On Baptism

Tertullian of Carthage · c. 203 AD

Ante-Nicene Fathers (Roberts–Donaldson), Roberts, Donaldson, and Coxe (eds.), Ante-Nicene Fathers, Buffalo: Christian Literature Publishing, 1885–1887; digitized by CCEL.

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus; the first great Latin Christian writer. A North African of Carthage, trained in rhetoric and law; coined much of the Latin theological vocabulary the West later inherited (Trinitas, persona, substantia). His pre-Montanist works are widely cited and respected; his later embrace of the New Prophecy (Montanism) places him outside the catalogue of formally venerated saints, though he is treated honourably as a witness and theologian.

Contents

1. Introduction. Origin of the Treatise.
2. The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, a Stumbling-Block to the Carnal Mind.
3. Water Chosen as a Vehicle of Divine Operation and Wherefore. Its Prominence First of All in Creation.
4. The 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 Grace.
5. Use Made of Water by the Heathen. Type of the Angel at the Pool of Bethsaida.
6. The Angel the Forerunner of the Holy Spirit. Meaning Contained in the Baptismal Formula.
7. Of the Unction.
8. Of the Imposition of Hands. Types of the Deluge and the Dove.
9. Types of the Red Sea, and the Water from the Rock.
10. Of John's Baptism.
11. Answer to the Objection that “The Lord Did Not Baptize.”
12. Of the Necessity of Baptism to Salvation.
13. Another Objection:  Abraham Pleased God Without Being Baptized. Answer Thereto. Old Things Must Give Place to New, and Baptism is Now a Law.
14. Of Paul's Assertion, that He Had Not Been Sent to Baptize.
15. Unity of Baptism.  Remarks on Heretical And Jewish Baptism.
16. Of the Second Baptism--With Blood.
17. Of the Power of Conferring Baptism.
18. Of the Persons to Whom, and the Time When, Baptism is to Be Administered.
19. Of the Times Most Suitable for Baptism.
20. Of Preparation For, and Conduct After, the Reception of Baptism.
21. Elucidation.