[fwdude]

The thief on the cross COULDN’T be baptized, obviously, but would if he had been able to. God doesn’t confine himself to a box.

A good part of Christ’s disciples’ ministry was baptizing the masses; so much so that they surpassed the numbers being baptized by John the Prophet. This was not just some vain errand.

[DannyTN]

"This was not just some vain errand."

No, it's the first commandment that God gives to new believers. It's a public testimony of the change that has occurred in their lives.

The thief on the cross is a clear example of a man being saved without being baptised. Thus death bed converts that couldn't be baptised, need not worry. The ceremony doesn't stand in the way of salvation for those that believe. But being the first command, all believers should be baptised if possible.

[MHGinTN]

Do yourself a delight and look into the significance of baptism in the Jewish faith process. The vast majority of those the Apostles baptized were Jews. Those non-Jews who submitted for baptism understood themselves to be joining the Jewish Messianic salvation brought by Jesus from God, the Grace of God in Christ.