Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3

[esac]

i have a question regarding baptism, and i hope to find the answer to my question here. if “born of water and the Spirit” means baptism. why didn’t Jesus just say to Nicodemus…" baptize of water and the Spirit"?

 

[Julian0404]

Your comment reflects the sentiment on why we have so many supposed Christian faiths - to many editors.

Custom, culture, tradition of the times and places which no longer are known or known only by experts influence many verses which today we would like to “edit” for clarity. Additionally, after numerous duplications and translations over the ages, which likewise leads to the improper use of words/definitions further creates a desire to question HIS words.

 

[James224]

i have a question regarding baptism, and i hope to find the answer to my question here. if “born of water and the Spirit” means baptism. why didn’t Jesus just say to Nicodemus…" baptize of water and the Spirit"?

I don;t specifically know why the particular language was used but if you look at the context of the first 5 chapters of John, you will see clearly that Jesus is referring to Baptism in John 3:5:

John 1 - John Baptizes
John 2 - Jesus turns water into wine at Cana. Sometimes, wine signifies the Holy Ghost.
John 3 - Jesus tells Nicodemus you must be born again of water and the Holy Ghost
John 4 - Jesus’ disciples Baptize
Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that He has living water
John 5 - Jesus heals in the pools of Bethsaida

 

[Todd_Easton]

Jesus probably used the word “born” instead of “baptized” because “born” refers to the spiritual effect of baptism while “baptized” refers to the physical form of baptism and the spiritual effect is more important than the physical form.

 

[esac]

Jesus probably used the word “born” instead of “baptized” because “born” refers to the spiritual effect of baptism while “baptized” refers to the physical form of baptism and the spiritual effect is more important than the physical form.

thanks todd.

 

[Vince1022]

i have a question regarding baptism, and i hope to find the answer to my question here. if “born of water and the Spirit” means baptism. why didn’t Jesus just say to Nicodemus…" baptize of water and the Spirit"?

That’s what John 3:5 means.

 

[NHInsider]

Jesus probably used the word “born” instead of “baptized” because “born” refers to the spiritual effect of baptism while “baptized” refers to the physical form of baptism and the spiritual effect is more important than the physical form.

And in a point that Paul will develop more fully, Christian baptism ushers one into New Life. Since there was ritual baptism in Judaism (that’s what John’s baptism was), Nicodemus would not have understood how radically Jesus was changing the way people would be in relationship with God.