How could the men at Ephesus be disciples before they were baptized?
Question:
First of all, I would like to thank you for the La Vista Church of Christ website. I love how you attach a link to the Bible verses you quote. I have studied many of the topics you have and I have learned a lot. Thank you again!
Second of all, I have recently become aware of the idea that a Christian becomes a Christian when he or she is baptized into Christ. I wanted to know your thoughts on why they called the men and women at Ephesus disciples before they were baptized in the name of Jesus. "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding 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" (Acts 19:1-5).
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Answer:
The word "disciples" merely means "students." Paul found people who were studying God's Word. It turned out that that they were disciples of John, so Paul pointed out that the Christ, the one John taught about, had already come. They then became disciples of Jesus.
