On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
English Standard Version (ESV)
These individuals, previously baptized by John, received a new baptism specifically into the name of Jesus. This highlights that John's baptism was a preparatory step, pointing forward to Christ, and that true Christian baptism signifies incorporation into Jesus himself. It wasn't a rebaptism in the sense of repeating the same ordinance, but rather a completion of their discipleship by embracing the full identity of Christ.
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul encounters some disciples in Ephesus who had only received John the Baptist's baptism and were unaware of the Holy Spirit's role. After Paul explains John's ministry pointed to Jesus and clarifies Christian baptism, these individuals thankfully embrace this fuller understanding and are immediately baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. This leads into the next event where Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit.
Ever wonder why people get baptized? It's not just a ceremony; it's a profound declaration of where your allegiance lies. In Acts 19, we see a group who had a form of faith, but needed something more.
These individuals had previously received John the Baptist's baptism. John's baptism was a powerful call to repentance, a preparation for the Messiah's coming. However, it wasn't a complete baptism for the new covenant established through Jesus.
When they encountered Paul and learned about Jesus's completed work, they understood the need for a baptism that signified their new identity in Christ.
Being baptized 'in the name of the Lord Jesus' wasn't just a formula; it was a public pledge of loyalty. What does it truly mean to be 'in His name'?
Baptism 'in the name of the Lord Jesus' signifies a profound shift in allegiance and identity. It means:
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This wasn't about performing a ritual; it was about embracing a new Lord who would now guide their lives and empower them through His Spirit.
Understand the original words
onoma · Greek Noun
A formal designation or title of authority, often implying the representation of the person named. To be baptized "in the name of" someone is to be brought into their authority, possession, and spiritual union.
kyrios · Greek Noun
The sovereign ruler, master, or owner. In the New Testament, the title is specifically applied to Jesus Christ, acknowledging His deity, lordship, and supreme authority over creation and the church.
epitithēmi cheiras · Greek Verb phrase
In the New Testament, this refers to the laying on of hands by an apostle or leader as a sign of commissioning, blessing, or the impartation of the Holy Spirit. It signifies the transfer of authority or the recognition of God's power working through an individual.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, the Spirit of God, who indwells believers, empowers them for witness, and manifests spiritual gifts. In this context, the Spirit is given to validate the message and empower the new believers.
glōssais · Greek Noun (plural)
A spiritual gift involving speech in languages not learned by the speaker, used for praise, prayer, or as a sign of the Spirit's presence. In Acts, it often serves as evidence of the gospel spreading to new groups.
prophēteuō · Greek Verb
A spiritual gift involving the divinely inspired declaration of God's truth or message. It serves to edify the church and reveal God's mind to his people.
The baptism described here highlights a crucial theological development: the transition from John's baptism of repentance to Christian baptism, which signifies incorporation into the name and saving work of Jesus Christ.
c. 27-30 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry
John preached a baptism of repentance in the Judean wilderness, calling people to prepare for the coming Messiah. His ministry focused on repentance and preparing the way for Jesus.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus' earthly ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. He commissioned his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Jerusalem Church
After Pentecost, thousands were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, indicating a shift in baptismal practice and theological understanding.
c. 36 AD
Philip's Ministry in Samaria
Philip the evangelist baptizes Samaritans in the name of Jesus, showing the practice being adopted beyond Jerusalem.
c. 40-45 AD
Cornelius' Conversion
Peter baptizes Cornelius and his household in the name of Jesus Christ, marking a significant step in the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. 53-55 AD— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul encounters disciples in Ephesus who had only received John's baptism. He explains the fuller message of Jesus and they are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, receiving the Holy Spirit.
This passage contains Jesus' Great Commission, instructing his disciples to baptize 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,' providing the theological foundation for Christian baptism that the Ephesians were now embracing.
Acts 2:38Peter's sermon at Pentecost includes the command to 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,' echoing the same theological shift and call to faith in Jesus that these Ephesian disciples experienced.
Acts 8:16This verse describes believers in Samaria being baptized 'only in the name of the Lord Jesus' after hearing Philip preach, showing a similar instance where the unique significance of Jesus' name in baptism was recognized and applied.
Romans 6:3Paul explains that baptism into Christ signifies our sharing in his death and resurrection, highlighting the profound theological reality that these Ephesians embraced when they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
clarkeActs 19:5: "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
When they heard this, etc. - As there is no evidence in the New Testament of persons being rebaptized, unless this be one, many criticisms have been hazarded to prove that these persons were not rebaptized. I see no need of this. To be a Christian, a man must be baptized in the Christian faith: these persons had not been baptized into that faith, and therefore were not Christians: they felt this, and were immed…
pulpitActs 19:5: "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Verse 5. - And when for when, A.V.; into for in, A.V. Into the Name of the Lord Jesus (see Acts 8:16). So too Acts 10:48 of Cornelius and his company, "He commanded them to be baptized in the Name (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι) of Jesus Christ" (R.V.). The formula of baptism, as commanded by the Lord Jesus himself, was, "In [or, 'into'] the Name (αἰς τὸ ὔνομα) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:…
These individuals, previously baptized by John, received a new baptism specifically into the name of Jesus. This highlights that John's baptism was a preparatory step, pointing forward to Christ, and that true Christian baptism signifies incorporation into Jesus himself. It wasn't a rebaptism in the sense of repeating the same ordinance, but rather a completion of their discipleship by embracing the full identity of Christ.
Paul encounters some disciples in Ephesus who had only received John the Baptist's baptism and were unaware of the Holy Spirit's role. After Paul explains John's ministry pointed to Jesus and clarifies Christian baptism, these individuals thankfully embrace this fuller understanding and are immediately baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. This leads into the next event where Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit.
Paul encounters some disciples in Ephesus who had only received John the Baptist's baptism and were unaware of the Holy Spirit's role. After Paul explains John's ministry pointed to Jesus and clarifies Christian baptism, these individuals thankfully embrace this fuller understanding and are immediately baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. This leads into the next event where Paul lays hands on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit.
"On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying." — These individuals, previously baptized by John, received a new baptism specifically into the name of Jesus. This highlights that John's baptism was a preparatory step, pointing forward to Christ, a…
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Last reviewed October 2026