Some in the religious world often refer to Acts 2:38, not as a reference for the reason an individual is baptized, but as a reference to what, they believe, must be said when an individual is baptized. To state it plainly, they insist to be scripturally baptized, one must be baptized in the name of Jesus.
The problem with this thinking is it takes what Peter proclaimed as an instruction to lost sinners seeking salvation, and it turns what he said into a formula.
Consider the following usages, emphasized in bold:
- “But to keep this matter from spreading any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 And they called them in and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:17-18)
- “But some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were possessed by evil spirits, saying, “I sternly warn you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 (Now seven sons of a man named Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.) 15 But the evil spirit replied to them, “I know about Jesus and I am acquainted with Paul, but who are you?”” (Acts 19:13-15)
- “Now I mean this, that each of you is saying, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” or “I am with Cephas,” or “I am with Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Paul wasn’t crucified for you, was he? Or were you in fact baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name! 16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanus. Otherwise, I do not remember whether I baptized anyone else.)” (1 Corinthians 1:12-16)
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)
Notice the trend? The phrase "in the name of" refers to a basis for the authority, power and permission of what is being done, not a formula that must be said to receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is what took place on the day of Pentecost.
"Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”" (Matthew 28:18-20)
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