The exchange between Philip and the eunuch gives a precise statement of faith necessary for baptism – Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:36-37). This act of baptism followed private preaching of Jesus Christ and His death from Isaiah 53. And this doctrine necessary for baptism was identical to what Philip required in Samaria, which baptisms the apostles approved and justified (Acts 8:12-17).

Jesus taught that His disciples were to baptize those who believe the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins according to the Scriptures (Mark 16:15-16; I Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus did not swoon; He died and was buried. He did not die a martyr’s death; He died a substitutionary death for the sins of His people.

The doctrine of Jesus Christ includes repentance from sins, for only those forsaking their sins are worthy of being His disciples (Matthew 3:1-12; Luke 14:25-33; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-6). Baptism is the public and formal act of conversion, which is the turning away from sin and the turning toward righteousness (Luke 3:7-14; 7:29-30).

Since apostolic baptisms occurred soon after hearing of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:37-38; 8:30-37; 10:34-44; 16:14-15,31-33), there could not have been much instruction beyond the historical facts of the Person and Work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Catechism classes and other required forms of instruction before baptism have no Scriptural basis, if the subject has repented of his sins and believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Saviour. Such classes were invented to compensate for the "easybelievism" of false theology and to provide Pharisees additional control over entry into the kingdom of God.

The details of further instruction and conversion are to occur after baptism, according to the commandment of our Saviour (Matthew 28:19-20; Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-3). It is our duty after baptism to add knowledge to our faith (II Peter 1:5; 3:18; I Peter 2:1-3).