By Dr. Wongelu Woldegiorgis
Biblical reflections and life applications for the Apostolic believer
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
🕊️ Introduction: Are We Doing It Backwards?
Many churches today require long periods of teaching and “discipleship” classes before allowing people to be baptized. While this may seem wise and organized, it may actually reverse the divine order set by Jesus in Matthew 28:19.
Jesus didn’t say:
👉 Teach for months, then baptize.
He said:
👉 Baptize first, then teach them to observe His commands.
In this blog, we’ll explore why baptism should come first, share three powerful biblical stories, and show you why obeying God’s order brings revival and transformation.
📖 What Did Jesus Really Say?
Let’s look closely at Matthew 28:19–20:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… then teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Here’s the divine order:
- Make disciples (reach people)
- Baptize them
- Then teach them
This shows that baptism is not a graduation after learning, but a starting point of the new life in Christ.
🚿 Why Baptism Comes Before Deep Teaching
- Baptism Is the Entry Door to the New Life
Romans 6:3–4 says we are buried with Christ through baptism. You can’t teach someone how to live a holy life if they haven’t yet died to sin.
- Baptism Unlocks Spiritual Understanding
Jesus said in John 3:5, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Without spiritual birth, the heart cannot receive spiritual truth.
- Early Church Always Baptized Immediately
There was no delay. Believers were baptized immediately after believing the message. Then they learned and grew in faith.
📚 3 Powerful Stories: Baptism Came First
🔹 1. The Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:26–39
He was reading Isaiah in his chariot. Philip explained that it pointed to Jesus. The eunuch saw water and asked, “What prevents me from being baptized?”
Nothing did. He was baptized on the spot. Teaching followed baptism, not the other way around.
🔹 2. Lydia the Seller of Purple – Acts 16:14–15
When Paul preached by the riverside, Lydia’s heart was opened. She believed and was baptized the same day, along with her household.
Her learning and service began after baptism, not before.
🔹 3. The Philippian Jailer – Acts 16:30–33
Shaken by a divine earthquake, the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus.” That very night, the man and his whole house were baptized immediately.
They were not told to wait for teaching sessions.
🧍🏽♂️ A Modern Example: Amanuel in the Market
Amanuel hears the gospel from a street preacher. He says, “I believe in Jesus. I want to follow Him.”
The preacher says, “Let’s baptize you today.”
After baptism, Amanuel begins to study the Bible, joins a fellowship, and grows rapidly. His obedience unlocked spiritual hunger.
Now imagine if Amanuel had been told, “Come for six months of classes first.” He might have lost the zeal, the moment, the calling.
✍️ What’s the Lesson for the Church Today?
We must return to the apostolic pattern:
Preach the gospel
Baptize those who believe
Then teach them everything Jesus commanded
This order brings: ✅ Obedience
✅ Spiritual birth
✅ True discipleship
✅ Growth led by the Holy Spirit
Baptism is not for experts.
It’s for believers—even newborn ones.
🙌 Call to Action: Stop Delaying the Covenant
If you believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, don’t wait. Don’t think you need to understand everything first. Baptism is not about full knowledge—it’s about surrender.
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” — Acts 22:16
📢 Share This Message
Let this truth awaken churches, pastors, and seekers:
The gospel brings faith
Faith leads to baptism
Baptism opens the heart to deep teaching
God’s way is still the best way.