[Greek] βαπτίζω (baptizō), [Latin] baptizare, [Latin] bibere calicem: to baptize, to wash, to dip, to purify, to cleanse; 86 scriptural references
The Baptism of Christ: painting by Joachim Patinir (1510). After some reluctance, John baptizes Christ. Christ’ relation with the Father is revealed through the descent of the dove.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to dip, to plunge, to drown, to sink, to disable, to flood, to drench, to be soaked (intoxicated), to be full in debt, and to get into deep water.
Polybius’ Histories 1.51 states “In this way they were charging perpetually, and managed to sink a large number of ships.”
Plato’s Symposium 176b “For I myself am one of those who such a soaking yesterday. As to what sort of condition does Agathon find himself for drinking.”
Plutarch’s Galba 21 states “And it does not seem that he would have chosen Otto merely as their heir of his own private fortune, since he knew that he was unrestrained and extravagant and immersed in debts.”
Plato’s Euthydemus 277d: “I, perceiving the lad was going under, and wishing to give him some breathing-space lest he should shame us by losing heart.”
Old Testament: Jewish washings, including proselyte baptism, are linked with purification rites. Since purity laws could not be relaxed in the case of an unpure Gentile, proselyte baptism must have preceded Christian baptism. These purification rituals defined one’s relationship with God. The Jewish Hellenistic philosopher Josephus makes reference to crowds flooding into Jerusalem at the time of the siege.
John’s baptism: This baptism provides a Messianic awakening for Christians. This baptism is closely related to proselyte baptism, requiring a change in ethical attitude. This baptism provides the first expression of repentance.
More notable New Testament references to baptism:
JTB’s baptism (with water): Used for repentance, preparation and revolutionary purposes for a better baptism.
John baptizing Jesus: This allows for prophecy to be fulfilled: “Upon Him I have put my Spirit” (Isa.42:1). This show others that Jesus is in relationship with the Father.
Jesus makes disciples of nations through a trinitarian baptism (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit): Baptism provides the means into the community of the risen one.
Being baptized into Jesus’ death: Believers share the death of Jesus and escape from the grip of sin. This baptism is the crucifixion and death of Jesus for the salvation of all.
Baptizing in the name of Paul: Confused understanding (belief systems) regarding baptizing authority in Corinth.
Israelites baptized into Moses in the cloud and sea: The Israelites were being immersed (delivered) from the bondage of sin. The Israelites were guided by a cloud during the day and by a column of fire at night (Ex.13:21-21).
For in one Spirit we are baptized into one body: This pertains to the model of the Church (integrated into one body).
We who are baptized into Christ have clothes ourselves with Christ: This pertains to wearing righteousness as a garment (Job.29:14). This pertains to being clothed with garments of vengeance (Isa.59:17).
Conclusion:
Baptism, baptize, imbibe (to drink), chalice
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was very interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term. Such examples include flooding in, being soaked (intoxicated), being soaked in debt, and being in deep water. Yet, we all can easily relate to these circumstances.
The Israelites during the wilderness entered into baptism of sorts through Moses. The Israelites passing through the Red Sea also provides a vivid imagery of a form of baptism.
In the New Testament, John is reluctant to baptize Jesus. However, Jesus is baptized by John so that prophecy may be fulfilled. Jesus’ relationship with the Father is further revealed with the appearance of the dove. Baptism provides the entrance into a community of believers. Jesus speaks of a real metaphorical baptism of Jesus’s crucifixion and death that believers can participate in. In Corinth there evidently appears to be confusion about whose name a baptism is made in. The Israelites in the wilderness experience a baptism of an ethical conversion. The notion of in one Spirit baptized into one body prefigures the Church. Being clothed in Christ harkens back to Old Testament imagery of being clothed in garments.
I hope this post can help you to soak up this information about baptism.