Most recently, a controversy has been erupting in the midst of the believers regarding the proper words to be used in baptism, debating mainly the 19th verse of Matthew 28, which said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

This verse has been legitimately questioned on the basis that nowhere in God’s Word do we see any baptism occurring with this express terminology (i.e. in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost) but only the Name of Jesus (i.e. see Acts 2:38; 8:12, 16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16; Romans 6:3)

In this part one of two-part study, article explores the first use of the term ‘Trinity” both in Greek (τριάς) and Latin (trinitas). This first part explores the view of Theophilus of Antioch, while the second part (coming soon) will explore the view of Tertullian of Carthage.

This article examines the historical evidence regarding Matthew 28:19 and provides extensive evidence against claims of inauthenticity often been leveled against this verse.

In recently studying the Gospel of Matthew, it has become abundantly apparent that there is a frequent use of the literary device of “triad”. This is also a commonly recognised technique of John’s Gospel, but it thoroughly permeates Matthew.