Significance of Baptismal Formula in Scripture
Christian traditions disagree sharply over whether the trinitarian formula in Matthew 28:19 is essential to valid baptism, and whether baptism "in Jesus' name" (Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5) represents an alternative practice or a shorthand reference to the same rite.
The Trinitarian Position
Most historic Christian bodies—Catholic, Orthodox, and mainline Protestant—hold that baptism must be administered "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" as Christ commanded [2, 3]. This formula is not merely ceremonial but constitutive: it identifies the God into whose covenant the baptized enters and distinguishes Christian baptism from all other washings [3]. Tertullian, writing in the early third century, insisted that baptism derives its necessity and form from Christ's explicit institution, arguing that "the later things have a conclusive force" over earlier practices like Abraham's faith apart from water [4]. The Catechism of the Catholic Church similarly treats the trinitarian invocation as integral to the sacrament's validity [5]. For these traditions, the Acts passages describe baptism performed by the authority of Jesus, not a different verbal formula—Luke's narrative shorthand for what was liturgically trinitarian.
The "Jesus' Name" Position
Oneness Pentecostals and some restorationist groups contend that the apostles consistently baptized "in the name of Jesus" (Acts 2:38, 10:48, 19:5) and that this reflects the actual apostolic practice. They argue that Matthew 28:19's "name" (singular) refers to Jesus, whose name encompasses Father, Son, and Spirit. For them, the trinitarian formula represents a later ecclesiastical development, not the apostolic norm. This reading treats the Acts accounts as prescriptive, not merely descriptive.
Shared Ground and Divergence
All parties agree that baptism is Christ's ordinance [1], that it signifies regeneration and remission of sins [2], and that it admits believers into the visible church [3]. The disagreement turns on hermeneutics: whether Matthew 28:19 prescribes exact wording or conveys theological content that Acts narratives assume, and whether apostolic practice in Acts can override dominical command in the Gospels. Traditions that prioritize liturgical continuity with the patristic church emphasize the universal use of the trinitarian formula from the second century onward [4], while those emphasizing sola scriptura and apostolic precedent point to the repeated "Jesus' name" pattern in Luke's historical record.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Baptism, Christian — An ordinance immediately instituted by Christ (Matt. 28:19, 20), and designed to be observed in the church, like that of the Supper, "till he come." The words "baptize" and "baptism" are simply Greek words transferred into English. This was necessarily done by the translators of the Scriptures, for no literal translation could properly express all that is implied in them. The mode of baptism can in no way be determined from the Greek word rendered "baptize." Baptists say that it means "to dip," and nothing else. That is an incorrect view of the m”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Baptism — As administered by John -- Mt 3:5-12; Joh 3:23; Ac 13:24; 19:4. Sanctioned by Christ's submission to it -- Mt 3:13-15; Lu 3:21. Adopted by Christ -- Joh 3:22; 4:1,2. Appointed an ordinance of the Christian church -- Mt 28:19,20; Mr 16:15,16. To be administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- Mt 28:19. Water, the outward and visible sign in -- Ac 8:36; 10:47. Regeneration, the inward and spiritual grace of -- Joh 3:3,5,6; Ro 6:3,4,11. Remission of sins, signified by -- Ac 2:38; 22:16. Unity of the Church effected by -- 1Co 12:13; Ga 3:27,2”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Baptism — It is well known that ablution or bathing was common in most ancient nations as a preparation for prayers and sacrifice or as expiatory of sin. In warm countries this connection is probably even closer than in colder climates; and hence the frequency of ablution in the religious rites throughout the East. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is the rite or ordinance by which persons are admitted into the Church of Christ. It is the public profession of faith and discipleship. Baptism signifies-- + A confession of faith in Christ; + A cleansi”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 3: Tertullian — CHAP. XIII.--ANOTHER OBJECTION: ABRAHAM PLEASED GOD WITHOUT BEING BAPTIZED. ANSWER THERETO. OLD THINGS MUST GIVE PLACE TO NEW, AND BAPTISM IS NOW A LAW.: Here, then, those miscreants[21] provoke 676 questions. And so they say, "Baptism is not necessary for them to whom faith is sufficient; for withal, Abraham pleased God by a sacrament of no water, but of faith." But in all cases it is the later things which have a conclusive force, and the subsequent which prevail over the antecedent. Grant that, in days gone by, there was salvation by means of bare faith, before the p”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, CHAPTER THREE (part 2): "received divine approval".10 Yet "God had foreseen something better for us": the grace of believing in his Son Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of our faith".11 Mary - "Blessed is she who believed" 148 The Virgin Mary most perfectly embodies the obedience of faith. By faith Mary welcomes the tidings and promise brought by the angel Gabriel, believing that "with God nothing will be impossible" and so giving her assent: "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word."12 Elizabeth greeted her: "Bless”