Baptism

about. 50AD -- the one recorded in Acts 15. There are similarities to the
Apostolic Decree and the church structure is primitive and the description of
the Eucharist carefully avoids mention of the body and blood of Christ. Most
scholars agree that the work, in its earliest form, may have circulated as early
as the 60's AD though additions and modifications may have taken place well
into the third century. The work was never officially rejected by the Church,
but was excluded from the canon.
The complete text of the Didache was discovered in the Codex
Hierosolymitanus, though a number of fragments exist, most notably in the
Oxyrhynchus Papyri. It was originally composed in Greek, probably within a
small community. " (Indiana Wesleyan University)
Evidently this represents the custom of the early Christian Church. Didache
clearly indicates that other baptismal modes were in existence right from the
beginning of the church, the testimony of the Didache is seconded by other
early Christian writings.
Hippolytus of Rome said, "If water is scarce, whether as a constant
condition or on occasion, then use whatever water is available"
Cyprian maintained that no one should be "disturbed because the sick are
poured upon or sprinkled when they receive the Lord's grace" (Letter to a
Certain Magnus, 69:12 [A.D. 255]). Sprinkling was allowed when the normal
baptism process cannot be done.
Symbolism
In the various symbols of baptism we notice that water never actually
covered the baptisee. Total immersion is not the meaning of the symbol at
all.
Paul was baptized in a house (Acts 9:17-18). In fact, he was baptized
standing up. When Ananias came to baptize him, he said: "And now why do
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