06/18/2026
HOLY GHOST REVELATION BETWEEN MATTHEW 28:19 AND ACTS 2:38
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26.)
Although many of you who know me through these daily Bible lessons may be convinced that I have been blessed of God for my understanding of the oneness of God and water baptism according to Acts 2:38, there was a time when I was confused over the relationship between Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. Yes, over forty years ago I was ignorant of the relationship between these two scriptures.
Over the past four decades I have learned that seminary-trained theologians and Bible scholars casually dismiss Acts 2:38 as the formula for water baptism choosing instead Matthew 28:19. Some ignorant trinitarians justify their position by deciding to elevate the words of Jesus, i.e. Matthew 28:19, over the words of Peter, i.e. Acts 2:38. This is the height of scriptural foolishness and stupidity because 2 Timothy 3:16 says:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Also, 2 Peter 1:20-21 reads:
“20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Back to my one-time conflict between Acts 2:38 and Matthew 28:19. First let me make the following clear. My father was a holiness and oneness preacher who had us baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at an early age. I did not have the doctrine of the trinity to contend with or to interfere with Peter’s baptism message on the day of Pentecost because I never accepted it.
When I and my three oldest of ten siblings were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in the mid-1960s, we were ignorant of the gospel message of salvation. None of us understood repentance and the significance of water baptism. So that initial baptism although scriptural was futile. But I now know that my father meant well although he was a bit overzealous.
Academically, I always did well in my public-school education. I was particularly good in English, history, and spelling. (I was always amongst the last students to stand in classroom spelling bee contests.) I was also a “speed” reader in the classroom. In those days, teachers sometimes had students read certain lessons for the class. I was frequently chosen by one teacher because I was a fast but accurate reader. The teacher found this talent useful when class time was running short and she wanted to complete certain material. I was recognized on two separate occasions by an English teacher in high school and college for my writing ability. It was suggested that I publish some of my writings.
(I dismissed these accolades because I had no interest in writing or being an author. At that time, I was scholastically focused on electrical engineering.)
I kept a running account of my academic achievements for my high school years (grades 9 through 12.) My GPA (grade point average) for these years was 87 – a B plus. I mention this achievement for a reason that I will share with you later in this lesson.
Later in life my father, the late Elder Joseph Elias Barrett (1898 – 1987) was the Wednesday night Bible teacher for Christian Pentecostal Church of Christ pastored by the late Bishop Willie Smith. It was on one unforgettable Wednesday evening that I had a Holy Ghost encounter that resulted in a spiritual revelation.
What confounded me then was the two prominent water baptism scriptures – Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. On that previously mentioned Wednesday evening water baptism was the subject. I sat and listened intently to my father’s teaching. But when he concluded his presentation that included reading and discussing the two scriptures, I was thoroughly confused. To my understanding, Matthew 28:19 collided with Acts 2:38. I did not then know the spiritual relationship between the two. Matthew 28:19 says to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” while Acts 2:38 says to “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Here is the reason I mentioned my academic achievements earlier. My lack of understanding had nothing whatsoever to do with my intellect, or lack thereof. I just could not mentally figure out the relationship between Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. I raised my hand to ask my father for clarification.
Before continuing with what occurred next, let me insert at this point my lack of understanding that trinitarian Christians display with water baptism by being satisfied with having Matthew 28:19 repeated over them as opposed to obeying it. Here is what John 14:26 says:
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Jesus says plainly that the Holy Ghost will not only bring all things to remembrance but teach ALL THINGS. One factor I can attribute this attitude to has to do with Matthew 11:25:
“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”
Many believers have so much faith in what they are being taught by their triune God pastors and teachers that they accept verbatim everything taught. Let me contrast my spiritual state when I was first baptized in the name of Jesus Christ with that of many believers brought up in trinitarianism. Like the average triune God believer, I trusted the individual who taught me, i.e. my father. But, when Matthew 28:19 was discussed alongside Acts 2:38, I immediately saw a conflict.
Perhaps many trinitarians have not had the experience of being taught Matthew 28:19 alongside Acts 2:38. But I am certain that in the course of time they ran into someone who questioned their Matthew 28:19 repetition baptism or read a book or webpage/website that explored the issue. When they encounter the issue, it should have given the mind pause to ask questions or at least bring about a mental conflict leading to further exploration. But for so many, it does not.
It is at this point that Matthew 11:25 becomes relevant to this discussion. There are two classes of believers, the “wise and prudent” and the “babes.” The wise and prudent accept unquestioningly everything taught. They do not have an innate mental attitude that will compel them to explore further when they encounter a “red flag” (anything that seems suspicious.) Babes, however, keep themselves in a continual state of a cup half full. They keep themselves in a state of ever learning.
WRAPPING UP
Above I left my revelation narrative at the point where I asked my father for clarification between what I saw as a conflict between Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. He began addressing my question. It was at this point that something miraculous occurred – I received a supernatural revelation. Here is what I compare it to. While my father was in the process of answering my question, the Holy Ghost instantly revealed the relationship between Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. I compare this spiritual revelation to replacing a 30-watt light bulb with a one-hundred-watt bulb. All my questions were dispelled. What my intellect was unable to figure out, the Holy Ghost unveiled in blazing glory. This was unquestionably the greatest Holy Ghost intercession I have ever experienced.
Here is my suggestion to those who are similarly confused or who genuinely see a conflict between Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. But I must issue a caveat. You must develop a “babe” mindset. Without it you will NEVER receive a Holy Ghost revelation. You must develop an intense desire to know the truth. With that in place, I guarantee you a supernatural Holy Ghost revelation similar to mine.
(Receive these valuable lessons free of charge and save for future reference. Send your email address to [email protected] and I will gladly add you to my mailing list.)