Taufe und Typos

Karl-Heinrich Ostmeyer shows there is an extremely condensed and self-contained baptism theology in the baptism typologies. Using baptism typologies as an example, he shows clearly how Paul and the author of 1 Peter viewed the relationship between becoming a Christian and Christian existence in the world and what being a Christian meant for them. The contrast between the 'old' and the 'new' person is reflected in them, the person before and after baptism. If references to baptism in the Old Testament are ignored, or if there are inconsistencies, it will be impossible to understand the theology of baptism in the New Testament completely. Baptism typologies are not a decorative addition, but rather a key to understanding baptism in the New Testament and thus to self-understanding in early Christianity.