Dimensions of Baptism Biblical and Theological Studies

130 Dimensions of Baptism

thought affords no ground whatever for the modern theories which seek to

effect a separation in the one action and to distinguish a "Spirit-baptism"

and a "water-baptism", not as the inward and outward parts of one sacra-

Ment, but as independent entities'.^30 Dunn immediately comments: 'But

what is the "one action"? The "modern theories" are as old as John the

Baptist!' But Dufin's statement is only true if, first, John the Baptist's

spying is taken as antithetical (see below) and, secondly, if he ignores his

own contention throughout this and his other works on baptism that Spirit-

aftd water-baptisni are integral parts of conversion-initiation, that is, a proc-

ess. This is axiomatic for his work on baptism and the Spirit.

Dunn also makes the bold declaration that, The fact is that for Paul

(3dTrri£et v has only two meanings, one literal and the other metaphorical:

it describes either the water-rite pure and simple (1 Cor. 1.13-17) or the

spiritual transformation which puts the believer "in Christ", and which

is the effect of receiving the gift of the Spirit (hence "baptism in the

Spirit").'^31 But this is mere assertion. Fee comments that while 'baptize'

beeailie the technical term for the Christian rite of initiation at an early

date, this does not mean it is what Paul means in 1 Cor. 12.13.^32 But

equally it does not mean he does not either. Who is to say that Paul could

not use PcxTTTi^eiv equivocally of both Spirit- and water-baptism, espe-

cially when, as Dunn recognizes, both are integral to conversion-initiation

and th6 New Testament includes at least one passage which links the two

together so closely—Acts 2.38. Further, we have already seen that this

was how it was understood for the next century and more;. Dunn appears to

concede the point when he states that Gal. 3.27 is the only reference to

baptism '(if it is so)' in the letter in which 'Paul speaks regularly of the

conversion experience of grace or justification or dying/living or Spirit

(1.15-16; 2.16-21; 3.2-4; etc.). Evidently Paul could assume that that expe-

riential reality was so vivid in his own and his converts' memory that he

cotild refer to it directly [see 3.2]; whether through a reference to baptism

as metaphor or ritual act is a matter of less moment, it was their experi-

ence of the Spirit as such to which his primary appeal was addressed.'^33

By means of tracing the tradition history of the phrase 'baptized in the

Spirit', Dunn locates its origin in John the Baptist's^4 I baptize you with

Water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (and fire)' (Mk 1.8; Mt.

30. Lampe, Seal, p. 57.


31. Dunn, Baptism, p. 130.


32. Fee, First Corinthians, p. 604.


33. Dunn, Galatians, pp. 203-204, italics added.