Book of Acts - Chapter 19 - Verse 3

When Jesus asked his disciples what baptism they had received, and they responded that they had been baptized by John, they were acknowledging that they had received a baptism symbolizing repentance from sin. John the Baptist's baptism was a call for people to turn away from their sinful ways and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. By asking his disciples about their baptism, Jesus was leading them to understand the significance of their previous commitment and to prepare them for a new chapter in their journey with him. This conversation serves as a bridge between the ministry of John the Baptist and the ministry of Jesus, highlighting the importance of repentance and preparation for the spiritual transformation that would come through belief in Jesus as the Son of God. It also emphasizes the continuity between the two baptisms, as John's baptism pointed towards the need for redemption and Jesus' baptism would bring about salvation through faith in him.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse where Jesus asks his disciples what baptism they had received, we can see the importance of understanding the significance and purpose of baptism in the Christian faith. In this specific instance, the disciples mention that they had received John's baptism. This highlights a key distinction between the baptism of John the Baptist, which was a baptism of repentance, and the baptism that Jesus would later institute for believers. John's baptism served as a preparation for the coming of Christ, urging people to turn away from their sins and be baptized as a sign of their repentance. However, after Jesus' death and resurrection, baptism took on a new meaning as a symbol of being united with Christ in his death and resurrection. Therefore, this verse prompts us to reflect on the transformative nature of baptism and the spiritual journey it signifies for believers.