Hence, the words of Christ declare, that teaching must take place before and after baptism, in order that the person baptized may use diligence to observe, after baptism, the Gospel (which was presented to him before baptism), and all things commanded him; for he is no more lord over himself; but, as a bride surrenders herself to her bridegroom, so he, after receiving baptism, surrenders himself to Christ, and loses his will, is resigned in all things, without name, without will, but leaving the name to Christ, and letting him reign in him. For this is the signification of baptism, that the Christian’s life is nothing but pure dying and suffering; because we are like unto the image of Christ, and baptized with him, must die and suffer, if we would reign and live with him. Rom. 6:4.
With this ordinance of Christ, accord also the apostles, as faithful stewards and dispensers of the manifold grace of God; for thus did Peter and the other disciples preach the Gospel at Jerusalem, and they that heard it, were pricked in their heart by the word, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles; “Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them: Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:37,38. Thus did also Philip, when he expounded the Scripture to the eunuch. And the latter, when he had accepted it, said: “What doth hinder me to be baptized? Philip answered: If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” Acts 8:35–37. Thus also those of Samaria were baptized, when they believed the words of Philip. Verse 12.
Again, when Peter preached Christ to the house of Cornelius, and spake the word of life, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word. “Then said Peter: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Acts 10:44,47,48.
Thus, Paul also found certain disciples at Ephesus, to whom he said: “Have ye received the Holy Ghost, since ye believed? They answered: We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Then said Paul: Unto what then were ye baptized? They said: Unto John’s baptism. Paul said: John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” So we read in the 19th chapter of Acts.
Thus also Paul himself, when he had been prostrated on the way, by the Lord, and had heard at Damascus, by the command of the Lord, from Ananias, what he should do; had again received his sight, and was filled with the Holy Ghost, in short, had become a chosen vessel and fit instrument, was baptized, and called upon the name of the Lord; as Luke writes, Acts 9:18.
From these and other passages it is evident, that the apostles first taught, and that from teaching follow repentance and faith. For, how shall they believe, says Paul, without hearing. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:17. Hence, penitent faith is confessed and, so to speak, sealed by Christian baptism. For, after baptism, a constantly good and godly life should follow;[208] this is the true ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, and his apostles, as you may read everywhere throughout the Acts of the Apostles.
[208] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal. 3:27.