late 2nd – 3rd century

Baptism in the pre-Nicene Church: rite, gifts and infant baptism

Around 200 Hippolytus of Rome describes the examination of catechumens, daily exorcism of evil spirits, a night baptism at Easter with three immersions, anointings and the bishop's laying on of hands, after which the newly baptized were admitted to communion. Against Marcion's dualism Tertullian named four gifts of baptism – remission of sins, deliverance from death, regeneration and the gift of the Holy Spirit; according to Pelikan, by the end of the 2nd century the doctrine of baptism had essentially taken shape. The anointing after baptism was understood as receiving the gift of the Spirit, and the bishop's blessing of infants baptized at home later developed into confirmation. Infant baptism was widespread in the time of Origen and Tertullian, although Tertullian objected to it (Berkhof); according to Pelikan, it contributed to Cyprian's doctrine of original sin.