Acts 19:5
What does Acts 19:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:5 means
Hearing Paul’s explanation, these disciples are baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Their obedience marks a decisive step from anticipation to fulfillment. Baptism into Jesus signifies allegiance to Him, cleansing through His work, and incorporation into His people. The verse also shows that correct understanding leads to concrete action. They do not remain content with partial truth; upon learning of Christ, they identify publicly with Him. In a city steeped in religious options, this baptism is a bold reorientation. It is not merely a corrective ritual but a confession that Jesus is Lord, the very One to whom John pointed. Their faith now rests on Christ Himself.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And hearing this, they had baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they, having heard, were baptized--to the name of the Lord Jesus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Having heard these things, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when they heard that, they were baptised to the name of the Lord Jesus.
Context
This follows Paul’s clarification of John’s role and points to the immediate fruit of sound teaching: they receive Christian baptism. Next, Paul lays hands on them and the Holy Spirit comes, accompanied by tongues and prophecy. The account mirrors earlier moments in Acts, showing continuity of the Spirit’s gift across different groups. This small group’s completion in Christ anticipates the wider outpouring of gospel power that will soon transform Ephesus.
v.4And 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.
v.5This passage
v.6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 10:2
and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
- Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
- Romans 6:3
Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
- 1 Corinthians 1:13
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?
- Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- Acts 8:16
for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
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