchangeably in the scriptures. (Luke 1:47, 2:11, John 20:28). Therefore, Jesus is God. Simple algebra. But what if some don’t believe, that’s a decision that everyone will have to make for themselves (Romans 3:3-4).

In Dr. Charles Stanley’s book, “How to Listen to God,” page 6, he states that God spoke audibly in biblical days. The key praise is; “God spoke audibly.” And he gave the example of God speaking to Saul of Tarsus who was on his way to persecute believers in Damascus (Acts 9). God introduces himself to Saul and tells Saul his highest, glorious, and eternal name – Jesus Christ.

Dr. Stanley, who is one of my favorite preachers, believes in one God, and he recognizes Jesus Christ as the God who spoke out of heaven in biblical days. Remember; only God or his angels spoke out of heaven. Based on these facts, either Jesus is God or he is an angel. We know that Jesus is the only God who speaks out of heaven because of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 10:4). Again, based on this scripture and others, we understand that Jesus in his Spiritual form, spoke to Moses and the prophets. And since Paul knew that Jesus is God, all converts were always baptized in God’s name, Jesus Christ, whether they were Jews or Gentiles.

This is an edited excerpt from my book, "Understanding the Trinity, Three Persons vs Three Manifestations".  To order call 1-888-280-7715