Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
The speaker highlights that Hebrews 6 says “doctrine of baptisms” (plural) while Chrysostom insists there is only one baptism; what do you think Chrysostom believed the plural was doing there, and what early-Christian practices or confusions might that detail reveal?
Another way to ask: Hebrews 6 talks about “baptisms” (plural), but Chrysostom says there is only one baptism. Why do you think he thought Hebrews used the plural, and what early church practices or mix-ups might explain it?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Chrysostom seems to think the plural “baptisms” is not teaching multiple legitimate baptisms, but addressing teaching about baptism in a way that prevents people from imagining repeat baptisms—especially when they sin again. The detail hints there may have been real confusion or pressure in the church about washing sins away “a second time.”
- The speaker notes the text says “doctrine of baptisms with an S… plural,” and Chrysostom responds: “Not as if there were many baptisms, but only one.”
- Chrysostom connects the warning to a wrong expectation: believers might think “after the cleansing of baptism… they can live a sinful life and then expect to be washed clean… a second time by being baptized again.”
- He argues Hebrews 6 is aimed at that misconception: “the entire purpose… is… the Christian that has fallen away cannot be made right with God again by being rebaptized.”
- He warns of the slippery slope: “If there is [a second], then there is also a third and a fourth… without end.”
- The speaker suggests historically why this might arise: if early Christians didn’t believe future sins were already forgiven, “many people would have been lined up to get rebaptized… maybe this was happening in Chrysostom’s time.”