Did the Apostles Teach About Infant Baptism in Error?

[Porknpie]

Many protestants do not believe in Infant Baptism. However, when we read what the early Church believed, we read about a Church bapitizing infants, even saying that the Church was taught by the apostles to do so (who were taught by Christ). The bible, written nearly 300 years later, has to be understood in the light of the apostolic teachings, handed down by Christ.

Wherever the apostles went, they taught infant baptism. The debate in the early Church was not whether to baptize infants or not…it was on what day after birth should they be baptized (day of birth or on the 8th day, in keeping with the day of circumcision).

“And when a child has been born to one of them, they give thanks to God [baptism]; and if moreover it happen to die in childhood, they give thanks to God the more, as for one who as passed through the world without sins.” Aristides, Apology, 15 (A.D. 140).

“For He came to save all through means of Himself–all, I say, who through Him are born again to God–infants, and children, and boys, and youths, and old men.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 2,22:4 (A.D. 180).

“For this reason, moreover**, the Church received from the apostles the tradition of baptizing infants** too.” Origen, Homily on Romans, V:9 (A.D. 244).

“It shows no crease when infants put it on [the baptismal garment], it is not too scanty for young men, it fits women without alteration.” Optatus of Mileve, Against Parmenium, 5:10(A.D. 365).

“Have you an infant child? Do not let sin get any opportunity, but let him be sanctified from his childhood; from his very tenderest age let him be consecrated by the Spirit. Fearest thou the Seal on account of the weakness of nature?” Gregory Nazianzen, Oration on Holy Baptism, 40:17 (A.D. 381).

“‘Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ No one is expected: not the infant, not the one prevented by necessity.” Ambrose, Abraham, 2,11:79 (A.D. 387).

“We do baptize infants, although they are not guilty of any sins.” John Chrysostom, Ad Neophytos (A.D. 388).

393 AD - canon of scripture, the bible, is adopted…with 73 books…with a Church professing and believing in infant baptism. The word “whole households” understood to include infants.

Am I wrong? Did the apostles teach in error? If so, where and how did the error occur?

 

[JonNC]

Many protestants do not believe in Infant Baptism. However, when we read what the early Church believed, we read about a Church bapitizing infants, even saying that the Church was taught by the apostles to do so (who were taught by Christ). The bible, written nearly 300 years later, has to be understood in the light of the apostolic teachings, handed down by Christ.

Wherever the apostles went, they taught infant baptism. The debate in the early Church was not whether to baptize infants or not…it was on what day after birth should they be baptized (day of birth or on the 8th day, in keeping with the day of circumcision).

“And when a child has been born to one of them, they give thanks to God [baptism]; and if moreover it happen to die in childhood, they give thanks to God the more, as for one who as passed through the world without sins.” Aristides, Apology, 15 (A.D. 140).

“For He came to save all through means of Himself–all, I say, who through Him are born again to God–infants, and children, and boys, and youths, and old men.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 2,22:4 (A.D. 180).

“For this reason, moreover**, the Church received from the apostles the tradition of baptizing infants** too.” Origen, Homily on Romans, V:9 (A.D. 244).

“It shows no crease when infants put it on [the baptismal garment], it is not too scanty for young men, it fits women without alteration.” Optatus of Mileve, Against Parmenium, 5:10(A.D. 365).

“Have you an infant child? Do not let sin get any opportunity, but let him be sanctified from his childhood; from his very tenderest age let him be consecrated by the Spirit. Fearest thou the Seal on account of the weakness of nature?” Gregory Nazianzen, Oration on Holy Baptism, 40:17 (A.D. 381).

“‘Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ No one is expected: not the infant, not the one prevented by necessity.” Ambrose, Abraham, 2,11:79 (A.D. 387).

“We do baptize infants, although they are not guilty of any sins.” John Chrysostom, Ad Neophytos (A.D. 388).

393 AD - canon of scripture, the bible, is adopted…with 73 books…with a Church professing and believing in infant baptism. The word “whole households” understood to include infants.

Am I wrong? Did the apostles teach in error? If so, where and how did the error occur?

No error. They were right, and thanks for the quotes.

Jon

 

[brb3]

Many protestants do not believe in Infant Baptism.

Am I wrong? Did the apostles teach in error?

Not wrong ! If the Apostle taught wrongly … we of all people are to be most pitied.

Christ gave Keys to Peter, and to the full 12 the ability to ‘bind and loose’ sins. So, if the 12 determined infant Baptism was from Christ … then Christ was OK with their decision. The Church must be able to adapt to all eventualities, over the last 2000 years. Christ allowed the Pope and Bishops to make these ‘tough calls’ …under guidance of H.S.

 

[Church_Militant]

Add to that this article from my blog.The Case For Infant Baptism

 

[fredystairs]

Many protestants do not believe in Infant Baptism. However, when we read what the early Church believed, we read about a Church bapitizing infants, even saying that the Church was taught by the apostles to do so (who were taught by Christ). The bible, written nearly 300 years later, has to be understood in the light of the apostolic teachings, handed down by Christ.

One correction that I’d like to point out. The Bible was not written 300 years later. The CANON was defined in 393 which you mention later; all of the books had been written by about 100 AD or so.

Nice post with all the quotes. Absolutely love reading about the early fathers. Thanks for sharing!!

 

[Porknpie]

One correction that I’d like to point out. The Bible was not written 300 years later. The CANON was defined in 393 which you mention later; all of the books had been written by about 100 AD or so.

Nice post with all the quotes. Absolutely love reading about the early fathers. Thanks for sharing!!

Nice correction…I was typing too fast and not thinking…I would add that there were 300-400 books from which the 73 were selected as inspired and inerrant in 393 ad.

 

[fredystairs]

Nice correction…I was typing too fast and not thinking…I would add that there were 300-400 books from which the 73 were selected as inspired and inerrant in 393 ad.

Been there…

I agree hundreds of books were available – really a lot of discussion getting through them all trying to figure out which make the Canon and which did not. We owe a great debt to the early church fathers for doing that. Some of the ones that did not make the canon were even read during Mass for a while – one of the letters of Clement was.

Again, your original post was superb. Thanks!