Answer: First, it is important to understand the meaning of the word “Baptism.” This word comes from the Greek term baptizō, which means “to immerse”. Therefore, as the name implies, when a person is baptized, their whole body must be immersed in water. Notice, Scripture does not specify that baptism must occur in a river, sea, lake, or well. The command is simply to immerse.
Hence, there is no problem with being baptized in a well, as long as there is enough water to fully immerse the body. This could be a river, a well, a spring, a barrel, the sea, or a pool. The key requirement is that the whole body is submerged, and the person is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Any other form of baptism that does not follow this is invalid, and the person must be baptized again.
It is important to remember that during the time of the Apostle Paul, some people only knew John’s baptism of repentance. They did not know the baptism that brings forgiveness of sins. But when Paul preached to them and they believed, they were baptized again in the proper manner. Scripture records this in:
Acts 19:1–7 (ESV)
“And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’
And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’
And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
There were about twelve men in all.”
You, too, may have been baptized in an invalid baptism, so do not hesitate to be baptized again to strengthen your calling and election.
It is crucial to understand that sprinkling or pouring water does not qualify as proper baptism according to Scripture. True baptism is necessary and should never be neglected. Furthermore, there is no seminary or institution that can substitute for this: once a person genuinely believes and repents—meaning they fully turn away from sin—they should be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:37–38 (ESV) 37. “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ 38. And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
For further study, also read: Acts 8:16; 10:48.
May God richly bless you.
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