John the Baptist, the first to baptize in the kingdom of God, was sent from God with divine authority to baptize. (Matthew 3:13-15; 21:23-27; Luke 1:13-17; 16:16; John 1:6,33)

Baptizing before Pentecost was done by John and our Lord’s apostles (John 4:1-2). There is no evidence of another line of baptizing preachers from John (Mark 1:5; Luke 7:29-30). 

Jesus charged His eleven apostles to preach the gospel, baptize, and teach converts based on His power and promised Presence (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20). No man dared join these apostles, for Jesus Christ had magnified them with great authority (Acts 5:13). It is those Christ chose and enabled to preach who also baptize. Are all teachers (I Corinthians 12:29)? No.

Jesus Christ, after ascending to the right hand of God, gave gifts to men for the work of the ministry i.e. apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor/teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12). These are the preaching, baptizing, and teaching offices of the New Testament.

Philip is not an exception to this rule. Though ordained a deacon in Acts 6:1-6, yet he is identified as an evangelist in Acts 21:8. His baptisms in Samaria (8:5-17) and that of the eunuch (8:26-40) were by the authority and power promised by Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).

Pastors should be willing and prepared to do the work of an evangelist preaching to those who have not heard and baptizing believers (II Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 21:8; 8:30-40).

All things are to be done decently and in order in New Testament churches (I Cor 14:40). An aspect of control over baptism is the qualifying responsibility of Christ’s servants (Matthew 3:7-8; Acts 8:36-37; 19:1-7).