𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡?

WHEN DID THE BAPTIST CHURCH BEGIN?

(Rightly Dividing History from Scripture)
Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

INTRODUCTION

Many sincerely believe the Baptist Church began with:
John the Baptist
Jesus’ earthly ministry
Pentecost (Acts 2)
But sincerity is not authority.
The answer is not found in tradition, denominations, or church history—but in rightly divided Scripture.

Today we will discover when the Baptist Church actually began, and how it differs from:
Israel’s Kingdom program
The Church, the Body of Christ

BIBLICAL DEFINITION
Matthew 16:18
Before asking when, we must ask what.

A. Church Means Assembly – Not a denomination
B. Local vs. Universal – Baptist churches are local assemblies
C. No “Baptist” Named Church in Scripture – The name appears nowhere
Dispensational Insight:
The Bible never defines a Baptist Church as a divinely instituted body.

BAPTIST MISASSUMPTION
Matthew 3:1–6
Many claim John the Baptist founded the Baptist Church.

A. John Preached to Israel Only – Matthew 10:5–6
B. John Preached Kingdom Repentance – Matthew 3:2
C. John Never Preached the Cross – 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 absent
John baptized Israel, not the Church.

BAPTISM MISUNDERSTOOD
Mark 1:4

A. Water Baptism Was Jewish – Mark 7:3–4
B. Linked to National Repentance – Acts 2:38
C. Never Defined as “Baptist Identity” – It was ceremonial
Water baptism does not create a Baptist Church.

BODY OF CHRIST DISTINCTION
Ephesians 3:1–6

A. Mystery Hidden from Ages – Romans 16:25
B. Revealed Only to Paul – Galatians 1:11–12
C. Not Known by John, Peter, or Jesus’ Earthly Ministry
The Church, the Body of Christ, began after Israel fell.

BAPTIST CHURCH IS NOT THE BODY
1 Corinthians 12:13

A. Body Baptism Is Spiritual – By the Holy Spirit
B. Baptist Churches Practice Water Baptism – Not Spirit baptism
C. Body of Christ Is One – Baptist churches are many
Baptist churches are local institutions, not the Body.

BAPTIST CHURCHES ARE HISTORICAL
Colossians 2:8

A. Emerged Post-Apostolic Era – After Scripture completion
B. Developed Through Separatist Movements
C. Influenced by Catholic, Reformation, and Anabaptist History
Baptist churches arose through history, not direct revelation.

BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY
Colossians 1:25

A. Paul Is the Apostle to the Gentiles – Romans 11:13
B. Pauline Epistles Define Church Doctrine – Romans–Philemon
C. Baptist Churches Often Mix Programs – Law + Grace
Authority today is Pauline doctrine, not denominational roots.

BIBLICAL TIMELINE
Acts 28:28

A. Israel Temporarily Set Aside – Romans 11:11
B. Body of Christ Fully Revealed – Ephesians 2:15–16
C. Local Churches Developed Afterward – Including Baptist churches
Baptist churches exist within the Dispensation of Grace, but did not begin it.

BALANCED CONCLUSION
1 Corinthians 3:11

A. Baptist Churches Can Teach Truth – If Pauline
B. Baptist Name Does Not Equal Biblical Authority
C. Christ Alone Is the Foundation
A believer is not saved by being Baptist—but by believing the gospel.

CONCLUSION

The Baptist Church did NOT begin with John.
It did NOT begin with Jesus’ earthly ministry.
It did NOT begin at Pentecost.
Baptist churches began historically, not dispensationally.
The Church, the Body of Christ, began with Paul’s revelation.

CALL TO ACTION

Stop asking “What denomination am I?”
Start asking “What does Paul say?”
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1
Believe the Gospel. Rightly Divide the Word. Stand in Grace.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Denominations divide believers.
Rightly divided Scripture unites truth.
You are not baptized into a Baptist Church.
You are baptized into Christ—by faith alone.
The issue is not WHEN the Baptist Church began…
but WHETHER you are standing in PAULINE TRUTH.