[Elsie]

However, it is the first command to the Christian.

What chapter and verse?

[DannyTN]

"What chapter and verse?"

I don't think you will find a verse that actually calls it the first command.

However, that it is, can be seen by

• Jesus' example of being baptised before beginning His ministry,
• the acts of the apostles which baptised believers immediately upon accepting Jesus,
• the close association of baptism with repentance and acceptance of Jesus in the scripture,
• the symbolic meaning of salvation of repentance and beginning a new life,
• the command to make a public confession of Jesus.

  All of those point to baptism being an important command that should occur as soon as a person accepts Jesus.