Writings in Connection with the Donatist ControversyAugustine, of Hippo, Saint
ReligionChristian
Writings in Connection with the Donatist Controversy
Augustine, of Hippo, Saint
Donatists; Donatists -- Controversial literature
CHAP. XXXVII.--85. PETILIANUS said: "But that the truth of this may be
made manifest from the apostles, we are taught by their actions, as it
is written: 'It came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul,
having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus: and finding
there certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy
Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as
heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what
then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said
Paul, 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. And when Paul had laid his hands upon
them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and
prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.'[803] If, therefore,
they were baptized that they might receive the Holy Ghost, why do not
you, if you wish to receive the Holy Ghost, take measures to obtain a
true renewing, after your falsehoods? And if we do ill in urging this,
why do you seek after us? or, at any rate, if it is an offence, condemn
Paul in the first instance; which Paul certainly washed off what had
already existed, whereas we in you give baptism which as yet does not
exist. For you do not, as we have often said before, wash with a true
baptism; but you bring on men an ill repute by your empty name of a
false baptism."
86. AUGUSTINE answered: We bring no accusation against Paul, who gave
to men the baptism of Christ because they had not the baptism of
Christ, but the baptism of John, according to their own reply; for,
being asked, Unto what were ye baptized? they answered, Unto John's
baptism; which has nothing to do with the baptism of Christ, and is
neither a part of it nor a step towards it. Otherwise, either at that
time the water of the baptism of Christ was renewed a second time, or
if the baptism of Christ was then made perfect by the two waters, the
baptism is less perfect which is given now, because it is not given
with the water which was given at the hands of John. But either one of
these opinions it is impious and sacrilegious to entertain. Therefore
Paul gave the baptism of Christ to those who had not the baptism of
Christ, but only the baptism of John.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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