How did the importance of baptism change in Paul's later ministry, according to Les?

In Paul's early ministry, water baptism accompanied every convert, including the woman whose heart was opened and later the Philippian jailer. As Paul received deeper and fuller revelations, however, the importance of baptism dropped away as well. It was a transition-period practice, not a permanent emphasis in his later ministry.

Les explains that Paul's ministry was still in a transition period. In those early days, baptism remained part and parcel of every conversion, as shown when the woman believed and was baptized, and as will be shown with the Philippian jailer. But Les maintains that as Paul went on into deeper and fuller revelations, the importance of baptism sort of dropped away as well. He notes that many people disagree with him, but that is their prerogative.

Acts 16

Did Paul baptize every convert in the early days of his ministry?

Yes. In the transition period of Paul’s early ministry, water baptism was still part and parcel of every conversion. Baptism occurred each time he had a convert, as seen with the woman whose heart was opened; the Philippian jailer is cited as another example.