And again from Andrew:
>
> *all* of them have a ritual sense ?
> *no* real counter examples ?
>
> I think you should take a closer look at some of the occurences. The
> following instances don't have any ritualistic sense (Jewish or
> Christian):
> Rom. 6:3
> 1 Cor 10:2
> 1 Cor 12:13
> Gal 3:27
Yet it seems to me, as a casual reader, that these _are_ referencing
the ritual act in a metaphorical sense.
And also from Andrew:
>
> Yes really. The poured water in verse 3 is an example of how to
> full the hOUTW BAPTISATE "Baptize thus" command in verse 1,
> IF THOU HAST NEITHER. The first two options should be
> preferred. The 3rd is a last resort. (Also remember that the
> Didache is only an interpretation and doesn't claim divine
> inspiration).
>
However, the Didache is useful (divine inspiration or not) for
determining how people of nearly the same period interpreted
the words it uses.
For my personal use, I do translate BAPTIZW as "immerse" -- but
think of it as a ritual act.
Regards,
j.v.
James H. Vellenga | jvellenga@viewlogic.com
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