Infant Baptism

"Where does the Bible say to baptize babies?"

4 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

The Catholic Church baptizes infants because baptism removes original sin and incorporates the child into Christ's Body, the Church. This practice dates to the apostolic era and has strong biblical support through household baptisms and the parallel with circumcision.

Quick Overview

When a baby is born into a family, they become part of that family without choosing it. Similarly, baptism brings a child into God's family. The grace is real even if the child can't understand it yet—just like a baby benefits from parents' love without comprehending it.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Acts 16:15

"And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying: If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there."

Why This Matters

Lydia's entire household was baptized together. In the ancient world, 'household' (Greek: oikos) included children, infants, and servants.

Acts 16:33

"And he, taking them the same hour of the night, washed their stripes, and himself was baptized, and all his house immediately."

Why This Matters

The Philippian jailer's whole household received baptism 'immediately' in the middle of the night, including young children.

Colossians 2:11-12

"In whom also you are circumcised with circumcision not made by hand... buried with him in baptism."

Why This Matters

Paul connects baptism to circumcision. Jewish boys were circumcised at eight days old; baptism likewise can be given to infants.

Acts 2:38-39

"Be baptized every one of you... For the promise is to you, and to your children."

Why This Matters

Peter explicitly includes children in the promise of baptism.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

The Catechism teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation (CCC 1257) and that infant baptism is an immemorial tradition dating to the apostles (CCC 1252). Infants are baptized for forgiveness of original sin and to receive sanctifying grace.

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

Hippolytus of Rome

c. 215 AD

"Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them."

— The Apostolic Tradition, 21

Origen

c. 244 AD

"The Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptism even to infants."

— Commentary on Romans, 5:9

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