William Albrecht & Sam Shamoun

Opponents/rejecters of the early widespread acceptance of infant Baptist in the early church often (mis)cite late second-third century Christian apologist Tertullian in their favor. In this short post, we will quote the relevant section of Tertullian’s writing on this issue to show that he is being misrepresented and misused. All bold emphasis is ours.  

Chapter 18. Of the Persons to Whom, and the Time When, Baptism is to Be Administered

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But they whose office it is, know that baptism is not rashly to be administered. Give to every one who begs you, has a reference of its own, appertaining especially to almsgiving. On the contrary, this precept is rather to be looked at carefully: Give not the holy thing to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine; Matthew 7:6 and, Lay not hands easily on any; share not other men’s sins. If Philip so easily baptized the chamberlain, let us reflect that a manifest and conspicuous evidence that the Lord deemed him worthy had been interposed. Acts 8:26-40 The Spirit had enjoined Philip to proceed to that road: the eunuch himself, too, was not found idle, nor as one who was suddenly seized with an eager desire to be baptized; but, after going up to the temple for prayer’s sake, being intently engaged on the divine Scripture, was thus suitably discovered — to whom God had, unasked, sent an apostle, which one, again, the Spirit bade adjoin himself to the chamberlain’s chariot. The Scripture which he was reading falls in opportunely with his faith: Philip, being requested, is taken to sit beside him; the Lord is pointed out; faith lingers not; water needs no waiting for; the work is completed, and the apostle snatched away. But Paul too was, in fact, ‘speedily’ baptized: for Simon, his host, speedily recognized him to be an appointed vessel of election. God’s approbation sends sure premonitory tokens before it; every petition may both deceive and be deceived. And so, according to the circumstances and disposition, and even age, of each individual, the delay of baptism is preferable; principally, however, in the case of little children. For why is it necessary — if (baptism itself) is not so necessary — that the sponsors likewise should be thrust into danger? Who both themselves, by reason of mortality, may fail to fulfil their promises, and may be disappointed by the development of an evil disposition, in those for whom they stood? The Lord does indeed say, Forbid them not to come unto me. Let them come, then, while they are growing up; let them come while they are learning, while they are learning whither to come; let them become Christians when they have become able to know Christ. Why does the innocent period of life hasten to the remission of sins? More caution will be exercised in worldly matters: so that one who is not trusted with earthly substance is trusted with divine! Let them know how to ask for salvation, that you may seem (at least) to have given to him that asks. For no less cause must the unwedded also be deferred — in whom the ground of temptation is prepared, alike in such as never were wedded by means of their maturity, and in the widowed by means of their freedom — until they either marry, or else be more fully strengthened for continence. If any understand the weighty import of baptism, they will fear its reception more than its delay: sound faith is secure of salvation. (On Baptism)

NOTE: Tertullian does NOT deny the REALITY of infant baptism. He says it is PREFERABLE to DELAY this. But, his position was undeniably ODD. He also believes that EVERYONE SHOULD delay baptism!

“…even age, OF EACH INDIVIDUAL, the delay of baptism is PREFERABLE, principally, however in the case of little children.”

NOTE: Since Tertullian was so afraid that one would die in mortal sin, he therefore recommended most delay baptism, NOT just infants. The very same Tertullian says:

“For no less cause should the unmarried also be deferred [from baptism], in whom there is an aptness to temptation, …until either they are married or are better strengthened for continence. Anyone who understands the seriousness of Baptism will fear its reception more than its deferral.”

Tertullian reasoned since children were still viewed as innocent, and not accountable for sin, it is therefore better to wait till they reach maturity (e.g., accountability) so that they could have their sins washed by the regeneration caused by the Holy Spirit through water baptism.

Therefore, though Tertullian’s position is unique among the early Christians his statements are NOT a denial or prohibition of infant baptism occurring during that period.

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