Below are quotations about Baptism from the writings of the church fathers. Much like today, the early church was involved in many debates about the ins and outs of baptism. Infant Baptism, in particular, became a hot-button issue. However, disagreement was not the only thing that made it into Christian literature. The church fathers provided many insights into the nature and purpose of the ancient institution, which might surprise those willing to ponder their words.
The Apostolic Fathers
The Didache and Baptism
“And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.”
Chapter 7
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