Baptism, Infant
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Baptism, Infant in the Bible?
Infant baptism is the rite of applying the water of baptism to infants, historically defended by the church fathers and major Protestant reformers as a sign of the new covenant replacing circumcision.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this practice clarifies the continuity between Old Testament covenant signs and New Testament sacraments, revealing how early Christian communities viewed the inclusion of children in the faith community.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Baptism, Infant. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Baptism, Infant in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Baptism, Infant clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Baptism, Infant." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/baptism-infant/