However, simply because immersion was the common practice does not
mean that other methods were unlawful or invalid.
The Acts of the Apostles relates how St. Paul was baptized in a house
(9:17-18), while St. Peter baptized numerous people in the house of
Cornelius (10:47-48). Now, archaeologists would testify that bathing tubs
were not usual fixtures in the homes of the ancients. It is also highly
doubtful that there was sufficient open water to baptize by immersion the
three thousand who converted to the Lord after St. Peter’s first sermon
(2:41). All these were probably baptized by pouring or sprinkling, just as
were thousands of others according to the earliest Christian mosaics,
paintings and engravings in the Catacombs and ancient churches.
Besides this, to insist on full immersion leads to situations in which people
are denied baptism. Those living in climactic extremes such as deserts
would find it difficult to always procure enough water to fully immerse an
adult, while it would be impossible for those rendered bed-ridden by illness
to be baptized. Eusebius relates that the heretic Novation “received baptism
in the bed where he lay, by pouring.”³ After all, water poured on the body
retains the symbolism of washing.
The Fathers
The Didache 7, 1 (c. 90-150 AD)
“Baptize thus: After the foregoing instructions, baptize in the name of the
Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. If you have
no living water, then baptize in other water; and if you are not able in cold,
then in warm. If you have neither, pour water three times on the head, in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
St. Hippolytus of Rome, The Apostolic Tradition 21 (c. 215 AD)
“Baptize first the children; and if they can speak for themselves, let them
do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them.”
Origen, Homilies on Leviticus 8, 3 (inter 244-254 AD)
3
Ecclesiastical History 6, 43, 11.
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