Does I Corinthians 12:13 Refer to
Holy Spirit or Water Baptism?

13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body...."

Advocates for present-day Holy Spirit baptism for all Christians often cite this passage as "proof" for continued present-day reception of Holy Spirit baptism. The proponents of this assertion maintain that Holy Spirit baptism is essential and for all believers.

1. It should be noted that in the New Testament, Holy Spirit baptism was accompanied by the gift of tongues (Acts 2:1-11). In the New Testament, tongue-speaking was the miraculous ability to speak in a foreign language (Acts 2:6, 11).

2. Note that "all" at Corinth had been baptized with the baptism of I Corinthians 12:13, our text under consideration.

3. However, please note carefully that all at Corinth did not speak in tongues. The following verses clearly indicate this: "Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" (I Corinthians 12:29:30). "I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied" (I Corinthians 14:5). Clearly, all at Corinth could not speak in tongues.

4. Summary: If Holy Spirit baptized people could speak in tongues, and they could (Acts 2), and if all at Corinth could not speak in tongues, and they could not (I Corinthians 12:29-30), then it follows that the baptism referred to by Paul in I Corinthians 12:13 is not Holy Spirit baptism, but rather water baptism.

Conclusion: These facts harmonize with the Great Commission in Mark 16:15-16. Here Jesus taught that water baptism was essential for salvation by placing it between the believer and salvation, and also teaching that it was for every creature. By examining Matthew 28:18-20, it is further demonstrated that water baptism was administered by man and was to continue for all time.

RK