Acts 19:4
New International Version
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

New Living Translation
Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”

English Standard Version
And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”

Berean Standard Bible
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Berean Literal Bible
Then Paul said, "John baptized a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

New American Standard Bible
Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

NASB 1995
Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

NASB 1977
And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Amplified Bible
Paul said, “John performed a baptism of repentance, continually telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, [to confidently accept and joyfully believe] in Jesus [the Messiah and Savior].”

Christian Standard Bible
Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

American Standard Version
And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
Paul replied, "John baptized people so they would turn to God. But he also told them someone else was coming, and they should put their faith in him. Jesus is the one that John was talking about."

English Revised Version
And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Jesus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. John told people to believe in Jesus, who was coming later."

Good News Translation
Paul said, "The baptism of John was for those who turned from their sins; and he told the people of Israel to believe in the one who was coming after him--that is, in Jesus."

International Standard Version
Then Paul said, "John baptized when they repented, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus."

Majority Standard Bible
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was indeed a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

NET Bible
Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus."

New Heart English Bible
Paul said, "John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus."

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, That they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Weymouth New Testament
"John," he said, "administered a baptism of repentance, bidding the people believe on One who was to come after him; namely, on Jesus."

World English Bible
Paul said, “John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Christ Jesus.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Paul said, “John, indeed, immersed with an immersion of conversion, saying to the people that they should believe in Him who is coming after him—that is, in the Christ—Jesus”;

Berean Literal Bible
Then Paul said, "John baptized a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus."

Young's Literal Translation
And Paul said, 'John, indeed, did baptize with a baptism of reformation, saying to the people that in him who is coming after him they should believe -- that is, in the Christ -- Jesus;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Paul said, John truly immersed the immersion of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him coming after him, that is, in Christ Jesus.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Paul said: John baptized the people with the baptism of penance, saying: That they should believe in him who was to come after him, that is to say, in Jesus.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Paul said: “John baptized the people with the baptism of repentance, saying that they should believe in the One who is to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

New American Bible
Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

New Revised Standard Version
Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then said Paul, John verily baptized the people with the baptism of repentance, saying unto them that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, Jesus Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Paulus said to them, “Yohannan baptized the people in the baptism of repentance while he was telling them to believe in that One who would come after him, who is Yeshua The Messiah.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And Paul said: John immersed with the immersion of repentance, saying to the people, that they must believe on him who should come after him, that is, on the Christ, Jesus.

Godbey New Testament
And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on the one coming after him, that is Jesus.

Haweis New Testament
Then said Paul, John indeed baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, That they should believe on him who was coming after him, that is, in Christ Jesus.

Mace New Testament
upon which Paul said, John indeed administer'd the baptism of repentance, but with this admonition, that they should believe in him, who was to come after, that is, in Jesus the Messias.

Weymouth New Testament
"John," he said, "administered a baptism of repentance, bidding the people believe on One who was to come after him; namely, on Jesus."

Worrell New Testament
And Paul said, "John immersed with an immersion of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him coming after him; that is, on Jesus."

Worsley New Testament
Then said Paul, John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people, that they should believe in Him that was coming after him, that is, in Christ Jesus.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus
3“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied. 4 Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.…

Cross References
Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Mark 1:4
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 3:16
John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

John 1:26-27
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know. / He is the One who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

John 1:29-34
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ...

John 3:28-30
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ / The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. / He must increase; I must decrease.

Acts 1:5
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 11:16
Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

Acts 13:24-25
Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

Romans 6:3-4
Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

1 Corinthians 1:13-17
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? / I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, / so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. ...

1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;


Treasury of Scripture

Then said Paul, John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

John.

Acts 1:5
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 11:16
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 13:23-25
Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: …

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Acts 19
1. The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.
8. The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.
13. The Jewish exorcists,
16. are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.
19. Conjuring books are burnt.
21. Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;
35. which is appeased by the town clerk.














Paul explained
The Greek word for "explained" is "εἶπεν" (eipen), which means to speak or say. In this context, it indicates Paul's role as a teacher and clarifier of the Gospel. Paul, an apostle chosen by Christ, often took on the role of explaining and interpreting the Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles. His explanation here is crucial for understanding the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ.

John’s baptism
The term "baptism" comes from the Greek "βάπτισμα" (baptisma), which means immersion or submersion. John the Baptist's baptism was a symbolic act of repentance, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. It was a call for the people to turn away from sin and ready themselves for the new era that Jesus would inaugurate. This baptism was not an end in itself but pointed forward to something greater.

a baptism of repentance
The Greek word for "repentance" is "μετάνοια" (metanoia), which signifies a change of mind or a turning away from sin. John's baptism was a public declaration of an inward transformation, a preparatory step for receiving the message and person of Jesus Christ. Repentance is a foundational aspect of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the need for a heart change and a turning towards God.

He told the people
This phrase underscores John's role as a prophet and a forerunner to Christ. John the Baptist's ministry was one of proclamation, calling the people of Israel to prepare for the coming Messiah. His message was not just about repentance but also about pointing to the One who would fulfill God's promises.

to believe in the One coming after him
The Greek word for "believe" is "πιστεύειν" (pisteuein), which means to have faith or trust. John directed the people's faith towards the coming Messiah, emphasizing that his own ministry was not the culmination but a preparation for Jesus. This belief was not merely intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in Jesus as the Savior.

that is, in Jesus
The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This highlights the central message of the Gospel: that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. By specifying "in Jesus," Paul clarifies that the object of faith is not a concept or a future hope but a person who has already come and accomplished the work of salvation through His life, death, and resurrection.

(4) John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance.--The words may fairly be regarded as giving the summary of what was actually a fuller teaching. The distinctive point in it was that the baptism of John was, by his own declaration, simply provisional and preparatory. He taught his disciples to believe in Jesus, and belief implied obedience, and obedience baptism in His name. It is not without significance that the list of elementary doctrines in Hebrews 6:1-4, addressed, we may believe, by Apollos to those who had once been his disciples, includes what those who are now before us might have learnt from him in their spiritual childhood, and that he then passes on to describe the higher state of those who had been "illumined," and had "tasted of the heavenly gift," and been made "partakers of the Holy Ghost" (Hebrews 6:4-6).

Verse 4. - And Paul said for then said Paul, A.V.; John for John verily, A.V. and T.R.; Jesus for Christ Jesus, A.V. and T.R. The baptism of repentance. See Luke 3:3, etc., and for the difference between John's baptism and that of Christ, Luke 3:16. Him which should some after him (Luke 3:16; John 3:28; Mark 1:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

explained:
Εἶπεν (Eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“John’s
Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

baptism was
ἐβάπτισεν (ebaptisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

a baptism
βάπτισμα (baptisma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 908: The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism.

of repentance.
μετανοίας (metanoias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3341: From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).

He told
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people
λαῷ (laō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

believe
πιστεύσωσιν (pisteusōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the [One]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

coming
ἐρχόμενον (erchomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

after
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

him,
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

that
τοῦτ’ (tout’)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is,
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jesus.”
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


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NT Apostles: Acts 19:4 Paul said John indeed baptized (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 19:3
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