THE FAVORITE PROOF-TEXT FOR INFANT BAPTISM   BY STEVE FINNELL

The most popular proof-text in support of infant baptism is Acts 16:33. The problem is you have ignore other verses, such as Acts 16:31, 32, and 34.

 THE PROOF-TEXT: Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. (NKJV)

Does that prove that infants were baptized? No it does not.

The Jailer asked Paul and Silas what he needed to do to be saved. (Acts 16:30) The answer was: Acts 16:31 So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.(NKJV)

The Jailer could not believe for his household. Salvation is an individual choice.

Acts 16:32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in the house.(NKJV)

Paul and Silas preached to all the household. Infants do understand the gospel. There were no infants hearing and believing the gospel.

Acts 16:34 Now when he had brought them into the house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.(NKJV)

The Jailer and all of his household believed before they were baptized. Infants are not capable of believing in God. Infants cannot understand the gospel message. Infants cannot believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The fact that the jailer and all of his household believed, eliminates the possibility of any infants being baptized that night.

Jesus said in Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved..."(NKJV)

Paul and Silas did not the change the words of Jesus. Belief is required in order to be saved, as is baptism, and belief precedes immersion in water. There are no cases found in the Bible where an unbeliever is baptized. Infants are unbelievers.