It says nothing about baptizing infants. He was talking to the men who believed his message and asked him a question. This is a good example of the kind of error that taking verses out of context can lead to.
The apostolic Church baptized whole “households” (Acts 16:33; 1 Cor. 1:16), a term encompassing children and infants as well as servants. While these texts do not specifically mention—nor exclude—infants, the very use of the term “households” indicates an understanding of the family as a unit. Even one believing parent in a household makes the children and even the unbelieving spouse “holy” (1 Cor. 7:14).
Again, no Scriptural support for baptizing infants. Assumptions are not good things to make doctrine on.
I really don't care what someone's extra-Biblical opinion on baptizing infants is. Wide is the way that leads to destruction and many there are who find it. Consensus in not a good way of determining truth or doctrine. Scripture is.
Now if someone wants to follow a practice that's not found in the Bible, they are certainly free to do so. But teaching it as truth and demanding adherence to it, is inexcusable. It's legalism, plain and simple.
That the “household “ spoken of in Acts 16:33 is those at least old enough to be made disciples is shown by vs. 32.
The word was spoken to him “and all those in his house” and THEN they were baptized.
Disciple first, baptism second. Unless One LFB wants to argue that speaking “the word” to a little baby was done or to one too young to understand what was being said.
As Matt. 3:8,9 shows the term “children” can mean adults, simply descendants, as well as the very young.
Disciple first, baptism second.
I agree with you there. That is the main "beef" I have with the Catholic Church. They come up with certain doctrines that they glean from ancient "traditions" and then pronounce anathemas and threaten excommunication on anyone who doesn't accept with their whole heart what has been decided. It is one of the main reasons I would never consider going back.
As far as baptism of babies goes, my thought is so what? If someone wants to do such a thing with the understanding that it is still the responsibility of the one to accept Christ when he/she is old enough to, then what harm does it do? What is done today in dedicating the child to God is really no different, if you ask me. It is still the parents and others committing before God to raise the child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Of course, this action - whether dedication or water baptism - does not guarantee that the child will become an actual Christian because it is a conscious decision we each must come to. Even the Catholic and Orthodox "sacrament" of baptism does not ensure the person will remain in the faith either. I see it as more of a determination by the ones responsible for the baby to make sure the Lord is always a presence in their lives. This hopefully gives them a better chance of one day making that choice to follow Christ but, as we know all too well, it is no sure thing that they will.