Emphasis Preaching Journal

As far as we can know, the baptism of the twelve in Ephesus, administered by Paul, would have been physically identical with the baptism they had already received. What then was the difference that made re-baptism important? John's baptism was one of repentance. Paul's baptism, however, was "in the name of the Lord Jesus" and affirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. In other words, John's baptism centered on moral and spiritual excellence, while Paul's baptism centered on a new relationship with God.