THE SUBSTANTIATION OF TRINE IMMERSION FROM THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

THE SUBSTANTIATION OF TRINE IMMERSION FROM THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

lb. The record for Trine Immersion.

1.   65-120 A.D. Didache, or Training of the twelve. Yoder page 216.
2.   114-165 A.D.    Justin Martyr, Apologia Page 79.
3.   160-190 A.D.    Tertullian - Yoder Page 222.
4.   150-220 A.D.    Clement of Alexandria - Bauman, Page 26ff.
5.   185-225 A.D.    Origen - Yoder Page 226.
6.   315-386 A.D.    Cyril of Jerusalem - Yoder Page 228.
7.         329 A.D.    Basil the Great - Yoder, Page 228.
8.   354-400 A.D.    Augustine-Yoder, Page 229.
9.   340-400 A.D.    Jerome - Yoder, Page 232.
10.       347 A.D.    Chrysostom - Yoder, Page 234.

NOTE: The testimony is unanimous for trine immersion among the early fathers, and there is not a dissenting vote. No record is ever given that trine immersion started later than with the apostles.

2b. The record for single immersion.
1.   100-120 A.D. Apostolic Canons (Expansion of Didache). There is just an intimation that some attempt may have been made to introduce single immersion. Yoder, Page 222.
2.   330-381 A.D. Eunomius discontinued trine immersion for single immersion. He was excommunicated by the Council in 381 A.D. Five witnesses to this fact. Yoder, Page 348f. Eunomia’s practiced single immersion with single formula.
3.   600 A.D. Proposed by the Pope, and Council of Toledo in 633 ruled single or trine immersion correct, but preferred single because of the Arians. Yoder page 251f. The Arians practiced single immersion with trine formula.
4.   1522 A.D. First instance of backward motion originated with Thomas Munzer in Germany. Yoder, page 253.
5.   1200-1500 A.D. Single immersion came into prominence about this time. But it was less followed than was trine immersion. Not until after 1500 A.D. did single immersion come into prominence. It still does not compare with sprinkling with trine actions.

3b. The record for Pouring and Sprinkling.
1.   65-120 A.D. Didache suggests this in case water is not too plentiful. Yoder, page 254.
2.   250 A.D. The first instance of pouring is that of Novation. He was ill, and Cyprian confirmed pouring. Yoder, page 254.
3.   255 A.D. Cyprian allowed sprinkling in case of absolute necessity, but counseled baptism after recovery. Yoder, page 255ff.
4.   1280 A.D. Council of Cologne sanctioned sprinkling.
5.   1311 A.D. Council of Ravenna left the mode to the choice of the minister. Yoder page 257.
Consult Cobern - "New Archeological Studies"
Pages 266 - 267
Pages 340 - 341
Page 400