In Acts baptism is an urgent matter. The Ethiopian begins with little or no knowledge of the Gospel. He does not realize Jesus is the sacrificed lamb (Acts 8:30-34). Upon first hearing the Gospel, he is immediately baptized. What is the rush? We can ask that question often as we read the book of Acts.
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).
“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people…?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:47-48).
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family (Acts 16:33).
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5).
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized… (Acts 22:16).
They did not wait for a special day, or for a larger group. The Philippian jailer began as a pagan unbeliever. He asked, “What must I do to be saved?” and the same night he believed and was baptized (Acts 16). He did not wait through many months of classes and exams. Why? Because you can learn the Good News in a short time. This simple Gospel includes the command to be baptized. If you believe Jesus is Lord, why put off obeying Him? True faith has the attitude of Psalm 119:60: “I hasten and do not delay to keep Your commandments.” Are you hastening to obey, or are you delaying? Your answer should take into account another urgent reason for receiving New Testament baptism…