908 baptisma {bap'-tis-mah}
from 907; TDNT - 1:545,92; n n
AV - baptism 22; 22
1) immersion, submersion
1a) of calamities and afflictions with which one is quite overwhelmed
1b) of John's baptism, that purification rite by which men on
confessing their sins were bound to spiritual reformation,
obtained the pardon of their past sins and became qualified
for the benefits of the Messiah's kingdom soon to be set up.
This was valid Christian baptism, as this was the only baptism
the apostles received and it is not recorded anywhere that
they were ever rebaptised after Pentecost.
1c) of Christian baptism; a rite of immersion in water as
commanded by Christ, by which one after confessing his sins
and professing his faith in Christ, having been born again by
the Holy Spirit unto a new life, identifies publicly with the
fellowship of Christ and the church.